AYAA Interview: Vincent Pugliese

Vincent Pugliese is a 16 year old actor from Chandler, AZ who rocked the West Valley this year withSpring Awakening. Although relatively new to theatre -- only starting in our little community about a year and a half ago -- Vincent has performed at many theatres, from getting his start at VYT to performing at Desert Stages and Spotlight. Vincent loves to play guitar, ice skate, eat goldfish and have Nerf wars with his brother, Corey. Vincent says he met some of his best friend through theatre -- Joey Grado, Sam Primack, Devon Policci and Julian Mendoza. He would also like to thank "Kenny Grossman and Bobb Cooper for giving me confidence in theatre."
his portrayal of Melchior in Spotlight's production of

Full Real Legit Name

Vincenzo James-Augustus Pugliese

Where were you born?

Chandler, AZ

What’s home like? Brothers? Siblings? Parents? Pets?

Life is pretty normal at the Pugliese household. I have an older brother named Corey, who people don’t believe is real, two Miniature Pinschers named Harlow and Chevelle, and a loving mother and father.

When and why did you start performing?

I did an original educational school play in fifth grade at St. Mary Basha Catholic School, and even though my role wasn’t intended to be funny, I thought the role would work a lot better if I delivered some of the lines differently. Once the show ended, my teacher told my parents I should start doing theatre. Eventually, my mom put me into a musical theatre camp where I learned stage terms and a little bit about how things work in the theater. I got the role of the Dodger in Oliver at that camp. After the camp, I decided it was something I wanted to do. However, it wasn’t really cool at that time in my life to say, “I do theatre.” So I tried doing basketball and baseball and all these other things I sucked at. Eventually, I returned to theatre when my mom looked up local theatre auditions on the Internet. I went in and auditioned for West Side Story at Valley Youth Theatre and was cast as Snowboy. I absolutely fell in love with it after that and did show after show.

First show you ever saw?

The first show I ever saw was The Lion King.

First Broadway show you ever saw?

The first Broadway show I ever saw was Jersey Boys, but I was very young and I didn’t know what was going on.

Most influential show you ever saw? Why was it so influential?

The most influential show I have ever seen is Into the Woods. There is a message for everyone in that show. It appeals to me personally because it teaches forgiveness and understanding, which I believe are some of the most important qualities someone can have.

Vincent with Payton Bioletto during Spotlight Youth Theatre's
Spring Awakening. (2016)

Favorite show you’ve ever been in? Why?

My favorite show I have ever been in is Spring Awakening. It was the first time I got to portray a character that had so many ups and downs and emotional depth. I had to go from singing one of the saddest songs in the show “Left Behind” to singing “Totally F*cked”

Most challenging acting experience? Why?

Playing Melchior in Spring Awakening was my most challenging experience. It was my first time being in the spotlight and I was very worried how people would react to my portrayal of the character. I wasn’t doubting myself, but there is always that itching feeling of wanting to be accepted. Melchior’s emotional setup and thought process was also new territory for me. I had to do more character development than ever before to try to find myself in the character.

Last year, you played the Hollywood Agent in VYT’s The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley. That show contrasts with the more serious, darker roles you have played recently. What did you enjoy about that show? What do you think are the advantages of performing in more light-hearted roles?

Most specifically, I enjoyed tapping for the first time in Flat Stanley. I absolutely love dancing and tapping seemed to come easily to me. The advantages of performing in light-hearted roles is that you can kind of let yourself go and just be seriously weird. It’s in these light hearted-roles where you have an excuse for being super goofy and strange; it really gives you an escape from the judgements of reality.

What was the experience of being in the Narnia musical like? How did you prep for your role as Tumnus?

Narnia was an AWESOME show for me; it was my first supporting role in community theatre and I was so excited to start rehearsing. My most memorable moment of prepping for the show was when Bobb Cooper had me do the Tumnus walk even when I wasn’t on stage, so my legs wouldn’t tire.

Vincent performing "Mirror-Blue Night" in
Spotlight's Spring Awakening (2016).

Most recently, you performed as Melchior in Spotlight’s production of Spring Awakening. How did that role differ from the one’s you had played before? What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of having teenagers play Melchior, Wendla, Moritz, etc. rather than 20 year olds?

