What Was Christian Borle’s First Performing Job in NYC? | Playbill

Video What Was Christian Borle’s First Performing Job in NYC? The Broadway star talks shaved heads, Christmas elves, and more.

Two-time Tony award winner Christian Borle appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to talk about his shaved head, Christmas elves, and his newest role on Broadway. Watch the video above.

A bald-headed Borle confirmed that he wears a wig to play Willy Wonka in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which began performances on Broadway March 28.

Speaking of the show, Borle explained that there are a few differences from the original musical starring Gene Wilder. “I think there are other ways we are trying to subvert audience’s expectations,” Borle told host Colbert. “Everybody brings their own experience with it and there are certain things that they want to see.”

While chatting to Colbert, Borle also revealed that his first job as a performer in New York City was working as a Christmas Elf at Macy’s. To get more into character, the employees could pick their elf names—the former Smash star went with “Swifty.”

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, adapted for the stage from Roald Dahl’s classic children’s story, will open at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on April 23.

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