Spotlight On...Max Chernin

Name: Max Chernin

Hometown: Shaker Heights, OH

Education: BFA, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)

Select Credits: NY: Really Bad Things (NYMF) Readings: Brooklynite (NY Stage & Film), Darling (Weston Playhouse), The Underclassman (Prospect Theatre Co.), Pied! and Fall Springs (Ars Nova). Various concerts at Town Hall, Joe's Pub and 54 Below.

Why theater?: Oh man. How the am I supposed to answer this and not sound cliche? It's invigorating. It's challenging. It's inventive. It's intellectual. There's the theatre community too, and maybe that, of all things is why I do theatre. How else was I supposed to make friends in High School?

Who do you play in World Famous?: I play Tom, a kind young Midwestern boy (as all Midwestern boys are).

Tell us about World Famous: World Famous is Tim Murray's semi-autobiographical comedy about his time working in the service industry and trying to make it as an actor in NYC.

What is it like being a part of World Famous?: It was a little weird at first, mentally, because we've been rehearsing during the day at the World Famous restaurant, and then I've going to work at an actual restaurant at night. I've learned a lot. BUT the team is pretty awesome. I'm having a great time. 

What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Since I've been in New York I feel like I crave different experiences. Just like you get in the mood for certain types of food, I feel similarly with theatre. Big Broadway musicals will never cease to amaze me. Old revivals with lush orchestras are undeniable beautiful. But I also wanna see a play that requires me to unplug, lean in and really listen. I still feel like a student when I see shows. I'm learning, examining, and absorbing everything around me. And who/what inspires me? Besides the amazing arts and culture in NY, I guess Rilke's "Letters to a Young Poet", which I'm reading for some inspiration. So. That's what's up. Read it.

Any roles you’re dying to play?: Musical: Henry in Next to Normal. Play: Ken in John Logan's Red.

What’s your favorite showtune?: Gotta shout out to the classics- "All The Things You Are" from Very Warm for May (Kern & Hammerstein) All The Things You Are

If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I would love to work with Alex Timbers. And Jessie Mueller. And Lin Manuel-Miranda. So put them all together in a show.

Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I'd get Shaun White (the snowboarder) to star in "Beyond the Freckles" on Lifetime. Shaun White

What show have you recommended to your friends?: Just saw an amazing play at the Rattlestick- Samuel Hunter's The Few. Go to it. The Few

What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: "Latch" by Sam Smith. Check him out. He's the real deal. Latch - Sam Smith

What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos (in the purple bag)

What’s up next?: Concerts- Maglione and Ruiz at the Beechman / Muse Match 2 at 54 Below. Future Projects- Peter Lerman and Michael Mayer's Brooklynite , set to run at the Vineyard Theater next Winter.

For more on Max, visit  http://maxchernin.com/