Melchior was my first lead role, and it was the first “serious” character I had an opportunity to play. It just doesn’t make sense that 20 year olds would play teenagers, Other than the fact that older actors are not tied down by driving restrictions and have more freedom when it comes to school, it makes no sense to cast an adult. As Kenny Grossman said, “20 year olds don’t look or sound like teenagers, why would they play teenagers in the first place?” One major point of Spring Awakening is to show the problems children experience and that these problems are still around today. Having adults play these teenagers rids of the contrast between the actual adult characters in the show and the children.

You performed in West Side Story with VYT in 2014. Many theatres are doing West Side Story this year. What do you think makes that story so popular?

I think that West Side Story is so popular because it is a mixture of the theme of Romeo and Juliet, singing, and dancing. Not to mention it has a slightly different twist than Romeo and Juliet at the end of the show. It’s a perfect example how if you take an awesome story, add musical theater qualities, acquire good directors, music writers, and choreographers, you have a Broadway hit.

Vincent backstage at the first dress
rehearsal of DST's The Addams Family
(2015).

What was playing Lucas Beineke in Addams Family like? How did you make your portrayal of him unique? (A/N: I played Alice recently, so it’s really cool to interview someone who was also in it recently.)

Lucas was such a wacky role to play because I always felt so isolated and awkward due to being the only “normal character” in the cast. I thought I played Lucas as kind of a scaredy-cat who had to realize his mistakes and face his fears in the end, which I thought was unique.  

What was your experience of playing The Wolf in VYT’s Into the Woods like? Do you think this show will continue to be popular after this season even after the movie hysteria quiets down? Why or why not? And silly question: what did you think of Johnny Depp’s costume in the movie?

The Wolf was such a challenging role for me to play. I tried to imitate Robert Westenberg voice and it was..well..painful. Either way, it’s my one of my favorite shows and I had a great time being a part of the production. I believe Into the Woods is a hit or miss with a majority of the people who watch it. If you don’t like the story it’s a very hard show to sit through because it’s so long, and I think this is why most people had so many bad things to say about the movie. So, to be honest, I don’t think the show is going to continue being popular after this season. It’s been overdone in the past couple years and the movie didn’t seem to revive the interest in the show. I absolutely loved Johnny Depp’s costume in the movie, I thought it was symbolic of what the Wolf actually is and I thought it looked a lot better than putting a CGI wolf in the movie would have.

Favorite character you got to play this year?

Technically, I’ve only played one character this year and that was Melchior. However, that’s a part that stays very close to me and will most likely be my favorite role of 2016.

Vincent with Sam Primack and Payton Bioletto
performing "Those You've Known" in Spotlight's
Spring Awakening . (2016)

Favorite person you got to play opposite of this past year? (Romantically or otherwise)

Romantically Payton Bioletto, otherwise Sam Primack.

Dream role? Dream role of the opposite sex?

My dream role is Gabe Goodman in Next to Normal, but if I was a girl I would want to play Nabulungi in The Book of Mormon for sure.

Theatres in Arizona you would love to work with, but haven’t?

Actors Youth Theatre and Greasepaint! I have seen multiple shows there, but I have never been in a show there.

Craziest stage experience (mishap, funny improvised joke, etc.)?

I threw up in my mouth while I was singing during a matinee show of Narnia at VYT. This was due to my post-opening night ritual of eating mozzarella sticks even though I’m lactose intolerant. Ever since, I have lowered the count of mozzarella sticks to about 6.

Weirdest show you’ve ever been to? (Whether it be the nature of the show, casting decisions, etc.)

To be honest, the weirdest show I have been to was Deaf West’s Spring Awakening. I never knew where to look, and half the time, I found myself looking at the singing actor rather than the signing actor. It was one of the best shows I’ve seen on Broadway, but it was just so different and strange to watch.

Favorite costume you’ve ever worn? Least favorite?

My favorite costume was the costume I wore during the last scene of Spring Awakening. The boots, long socks, knickers, white shirt and suspenders looked so badass. However, it took so long to get out of for some reason. So, in a way, it was my favorite and least favorite all in one.

