Daniel Robinson is a man of many talents. He first came to our attention in the fantastic movieĀ The Big Gay MusicalĀ but now heās moving behind the camera to film a documentary aboutĀ Broadway BaresĀ (more on that from Daniel below).
We caught up with him last week to talk about his involvement inBroadway Bares, find out about the documentary and get a little bit more information on what itās all about. Read on for part 1 of our interview and come back later in the week for part 2 where Daniel tells us all about his involvement inĀ The Big Gay MusicalĀ and much more.
How are you today? What have you been up to?
Iām actually filming a documentary and Iām directing it so Iāve been in the midst of that. Itās forĀ Broadway BaresĀ which is an event run by Jerry Mitchell who directed and choreographedĀ HairsprayĀ andĀ Legally Blonde. Iām actually one of his associates so we do a lot of stuff together but right now weāre doing aĀ Broadway BaresĀ documentary; itās what Iām in the midst of and itās been really great. Itās a lot of work ā a lot more work than I thought ā but Iām having a good time.
Whatās Broadway Bares all about?
Broadway BaresĀ is like a burlesque show and itās been going on for about 20 years. It started when Aids broke out in ā91/ā92 with about 8 dancers at a bar. Every year theyāve done the same benefit over and over for the last 20 years and it was the 20th Anniversary this year. Pretty much what it is, is they getĀ a lot of Broadway celebrities, actors and dancers ā usually about 200 ā 250 dancers ā to dance and they put on a strip show like a burlesque show. Itās a payback to that time. Itās been really amazing. They do about 10 numbers and theyāre big and glamorous; people get down to almost nothing. These are Broadway veterans and newbies, Broadway chorus boys and Broadway chorus girls ā itās quite an event. Iāve been a part for about 4 years and this is the first year I didnāt strip. In fact I filmed so it was very exciting.
What was it like being behind the camera?
It was amazing. It gave my life such perspective. When I did the show I always had this inner glow and passion, and I loved doing it because it was for such a good cause. It felt like you were doing something so great and it had such a huge build up; it was so incredible. Being on the other side, to see people go through that for the first time, it was really quite incredible. I just had a new perspective and a new appreciation for it. It was really great because I got to see the developing phases of it for the last 6 months; from where it was 6 months ago until now. It was such a huge adventure for some people; the director, the dancers, the people going through the eating habits and trying to not eat anything and work out as hard as they could.
Also the fundraising ā we raised over $1 million this year which is a huge amazing thing. It was a big goal when we set it and not many people thought we were going to accomplish it but sure enough we did.
Thatās amazingā¦
Yeah, itās quite incredible.
I mentioned on Twitter today that I was talking to you and instantly there was talk about a video of you performing to Chris Isaakās āWicked Gameā. I think youāve got quite a lot of fans out there.
(Laughs) Wow thatās amazing! That was a really great performance. It was actually our kick-off show at the original bar ā the bar you were looking at in that performance was Splash where it all began ā so they did these things called mini-Bares where they had Broadway celebrities and people who have been involved in the Broadway community do this event and start off the whole stripping extravaganza. It was really quite incredible. I remember there were a lot of cameras and I was like āthis is definitely going on YouTubeā (laughs). Itās kind of amazing though because it raises a lot of awareness and weāre still not done with the fight. Itās still happening and itās affecting peopleās lives. The red ribbon still stands, itās still there. Weāve got to continue to do our part and I definitely feel like Iāve found my way to do mine. Itās very exciting.
When can we expect to see the documentary?
Probably next year. The goal was to have it done by October but as we progressed with the filming things got bigger. The footage got longer and bigger. It was really wonderful filming it because I was a dancer as well. I knew what to watch but in a way it was kinda hard because I felt like I had to film so much and see so much. It got longer and longer so then now itāll probably be released by next yearāsĀ BaresĀ ā its 21st year ā which is exciting to look forward to. Itās a lot of work on my end as I have a lot of footage to get through and I also edit and direct so itās been a big part of my life. Now itās finally my chance to do that.
After having this experience do you think youāll go back on stage for future productions?
YeahĀ of course Iāll be going back onto the stage. I have a couple of things that are kind of in the midst.Ā The Big Gay Musical 2Ā which weāre writing at the moment and weāre probably going to film that next year.
Thereās a lot of projects that are in development but Iām just trying to take it a day at a time (laughs). Itās difficult but you have to remain grounded and get your sleep. Iām a very creative and driven person and I constantly have to be told to slow down because I like to do as much as possible whilst Iām on this Earth. People say āwork hard, play hardā but I work harder more than I even play and I donāt even play hard. I never really go out and party. Iām never really active in that scene. I think of it as a great thing because I get to observe a lot so when I do have events or parties I enjoy them to its fullest extent; take a look and step back.
Find out more about Daniel and hisĀ work atĀ BroadwayBaresDocumentary.com,Ā DanielRobinsonProductions.comĀ andDanielRobinsonOnline.com