Forhislatest act, Broadway and television actor Benjamin Eakeley put a modern spin on the Cole Porter classic, "Love for Sale," and The Huffington Post has an exclusive first look.
The 37-year-old New Jersey native, who was named one of the "10 Hottest Chorus Boys on Broadway” by Time Out New York in 2014, will return to the cabaret stage in "Broadway Swinger” on May 9. The show, which debuted at New York nightspot Feinstein's/54 Below in January, is all about "love and sex with no apologies," he said.
Advertisement
Eakeley and his musical director, James Olmstead, were compelled to include "Love for Sale," which originally appeared in the 1930 musical, "The New Yorkers," because "nobody would be singing about sex at all if it weren’t for Cole Porter." The rest of the "intensely personal" set, he said, will trace America's "shifting attitude toward love and sex" through the scope of musical theater, with songs from "Promises, Promises,"“Cabaret" and "Hair," among other shows.
In fact, Eakeley said he was partly inspired to create "Broadway Swinger" after his stint in the 2014 Broadway revival of "Cabaret," which starred Alan Cumming and Michelle Williams.
"It was the first time I had the opportunity to bring sex and an unabashed sexuality to the forefront of my work on stage," he told The Huffington Post. "I am very interested in the 'in between' moments of life, the moments that we experience every day but don’t share with the public, or even ourselves."
Advertisement
In particular, Cumming taught him "the importance of dropping your guard," Eakeley said, adding, "If I learned anything on stage last year, it’s that it can be great fun to put the moves on attractive strangers -- especially when it’s your job."
"Broadway Swinger" comes at a particularly happening time for Eakeley, who can currently be seen alongside Laura Benanti, Zachary Levi and Gavin Creel in the hit Broadway revival of "She Loves Me." He praised both Benanti, who nabbed a Tony Award nomination for her performance, and Creel, who he understudies, as "extraordinary."
"I’ve learned from them that it’s important to be serious, but also that silliness is equally important," he said. "Life is so much better when we're having fun."
While "Broadway Swinger" will offer its share of silly, saucy moments, Eakeley said he won't be stripping down for the show -- at least not in the literal sense.
Advertisement
"Since this is a show about sex," he quipped. "I will definitely be wearing tight pants."
Benjamin Eakeley performs "Broadway Swinger" at New York's Feinstein's/54 Below on May 9. Head here for more details.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.