Darren Criss Reflects on Unique Experience During Little Shop of Horrors
Darren Criss portrays a robot in his new Broadway production, Maybe Happy Ending. Despite this, he is very much human, filled with nerves, excitement, and an array of stories from his theatrical experiences.
"There are too many instances to count!" the 37-year-old Criss shared exclusively when asked about his wildest live performance in the Backstage Pass feature of Us Weekly. "Live theater is unpredictable. I have experienced so many events that it’s impossible to remember them all."
Criss, known for his role in Glee, debuted Maybe Happy Ending on Broadway this year. His previous successful runs include performances in Little Shop of Horrors, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Among the many unpredictable moments in theater, Criss described his most surreal experience during Little Shop of Horrors.
"There was a heavy rainstorm, causing a flood in the venue," the Emmy winner recalled. "They evacuated the audience about 15 minutes into the show. We couldn't finish, and I felt terrible for those who came to enjoy it. That was certainly a memorable experience."
Preshow Routine
Criss mentioned that he isn’t particularly skilled at rituals. "If anything, I just avoid eating close to my performance," he said. "That’s pretty basic. My dressing rooms are always quite bare. I focus on the work and celebrating the story."
He expressed a desire to improve his warm-up routine. "The best performers take time to prep, and I admit I'm not good at that. I want to establish a successful dressing room routine."
Challenging Live Show Moments
"There are countless moments! Live theater is unique. Too many things happen to recall them all," Criss reiterated. He recounted the flood incident during Little Shop of Horrors, highlighting how it halted the show shortly after it began. "That was such a wild experience. I was disappointed for the audience."
Dealing with Pre-Show Anxiety
Criss shared a piece of advice he received: "Being nervous shows you care. That hold’s value. I feel nervous, but not for the expected reasons. It’s driven by my motivation to excel."
He noted that performers often set arbitrary goals to gauge their success. "Such goals are illusions. In reality, if you hit around 75 percent of your objectives, that provides the audience with a great experience."
Managing Pre-Show Nerves
On calming his pre-show anxieties, Criss stated, "You just do the show. There’s no bravery in it; rather, it’s facing what makes you nervous. Engaging in art helps disperse worries about performance."
Perfect After-Show Celebration
Criss envisions his ideal afterparty featuring a live band. "I’ll likely perform with them, whether they want me to or not. Good whiskey, enjoyable companions, late hours, and a hint of jazz create the perfect vibe."
Earlier, SSP wrote that billionaire Mark Cuban gave insights into a rich man's life.