'Urinetown' actor finds humor in his roles

Senior Kevin Anderson is not a bad guy. He just plays one in most of his productions. \nThe theatre and drama major tackled the role of Batboy's evil mother in the fall 2004 production of "Batboy -- The Musical," which he described as "ridiculous," because he had to dress up in women's clothing. His latest endeavor is to perform the roles of the neighborhood cop and the representative of a corrupt corporation in the upcoming IU theater production of "Urinetown, the musical." Officer Lockstock is the narrator of the musical, which will premiere at the Wells-Metz Theatre Oct. 20.\nAnderson said the character seems very charming and likeable at the beginning of the show but progresses into the villain. \nAnderson has been in theater productions since high school and has performed in more than 10 shows. He said the rehearsals for this show have been the most intense he has ever done because there are three different directors -- one each for musical training, acting and dancing. \n"They don't all meet up together for a few weeks," he said. \nThe cast rehearses six days each week, four or more hours each day. They become very close because they work in an environment where emotions run very high; therefore, it is very easy to overcome barriers and make friends, Anderson said. With practices ending as late midnight several times a week, he sometimes must sacrifice his grades, but he said he performs to unite his family. They all come to stay in Bloomington for the duration of his shows. Also, he said the experience he gains is much more important for his resume than his schoolwork.\nAnderson eventually wants to go to New York to audition for an acting school such as Circle in the Square Theatre School, where his idol, Philip Seymour Hoffman, trained.\n"I envy his future collaborators for the chance to work with this amazing actor," said Bruce Burgun, Anderson's former director for "Our Country's Good," a spring 2006 IU theater production.\n"Kevin is an exceptionally talented actor, remarkable in his highly unique ability to wrap bold, distinct characterizations around a tender and vulnerable soul," Burgun said. "He is also a delight to work with -- brave, inventive and highly collaborative."\nAnderson said he prefers strictly acting like that of his character in "Our Country's Good," but he also enjoys performing in musicals like "Urinetown" that can step back and poke fun at themselves. He said actors should be able to do the same. To psyche himself up for productions, he usually listens to AC/DC on his iPod and yells backstage. He said, however, "I can step back and look at myself and say, 'What the hell are you doing?!"