What is it like to step into the lead of a hit Broadway show weeks after the show has opened?  How does it feel to be on The Broadway?  Is Anika Noni Rose a total sweetheart?  Those were some of the things I wanted to know when I had the opportunity to speak with the handsome, talented and charismatic Boris Kodjoe who is taking over the role of Brick in the hit B'way production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.  Take a look at what this exciting performer had to say...

From Billboards to Broadway

You will certainly recognize Mr. Kodjoe from his work as an actor and model.  Perhaps you recognize him from his role on the hit television show Soul Food (for which he won an NAACP nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2002 and 2003).  Maybe you recall his work in Spike Lee's Love and Basketball or Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion or the hit movie The Gospel.   And some of you may have seen him gracing billboards and magazines as a model for Polo by Ralph Lauren.

With Relish on Top

While those have all been amazing opportunities, it seems that Mr. Kodjoe is relishing his time in the spotlight on the rialto.   Having stepped into the role created by film star Terrence Howard he can now be seen working the boards with James Earl Jones, Phylicia Rashad and Anika Noni Rose.  When I spoke with him, he told me that he is having an "incredible time!"

Listless

It was shocking to find out that Mr. Kodjoe wasn't even on the "list" of actors to be approached to take over for Mr. Howard in the all African American production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof by Tennessee Williams.   He said that Hollywood has a tendency to stereotype actors and make them "play the same part over and over again."  He wanted to try something different and the role of Brick would be that something "different".  He and his agents reached out to the powers that be and he even went in and auditioned for the part.  Once they met with him, the producers soon realized they had their Brick and Mr. Kodjoe had the part he described as "a dream role that any man on the planet dreams of playing."  Once he was cast, however, then the work started.

Preparation Pays Off

When I asked him how he prepared for the role Mr. Kodjoe told me that he was able to draw on personal experiences to help him invest in his character.   He believes that his job as an actor is to "identify with the environment and the circumstances [of the play] and then make them real by inserting your own experiences.  Then the play becomes alive!"  He told me that he found inspiration from his time as a professional athlete in the world of tennis (Brick in Cat  was a former star athlete).  "It is a very unique experience to play a sport and to rise in the game and then you have to stop" he shared.  A back injury sidelined Mr. Kodjoe and he described it as "a world crumbling" and it forces you to "redefine your life".  In the case of Brick - this is a large part of what that character is dealing with and tapping into that pain was not difficult for this actor.

After working on the internal demands of the character Mr. Kodjoe then set out to, in his words, "learn the dance steps of the other actors."  I thought this was very well put.  He had rehearsals with understudies, worked with director Debbie Allen and then had several rehearsals with the rest of the cast.  It is a difficult task, but Mr. Kodjoe was up to it.  When I asked him what it was like creating a role in the shadow of Terrence Howard he indicated, "I am bringing my own physicality, nuances, experiences [to the role]."  He said, of Mr. Howard, "I wasn't influenced...we are very different."

A Moment of Nerves

He is clearly enjoying working with this high wattage cast.  He describes James Earl Jones as having great energy and presence and he calls Anika Noni Rose very giving and sharing.  He feels that the chemistry between them is "incredible."  When I asked him if he got nervous on opening night, he recalled that he was completely fine for the entire show except for one short moment when he was sitting next James Earl Jones and he had to light a cigarette.  He looked down and saw his hand was shaking and he thought to himself "I am on Broadway sitting next to James Earl Jones!"  After that momentary diversion, he said, it was smooth sailing!

Movies vs. Broadway - The Winner Is...?

As an actor that has worked in film, television and theater - I was curious to find out how Mr. Kodjoe compared the different mediums.  He told me that he enjoyed the connection between the audience and the actor in live theater - something you can never get when making a film.  While he enjoys working in every aspect of the industry he feels that in theater you can't get away with anything - you have to be true all the time or the audience can tell.  "You have to be present in every moment" is a philosophy that he clearly strives for and carries with him in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.

What's Next?

Mr. Kodjoe will be performing in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof until May 5th then it is off to Boston to film a new movie with Bruce Willis called The Surrogates.  Mr. Kodjoe describes it as a cool movie about clones set in the future.  He also says it is, "the exact opposite" of what he is doing now. 

I asked him if he would consider coming back to The Broadway and he answered with a resounding YES!   He indicated that he would love to come back to Broadway - he even gave us a little gossip about the show possibly heading to London and he said he  would be thrilled to be a part of that, as well!  But for now he seems to be cherishing this moment;  he remarks that it is a great experience and he feels "really really lucky" to be doing this wonderful play with an incredibly talented group of actors. 

I highly recommend the show and Mr. Kodjoe to anyone looking for a moving and powerful evening in the theater.  For more information on the Broadway production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof - click HERE.

~ See You On The Aisle