AL HIRSCHFELD THEATER

Welcome to THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As With Your Favorite Broadway Stars. Want to know what hooked them to a career in the theater? Their dream roles? Their Broadway crushes? Read on!

In this week's edition, we caught up with Mark Jacoby, who is starring as 'Walter' in ELF- currently playing at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.

What is the first Broadway show you ever saw?

Hello Dolly, when my college ROTC band travelled to NYC for a competition. It was the original production, though not the original cast, starring at that time Martha Raye. (I paid $8 for 6th row center on the aisle.)

What is your most unique pre-show ritual?

Gargling with salt water, whether I'm sick or not.

What is your most memorable "the show must go on" moment?

In 1986 I was playing Vitorio Vidal opposite Ann Reinking in Sweet Charity. In the scene, I handed Ann a beer bottle which was to have little water in it but, as it turned out, contained a small amount of ammonia! She took a swig and ran screaming from the stage as I stood there helplessly singing a big ballad. Moments later Bebe Neuwirth came on as Charity. Ann was in a lot of pain, but was back in the next night.

What is the one role you want to play before you die?

Any role in Art by Yasmina Reza.

Who is your Broadway crush?

Angela Lansbury.

Where can people stalk you online?

As is well known, stalking is an illegal activity and stalkers are potentially subject to severe civil and criminal penalties. It would be inappropriate for me to abet said illegality in any way by giving information facilitating its perpetration.

Article reprinted with permission from www.BroadwayWorld.com