For American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, winning the competition was just the beginning.
Hicks’ intoxicating blend of soul, blues, country, and rock & roll quickly rendered him a household name across the world as he progressed to the show’s record-breaking finale for Season 5 in 2006, drawing an audience of more than 200 million viewers.
Now, he’s taking the mic to the stages of Serenbe Playhouse, where he is starting off his acting career reprising the lead role of “Charlie Anderson” in the reboot of the 1974 Broadway production of “Shenandoah,” starring alongside The X-Factor finalist, Rachel Potter.
Through April, you can watch Hicks take on the role as Charlie Anderson where the outdoor stage erupts out of a Civil War reenactment of more than 100 soldiers, horses, and canons.
I spoke with Hicks yesterday on the phone about his new transition and how this role is inspiring him to pursue a career in acting.
For those who aren’t familiar with the 1974 Broadway production, “Shenandoah” tells the story about a widower, Charlie Anderson who lives with his large family out in Virginia during the American Civil War. Believing the War to not be his fight, Anderson is forced to get involved when his youngest son, Robert, is taken prisoner by Union soldiers.
From the Stages of American Idol to the Broadway Scene
If there’s one thing American Idol has done for its contestants and winners, it’s taught them how to perform. For Hicks, he is all about the stage and loves performing for fans.
Hicks, who also appeared in the 2007 Broadway revival of Grease now takes the stage alongside The X-Factor finalist, Rachel Potter.
But, how did the American Idol star find his way onto the performance stage?
“We’ve always been looking for roles, whether it’s TV, film, or theater,” the American Idol winner told me.
“But, when the right one comes along, you have to take your shot. For me, this is my first step into true acting. I’ve had big parts on ‘Law and Order’ and different places, but this is a truly dramatic role and it’s a great Playhouse to get started in that space.”
In talking with Hicks, I told him that for individuals and entertainers like him to take on roles like this, there simply isn’t enough of this. These types of work couldn’t be more necessary, but also provides a fun, educational piece for the general audience.
“Musical theater is live and I’m a live dude,” Hicks added. “I’ve always been someone whose performed live music and been live, so for me, this is where the stars have aligned. Brian Clowdus is a very highly reputable director and producer, and he has put together a hell of a show and series in Georgia.”
Andrew Rossow: Is there any specific aspect of this production that strikes you most?
Taylor Hicks: I think learning to become an actor is what I’m focused on. I’ve had to learn as I go, and this is something that is new to me. Obviously, the stage is not, but acting is. This is just something that I really excited about learning and it’s somewhat of a new career path.
As for music, Hicks told me it would always be with him, as he still watches American Idol today.
“I think at this point you must branch out and do whatever you possibly can,” he said. “True scripted acting is something that I’m really excited about, and something I can see myself doing in the foreseeable future.”
AR: From Idol to where you are now, would you do anything different if you had the ability?
TH: Idol changed my life. I wouldn’t be talking with you if I didn’t win. But, it’s one of those things you must embrace and take along with you. Idol has done wonders for my career, because it takes talent that may not necessarily have the means to travel to LA or Nashville and brings the rolling audiences and judges to you.
According to Hicks, what sets American Idol apart from all the other talent shows like Ted Mack’s Amateur Hour or Star Search, is the audition process:
“It’s the most unique concept that separates Idol from every other show. Usually, you would be traveling to those places to audition, but with Idol’s audition process, they come to you, which helps a lot of talented individuals be discovered and heard.”
Embracing the Power of Social Media
Today, the ways in which artists are heard or even discovered is significantly different than what it used to be. You no longer have to step foot into a recording label hoping that someone opens up your physical portfolio. That’s what social media is for.
For Hicks, he is an avid user of social media, embracing it for the good that it should be utilized for.
“I love the big three—Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Remember, Facebook and Twitter weren’t around back then. I remember coming off Idol, I think I had around 50 million followers on MySpace, but at the same time, I’ve had to grow as social media has grown and expanded. I was someone with a following, but the social media connection wasn’t as big as it is now. I’ve had to hustle to really stay involved and relevant within that world.”
Fighting the Imposters
AR: With the power of social media, have you come across or even been subject to online trolling?
TH: I can tell you what’s becoming a problem for me—imposters. I don’t know where they come from or why. But, for me, dealing with the imposter is where they try to exploit you for money. For me, I’ve had imposters strike up conversations with fans, where the fan has no idea it’s not me. I feel like that part of the platforms that are social media, for someone like me and for someone who has a business like mine, from that perspective, I think that’s where the rubber meets the road. It’s really difficult to keep up with those imposters these days.
Buy Your Tickets Now
Shenandoah is runs at Serenbe Playhouse until April 7.
But, at the end of the day, Hicks wants his fans to know that this is the “first true-scripted acting gig he has had.”
[…] “I’ve put a lot of effort and work into Charlie Anderson and the storyline. It makes for a great night of musical and I hope that people will enjoy it as much as I am.”
You can purchase tickets by going to Serenbe Playhouse, or by calling the box officer at 770-463-1110.
