Kong Vang
Kong Vang (Ensemble)
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN THE MUSICAL
SEPTEMBER 17 — OCTOBER 31
What excites you about Young Frankenstein the Musical?
Young Frankenstein is such a fun filled story that gives us all a little something to laugh about together after all that we've been through these past few years. Young Frankenstein is exciting because we're all going to be Together Again escaping the realities of life by returning to a safe space to laugh, cry, and celebrate with each other.
What’s your process like in preparing for a show like this, and how does that process change (if at all) from other shows?
Preparing for a show like Young Frankenstein is like a dream come true. Sometimes as actors, we put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect that we forget about the fun! Aside from the regular preparation of rehearsals, nailing the choreography, hammering harmonies, etc, I get to have a little more fun with less inhibitions because of the hilarious Mel Brooks' world we actors all get to play in.
What’s your biggest challenge about taking on this role?
The biggest challenge to me about being a part of this stellar Ensemble is maintaining the stamina for a multiple weekend show. Stamina as an Ensemble member is making sure I give it my all and breathe life into any minor character, to every dance move, and to every small interaction on stage.
How did you get started performing?
I got my start performing as a bright eyed and bushy tailed freshman in high school. While trying to find my "niche" in life, my wonderful mentor, teacher, and friend Jill Cannon Nguyen pushed me to audition for Thespian Troupe 7196's production of Shakespeare's Macbeth which sparked my passion and appreciation for performing.
Why do you still perform?
I still perform because it inspires. Every performing adventure inspires me to work harder, see the world a certain way, love endlessly, etc. Whether it be from the material itself, my cast members, or the audience. Performing is like a chain of inspiration. Artists and writers inspire the actors who then inspire the audience, but, the amazing part is that this example is not the only narrative in which performing inspires. It's actually just a big melting pot of us all inspiring each other.
What’s your dream role, and what do you feel you would bring to it?
My dream role is Billy Cane in Bright Star. Billy is a hard working dreamer who wants to meet everyone in his life with kindness. Aside from Billy and I being similar to each other and sharing the same life motto, I feel that I would also bring representation to a predominately and traditionally white cast musical as the first Asian American to play Billy Cane. Because after all, representation still matters today.
What’s a fun fact people may not know about you?
I have an irrational fear of pigeons.
Follow Kong Vang on Instagram or visit his website:
Instagram: @thekongvang
Website: thekongvang.com