Best youth production you have ever seen?

The Scarlet Pimpernel at Actor’s Youth Theatre. I fell in LOVE with this show and the music as soon as I saw it. Frank Wildhorn who also wrote the music for Wonderland and Bonnie & Clyde is truly a genius. Jessica Sinodis made me cry both nights that I saw it and I thought Liam Thibeault gave such a strong acting performance. Good job, AYT; keep doing you.

What is your go-to audition song?

I don’t think any performer has a “go-to” audition song just because every show has a different nature and specific style of music, but recently I have used “I’ve Been” from Next to Normal for most of my auditions.

Advice for young performers? Auditions? Behavior? Life?

Don’t scare yourself. It’s natural to be afraid of failure or not getting the part you wanted but don’t go in and let yourself do a bad job because “so and so,” is auditioning or the theatre you are auditioning for only “picks their favorites.” It’s true that directors cast people they have worked with more often because that person has continually proved themselves to be consistent and efficient. However, almost every show has a new kid to the theater in it. In the end, if you don’t get the part you wanted or into the show, don’t start by blaming other people. To start you should ask yourself, “Did I even put much effort into my audition to begin with?” Just remember, that there’s always something you can improve on whether you’re on Broadway or not.

Favorite actors and actresses? Stage? Screen?

Stage: Jonathan Groff, Aaron Tveit, Curt Hansen, Adam Pascal Jennifer Damiano, Elle McLemore, Lauren Looze.

Screen: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Jennifer Lawrence, Mila Kunis.

Favorite plays?

I saw an original play called Windfall at Brelby Theatre Company with a couple friends and it was better than any play I’ve seen on Broadway. I thought the show was so goofy and had so many ups and downs that I never lost my interest. I had only heard of this theatre once before I saw Windfall, but I would advise everyone to go check out their shows.

Vincent performing "Hello, Little Girl" with
Alex Kirby in VYT's Into the Woods (2015).

Favorite musicals?

Into the Woods, Spring Awakening, Parade, Next to Normal (in no specific order)

What is the best showtune of all-time?

It isn't really a show tune but I think "Bitch of Living" is the best musical number of all time. I saw the Deaf West production of Spring Awakening twice and this number was so hype, my jaw dropped in awe.

(A/N: "Bitch of Living" is the best song in Spring Awakening. Facts.)

Musical/play on Broadway currently you’re dying to see?

It’s not on Broadway yet but AMERICAN PSYCHO. It’s another Duncan Sheik musical and it has some of my favorite actors/actresses in it.

Favorite movie? TV Show?

My favorite movie is Treasure Island. I’ve watched it about 7 times with my dad; it’s our movie. I’m not really into TV shows to be honest, but when I was a kid, Pokemon was my favorite show.

Secret guilty pleasure?

I’d have to say anime. Not a lot of people know that I watch it, and no one really suspects me, but I love the storylines and the effort put into the development of the characters.

Personal mantra(s)?

Whenever I’m in an awkward situation or I see something strange happens around me, I always say, “what the.” Anyone who has known me for a long time knows for a fact that I say these words at least 200 times a day.

Performer you would die to perform with?

Norbert Leo Butz, hands down. The guy is a legend.

How do you feel about the atmosphere of youth theatre around Arizona? What do you like about it?

I LOVE the atmosphere of youth theatre in Arizona. It’s so exciting seeing how all the different theater companies have different vibes and ways of doing their shows.

Most underrated show?

Parade or Next to Normal.

What’s your “adult” plan? Keep performing professionally or…?

My plan is to perform professionally in the future, but I would love to be a director or be a news anchor if things don’t work out.  

Upcoming projects?

Currently I’m back at VYT in Pinkalicious!  

Young actor/actress in the Phoenix area you'd love to perform with

Joey Grado, Devon Policci, Kale Burr, Dale Mortensen, Nicholas Hambruch Jessica Sinodis, Grace Napoletano, Johnna and Breagh Watson, and Ali Whitwell.


Thank you Vincent for doing this interview for AYAA! We have a TON more interviews lined up, so once we get everything put together, they will be coming out!