Chris Anderson is the Volunteer of the Month for May
Chris is a beloved music teacher, singer and wicked trombone player in Northern Virginia. Chris started with PWLT in the pit back in 2019 and came both acting and music directing in several productions. Frequently, with his wife and two children as well! Last year he was Helen Hayes nominated for the role of Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar at Workhouse Arts Center. Having just finished acting as Basilius and Music Director for Head Over Heels, he joins his wife Becca as music director for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. PWLT sat down with Chris in between rehearsals.
www.abouttheartists.com/artists/857544-chris-anderson-11
Your first show with PWLT was as Mr. Bumble in Oliver! back in 2023. What made you audition for that show?
Chris is a beloved music teacher, singer and wicked trombone player in Northern Virginia. Chris started with PWLT in the pit back in 2019 and came both acting and music directing in several productions. Frequently, with his wife and two children as well! Last year he was Helen Hayes nominated for the role of Caiaphas in Jesus Christ Superstar at Workhouse Arts Center. Having just finished acting as Basilius and Music Director for Head Over Heels, he joins his wife Becca as music director for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. PWLT sat down with Chris in between rehearsals.
www.abouttheartists.com/artists/857544-chris-anderson-11
Your first show with PWLT was as Mr. Bumble in Oliver! back in 2023. What made you audition for that show?
- It may not have been every Sunday, but many Sunday afternoons in my house growing up were dedicated to watching classic movie musicals, so Oliver! has always been a favorite. After many experiences in pit orchestras and supporting my kids in their theatre education, I decidedly stated to my family “I think I can do that.” And PWLT was there to make it a reality.
- As a father of two wonderful kids , I really don’t like to play favorites! But just as a curveball, I’ll say my favorite is my first credit with PWLT as drumset player for Charlie Brown’s Christmas.
- I have worked with many uniquely gifted music directors and I have admired each for their discerning ear. Accepting the call to music direct Head Over Heels, I was very uncertain I had a diverse enough skill set for the job. Remembering the wonderful example of discernment shown to me by those music directors gave me the confidence and courage to rely on my own unique skills, processes and opinions to give solid musical guidance for the whole production team.
- It’s hard to imagine doing either of those shows without the amazing support and direction of Melanie McCleery (Hairspray) and Melanie McGuinn (Head over Heels). Also, PWLT all-stars like Becca Anderson, Riley Leonhardt and Emily Burnworth helped me immensely with memorization, character building and the mental fortitude necessary to quickly put those performances together. I remember both experiences fondly for the amazing casts and crews that brought them life!
- It is an absolute dream come true performing onstage with my family! I love to see my kids gain more and more confidence and my wife’s hilarious acting choices. As music director for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, I have really enjoyed seeing my kids work from a new vantage.
- I love the game of disc golf. If I’m not at home cooking a family meal or onstage tripping over set pieces for laughs, you’ll find me on the disc golf course. My favorite is Giles Run in Lorton and I love to teach new players if you’re interested!
