Spotlight On: Nick Rapuano

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast and crew of Nine. Get to know Nick Rapuano who is portraying Guido Contini!

Introduce Yourself to Our Audience:

Hey! I’m Nick Rapuano and I’m playing Guido Contini

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

I was first introduced to NINE when I saw the movie in theaters with my sister when it first released. I know it’s very different from the show but I always loved the film even though it wasn’t well received. I always thought it would be a good challenge to play Guido one day and now here we are! I’m grateful to be playing this role for CTC and I’m so happy to finally share the stage with some of my friends I’ve been dying to work with who I have only seen perform or when I filmed their show’s promotional videos.

How do you prepare for a new role or character, and what techniques do you use?

I’m a Stella Adler Studio guy. So I’ll always be using what I’ve learned from my years at school there. Very reactive. Throwing anything and everything at the wall to see what will stick. I like to think of what type of characters or actors I can match any character with. And I found a nice Alfred Molina drama meets Clark Griswold comedy with a dash of David Lynch weirdness amalgamation for my Guido.

What do you love about your character?

I am also a film director so I can relate to his struggles on the film end not so much the other struggles. So, I guess I’d say I love that he loves film.

What challenges did you face bringing the script to life?

The accent and patter singing. This is the most challenging show vocally and especially lyrically I’ve ever been in.

Who do you look up to (as an actor/director/etc.)?

The answer is always going to be Clint Eastwood. He’s my all time favorite director. He’s coming up on 94 and his final movie he has directed is gonna be released this year and that just blows my mind. So many great stories and testimonies you’ll hear about him and how he works and I strive to be that way whenever I approach a project.

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?

I have a tradition, not necessarily a “before the curtain comes up” thing, but at home or sometime before opening night I’ll play Super Mario 64 for a half our or so. I try not to psyche myself up too much. And just walk onstage fully present or else I’ll get too nervous. And Guido has to be all in his head so I think it is best I stay out of my own

What is your favorite film or theater production and why?

I have so many favorite films! Scent Of A Woman is up there. And of course if you know me you know that I love the musical Jersey Boys. It is my absolute favorite thing in the world. I’ll never get sick of it. I have seen it 32 times. And of course the movie version just so happens to be directed by Mr. Eastwood himself