Actor, singer, artist and performer J Savage chatted about being in the ensemble of the Broadway musical “Smash.”
He previously appeared in the ensemble of “Elf: The Musical on Broadway” and wrote a one-man show, “Farewell to the West,” about his experiences during the pandemic.
Savage has been nominated for a 2025 Chita Rivera Award as part of the ensemble of “Smash.” “It feels so cool,” he admitted.
“This is my first time getting to be a part of a group that was nominated. It is such an incredible group of people with wonderful colleagues and people that I’ve looked up to for so long. It is really special,” Savage acknowledged.
Savage on Rick Elice
Savage had great words about Rick Elice, who co-wrote the book of the “Smash” musical. “I love Rick Elice,” he exclaimed. “His previous show, ‘Water for Elephants’ was in the same theater, the Imperial Theatre, right before us.”
Savage on choreographer Joshua Bergasse
Savage praised “Smash” choreographer Joshua Bergasse, who has been nominated for both a Chita Rivera Award and a Tony Award for his “Choreography.” “Joshua is so fantastic. He is such a great guy, he is so fun, and he is such a joy to work with,” he said.
“Joshua is so professional and it is so great to watch him work and to see him throw things at the wall and try different things. He is just amazing,” Savage said.
Working with Robyn Hurder and Caroline Bowman
“Robyn is incredible, and she is also nominated for a Chita Rivera Award. Caroline Bowman is a queen. She is screaming her face off; she is so fantastic in the show. It is unreal what both of them are doing in this show every single day.”
Advice for young and aspiring performers
For young and emerging performers, he said, “Never give up. If you believe in yourself and love what you do, then just keep doing it. If you give up, then you can’t win because you didn’t try. Always try and never give up.”
Closing thoughts on ‘Smash’ the musical
For fans and viewers, he remarked about “Smash,” “I want people to see how fun it is to be on Broadway, and how hard it is to make theatre and how universal it is.”
“No matter where it is that you are making theatre (whether it’s in middle school, college, or community theatre), you go through the same struggles and you have the same passions. It is such a universal experience to create something, and that’s what it’s all about,” Savage explained.
To learn more about J Savage, check out his official website and follow him on Instagram.
