My first principal audition was for Richard Rodgers’ Lincoln Center Revival of OKLAHOMA!. It was for the role of Will Parker and would be at the New York State Theatre. I was informed that Mr. Rodgers would be there and I should not sing one of his songs because he would get upset if you didn’t sing it correctly
I thought my chances would be better if I sang a ballad to demonstrate that I was a trained singer as well as being a dancer. I chose Leonard Bernstein’s Lonely Town from ON THE TOWN.
I just sang the first line when he shouted from the back of the rehearsal room, “Stop! I don’t want to hear you sing that song. You’re auditioning for a comic character. Don’t you have a comedy song?” In shock, I managed to mutter, “No, Sir, I don’t. But I can sing Kansas City.” He shouted louder, “Then sing it! You have to sing it in the show!” I responded, “Yes, Sir! I love the song.” I sang the verse & first chorus.
When I finished, he again shouted, “Young man, can you dance?” “Yes, Sir, I can!”, I replied. “Then, show me!” Thank God, I had prepared a routine!”
When I finished, once more he shouted, “Young man, is there anything you can’t do?” I shouted back, “No, Sir, there isn’t!” I got the job and I didn’t even have to read the part!!
LEE ROY REAMS won critical acclaim as Roger DeBris on Broadway & National
Companies of Mel Brooks’ musical hit, THE PRODUCERS (Helen Hayes, Carbonell &
Las Vegas Life Awards). The New York Times hailed him as “Broadway’s song & dance man nonpareil” for his leading roles: Billy Lawlor in 42ND STREET (Tony & Drama Desk nominations), Lumiere in BEAUTY & THE BEAST, Albin/Zaza in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, Cornelius Hackl in HELLO, DOLLY! & Henry Spofford in LORELEI (both starring Carol Channing), APPLAUSE starring Lauren Bacall, AN EVENING WITH JERRY HERMAN, Will Parker in Richard Rodgers’ Lincoln Center Revival of OKLAHOMA! and SWEET CHARITY starring Gwen Verdon. On Broadway, he directed HELLO, DOLLY! starring Carol Channing (Tony nomination for Best Revival) & AN EVENING WITH JERRY HERMAN. He also directed ANYTHING GOES starring Chita Rivera, productions of HELLO, DOLLY! starring Madeline Kahn, JoAnne Worley, Michele Lee, Leslie Uggams & in Paris, Nicole Crosille, SINGING IN THE RAIN and numerous productions of 42ND STREET. Favorite TV appearances include: JERRY HERMAN AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL (PBS & Bravo), SHOWBOAT (PBS), IN PERFORMANCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE (PBS), three TONY AWARD SHOWS & NIGHT OF 100 STARS II. His concert & cabaret (Bistro Award) appearances have taken him around the world. He recently received THE FRIARS CLUB 2009 THESPIAN OF THE YEAR AWARD and is the proud recipient of an Honorary Doctorate Degree from his alma mater, CCM / University of Cincinnati.
