CONSTANTINE MAROULIS - American Idol/Rock of Ages/Rock & Roll Man star

Constantine Maroulis hit it big & became a household name during the heyday of “American Idol.”   He is best known today for his iconic star turn in Broadway’s Rock of Ages for which he received a Best Actor Tony Award® nomination.  His stage acting work also includes Jekyll & Hyde, The Wedding Singer, RENT, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, The Toxic Avenger, and now he stars in the lead role of the off-Broadway blockbuster musical sensation…Rock & Roll Man.  We discuss: -What was it like growing up and did he always know he had singing & acting chops and did he always want to be a star? -How did he get on American Idol and what was it like taking the country by storm with his breathtaking performances on the show and emerging out of anonymity to an instant star? -How is it like getting on stage and performing in front of tens of millions on TV vs. a more intimate audience of a few hundred people on a stage. Does he get nervous on TV or stage? -How was American Idol's Simon Cowell?  -What made him excited about taking on the iconic, but challenging role of being the first person to ever portray trailblazing DJ Alan Freed (who actually is credited with coining the term Rock & Roll) in an entire show in the extraordinary new Musical Rock & Roll Man.  -What does he hope audiences feel and what does he hope they learn and take away from the show? - Rock & Roll Man features Rock & Roll Classics created by Legends such as Little Richard, Chuck Berry, LaVern Baker, Buddy Holly, Bo Diddley & The Killer Jerry Lee Lewis. However, Constantine sings all original songs which require a lot of heavy lifting. He tells us about the creative process in perfecting brand new songs no one ever did prior.  -What it is like getting standing ovations and having people dance in the aisles every show? -What are the secrets to his success and what he would advise other actors or other people in general that want to follow in your footsteps?