ABOUT NIKO CHARNEY
Niko‘s performance credits at MSM include Valentino’s Tango (Fall 2022) and The Secret life of the American Musical (Spring 2023).
In addition to being involved in musical theatre, Niko is very active in hearing loss advocacy in the music community and has his own blog, “howihearit.com“ where he shares about his journey with hearing loss.
NOV 3 – NOV 5 7:30 PM
Tickets required $30 adults, $15 non-MSM students and seniors
Neidorff-Karpati Hall
Niko: Throughout my studies here at MSM, one thing that comes up often are revivals of shows. We discuss how no one wants to see a replica or recreation of something that has already been done. The point of doing older works is to bring a fresh take to a timeless piece.
People should come see this Bye Bye Birdie production because the show is a classic in the musical theatre canon. It has a genius and efficient score by Charles Strouse, with a witty book and lyrics by Michael Addams and with lyrics also by Lee Adams. I think we’ve been able to find modern takes on a piece of musical theatre history, while still maintaining its true message. The show has something for everyone, even sixty three years later!
Niko: Getting to work with Katie Spelman and David Loud in the same room has been the greatest privilege. It’s so exiting to watch the both of them collaborate and even more to include the cast in the collaborative process. When we get into the rehearsal room, it is always about what story we tell as a whole, not about a narrow, set-in-stone vision.
It’s always great when the creative team uses the actors input throughout the process, and that’s exactly what happens in the room with Katie Spelman and David Loud. With all of this combined, great work is bound to happen in addition to giggles, and an abundance of positive energy.
Niko: In Bye Bye Birdie, I play Albert Peterson, a kindhearted Mamma’s boy who wants to make everyone happy, often times, to a fault. Through my time getting to work on Albert, I have found pieces of myself in the character as well as certain elements that I struggled to relate to. Up until now, being the character man I am, I have mainly only played comedic relief. So I initially found it a bit difficult to play the “love interest”, but if there is one thing MSM has taught me, it is that you have to move outside your comfort zone in order to grow. And that’s just what I’ve been able to do, albeit hard, I have challenged myself to play someone different than I often do, and it has taught me so much about who I am and the potential I have in terms of my ability to play a wide array of characters.
Niko: I would have to say it has been working on this show. I’ve really enjoyed every second of this process and truly feel that the two years of training I’ve had prior to this have helped me immensely.
This creative process has been just the right balance of a good uncertainty, growth, and unforgettable memories. The entire cast and creative team for Bye Bye Birdie have been so supportive of each other as we navigate this piece, and the laughs and moments of triumph have been more than exquisite.
Niko: My biggest piece of advice to anyone interested pursuing MT here at MSM is for you to be YOU. I can truly and honestly say that my teachers and peers here at MSM embrace me for me, and for being the unique individual artist I am. So when it comes to the immense stress or worry over what song to sing for an audition or what monologue to do, chose whatever you do best and enjoy doing, don’t worry if something is overdone or if someone else you know is doing it too. At the end of the day as long as you enjoy the art you create, it is bound to be magical. There is only one you to ever exist, so no one can ever create what you can. I know my professors would agree.
“My biggest piece of advice to anyone interested pursuing MT here at MSM is for you to be YOU.” Niko Charney (BM '25, Musical Theatre)
“My biggest piece of advice to anyone interested pursuing MT here at MSM is for you to be YOU.”
Niko Charney (BM '25, Musical Theatre)
Niko: While I may be biased because it’s my song, I have to say it would be Put On a Happy Face. Every time I get the opportunity to sing this masterpiece in rehearsal it literally brings a smile to my face. Between its cleverly crafted lyrics and its melody that makes you want to smile from ear to ear, I am reminded every night that “grey skies are gonna clear up” so “spread sunshine, all over the place” and “just Put on a Happy Face.”
Book and Lyrics by Michael Stewart Lyrics by Lee Adams Music by Charles Strouse
Katie Spelman, Director and Choreographer David Loud, Music Director
Neidorff-Karpati Hall 130 Claremont Avenue New York, New York 10027
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