by Amanda Myers &
Lisa Ridgley
UMW Post
February 27, 1999

Carl Thornton plays the role of the Benny the Landlord in the Broadway hit Rent, which is coming to Milwaukee March 9 - 14. When we spoke with him, he was in his sixth week on stage, having started last November.

Carl was a wonderful interviewee, or should we say victim, letting us conduct our first official interview in a relaxed and friendly environment.

POST: How did you know you wanted to be an actor?

CARL: Honestly, I was recording, so singing was my first love, and that was my focus. I did musicals and stuff when I was in school, but when I got out, I was concentrating on trying to get a record deal and ended up singing backup for Robin S. When I came back to New York, I started pounding the pavement. I got into an off-Broadway musical, I was understudying one of the leads and he got in an accident and it was fate and I had to take over the role and one night I was on stage and said, “Oh my God, this is where I belong.”

POST: How did you get the part of Benny in Rent?

CARL: I went to open call and was called back; I learned the music and waited weeks and weeks and they called me back, sang, they had me back! I had, like, five callbacks!

POST: How do you stay healthy on the road?

CARL: I go to the gym three to four times a week. Every city we go to I join the local Y. I am determined to say fit. And I take my vitamins and try not to party as much and get as much rest as I can.

POST: Does it take a lot out of you to do one, even two shows a day?

CARL: It’s taxing, because you have to put out as much energy as you did in the first show. It’s important to do that. I think the audience expects that and they shouldn’t get anything less.

POST: What is the extent of your theater training?

CARL: I used to take classes while growing up in Long Island. Recently, I started taking classes again. I want to pursue film, television; I want to do it all - sing, record - I just want to do it all!

POST: Do you feel that the characters in Rent are portrayed realistically?

CARL: That’s one of the things I love about this particular play, because it is so real. You’re dealing with homelessness, success, despair, AIDS, homosexuality, interracial relationshipsit sort of runs the gamut of what it is we see. It is real life issues that we’re dealing with that you’re seeing onstage. It is definitely a “Hair” for the ’90s.

POST: What’s it like behind the scenes?

CARL: It’s fast-paced, very fast-paced. I was in the wrong costume once - that was funny. I was in the wrong spot onstage - that was funny. I almost fell off the scaffolding - that was funny! I was naked on the set one night - that was pretty funny! I like it better now that I am not so worried about where I am supposed to be, so now I can act because the blocking comes naturally to me.

POST: Do you have any groupies on the road?

CARL: When we were in Florida, yes, there were a couple of kids from Fort Myers. There were a lot of groupies. I’m grateful that there’s something out there because there are so many kids seeking some meaning, some purpose, and I’m glad this show has touched so many people.

POST: What about long-distance relationships?

CARL: It’s tough because we’re talking via telephone and sometimes people need physicality, they need to be touched. Emotionally, it’s draining, taxing. It’s very difficult. One of the most difficult things when you’re on tour is if you’re in love.

POST: What is your greatest accomplishment?

CARL: Becoming a member of this cast, definitely. Also, I was on a recording, on a CD, and that was a great accomplishment for me. I was in the Air Force. I was Airman of the Year for the whole Strategic Air Command.

POST: What role models, mentors, or idols do you look up to?

CARL: My mom, definitely. My idols? Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Peabo Bryson. In acting, Sydney Portier and Denzel Washington.

POST: What do you see yourself doing in the future?

CARL: I want to do film and television. I would like to record.

POST: Do you have any advice for young budding college students?

CARL: To believe in oneself, to persevere. One thing that keeps a lot of people from accomplishing their dreams is fear, so if you can overcome fear, you can do anything.

POST: What is your favorite part of Rent?

CARL: “Happy New Year!” I love it because I really get to go out there and chew people out! I also love the opening number, I love LOVE that it’s full of such energy.

POST: If you were stranded on a desert island, and could only have three things (assuming your basic needs were met), what would they be?

CARL: Uh, [laughs] sex. Can I say that?! Yeah, sex and booze!

Apparently he doesn’t need a third!