Spotlight On: Cole Urso
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast of The Producers. Get to know Cole Urso who is portraying Leo Bloom in our production!
Introduce yourself to our audience.
My name is Cole Urso, I’m an actor based in Wallingford, CT and I’m playing the role of Leo Bloom.
What is the story about, and why do you think it’s important for audiences to see it?
The main plot of the story follows Max and Leo and their pursuit of putting on the biggest broadway flop in history. Their hope is to raise way more money than necessary, use the extra to go on an extravagant vacation, and keep the rest. While that is the main through line, the real story lies in the relationship of two people whom’s paths wouldn’t normally cross. These two polar opposites who see each other for who they really are. They complement each other in ways that not only complete one another professionally, but also in having the real friend that neither has ever had. I think any audience member can take that lesson into their every day.
What do you do when you’re not doing theatre?
When not doing theatre I love to spend time with my lovely fiancé Jane and our dog Beau. We love to find fun places to eat, or just relax on the couch watching our favorite shows. Or watching the Boston Celtics play.
What do you find most compelling or interesting about your character?
I find Leo’s whole demeanor to be very interesting. Without giving much away, he’s very reserved yet wants to live a lavish life as a broadway producer. When troubled, nervous or anxious he can lose himself very quickly and be sent spiraling with no quick fix. So balancing his emotions based on what he’s presented with whether he’s overjoyed, nervous, angry, etc. and how he navigates getting out of those is something that I’ve enjoyed exploring.
How is this production bringing something new to this story?
Any time someone does “The Producers”,there’s always new things to bring to the table. Iconic actors, whether it be the original non musical film or the original production, have played these roles and delivered amazing performances, setting high standards. Same goes for direction and choreography. So from a production standpoint they are always looking to bring a new flair/direction to it, while honoring the material. And that is something our production team has done a great job of to this point.
Who in the show is most like their character?
I feel that Chuck is most like his character, Max Bialystock. I feel they both share a certain power as people while also being a secret softie. Honorable mention to David Nunner as chorus girl.
Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?
“Wait a minute. This is a very big decision. It might affect the course of my entire life. I shall have to think about it..I’ll do it. I’LL DO IIIIIIIIITTTTTTT 
”
What will the audience be thinking about in the car as they drive home after this show?
“Man, I feel like I just did 2 hours of abs at the gym with all that laughing.” Or honorable mention: (in a humming fashion) “Springtime for Hitler, and Germanyyyy 
”
“The Producers” opens on May 2nd and runs through May 11th at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!
“For all its daring, Brooks’s show is ultimately a nostalgic throwback to vaudeville and a testament to male friendship.” — The Guardian
“With more belly laughs per minute than any new musical in years, Mel Brooks’ “The Producers” reminds us in grand, politically incorrect style that Broadway never rewards wimps.” — Variety
“It’s the type of musical people say they pray for; a gleeful return to the good old days of undemanding musical comedy with laughs, pretty girls, laughs, a couple of catchy songs, laughs, soon to be legendary performances by some of the best talents of the Broadway stage, laughs, and . . . well . . . lots and lots of laughs.” — Talkin’ Broadway
