Haskell Takes His Place on the Altar

He's young, he's energetic and he dances like there's no tomorrow. I'm talking about Neil Haskell, from Fox's hit reality show So You Think You Can Dance, recently joined the cast of Altar Boyz, the acclaimed musical comedy at New World Stages, taking over the role of LUKE.

Haskell made his Broadway debut in Twyla Tharp/Bob Dylan's The Times They Are A Changin'.   His TV credits in addition to  "So You Think You Can Dance" include "One Life to Live," and the film "The American Mall" (premiering on MTV in August).

Altar Boyz, the acclaimed musical comedy, winner of the 2005 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical Off-Broadway, is the longest running new musical comedy to open in New York in years! Full of sharp parody, sinfully spectacular dancing, and irreverent humor, this spoof about a heavenly guy-group is adored by audiences and critics alike.  With an extraordinary mix of side-splitting songs "convincing enough to be played on MTV," uncontrollable laughs and lighthearted fun, this award-winning and totally original new musical is "90 minutes of pure delight" that's suitable for all ages and will have "the whole family laughing and singing along." 

TJ:  Well, Neil, you've just joined the cast of Altar Boyz. How's it going so far?

HASKELL: It's going really well. It's a lot of fun.

TJ:  So how did you get involved with the show?

HASKELL:  I actually just auditioned for it about two weeks ago. They needed an immediate replacement because Jesse Johnson was leaving for Glory Days and I got a call that night after my audition. Then I started that Monday. It was a real quick process and it just feels so good to get back on stage.

TJ: That was pretty quick! Had you seen the show before?

HASKELL: I hadn't! I went to see it the night after my audition and loved it. As I was walking into the theatre, I got the call from my agent and that was pretty exciting!

TJ: This isn't your first time on stage in New York. You had done a Broadway show called The Times They Are A Changin. Was that show after your appearance on the television show, So You Can Dance?

HASKELL:  No. I worked with Twyla Tharp on The Times They Are A Changin in August of 2006. I worked on that from August until November and that show was amazing to be a part of. The dancers I was able to work with were some of the best dancers I had ever seen. They were so consistent each night and just so amazing to work with, to be around and they were amazing people too. Everybody who was a part of that show was just so proud of the show as well. It was just a great experience to be a part of!

TJ: Well, Twyla Tharp…she is a legend.

HASKELL:  I was very intimidated to work with her at first. She wasn't frightening to work with…she was just a very good person to work with, as well.

TJ: So you liked working with her?