Alex McCarthy Interview

Swedish born Joe Hill was a member of the Industrial Workers of the World.  He was a union activist and a songwriter who was executed for a murder he didn’t commit.  Composer and pianist Dan Furman penned a musical of his story called The Joe Hill Revival.  In the cast there is a talented Texan with a vocal range as big as a ten-gallon hat.  He can sing, act, and do martial arts.  Meet Alex Mccarthy!

“Originally, I was born in Texas and moved to New York in 2018 to pursue acting. I have an extensive background in performing, such as opera, musical theatre, and film as well as some experience in combat demonstration (i.e. Taekwondo, Hapkido, and Arnis demonstrations). I received my Master’s in Music with an emphasis in Musical Theatre Performance from New York University Steinhardt in Spring of 2020, and trained for some time at the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute.”

Some artists like being in pieces that make a statement.  “I enjoy getting to work on projects that have a larger message. Joe Hill had a philosophy for when he wrote his songs. He understood that a message can be easily forgotten if given as just straight facts, but if you convey the message through a medium that’s entertaining and sticks in the minds of people, then the message is often more powerful and everlasting. So, to get to do a show that’s attempting to do the very same thing that its subject matter executed perfectly is surreal and fun as hell!”

Every artist utilizes a creative process to bring their work to life.  Some actors do a deep dive into the script.  Some make musical playlists and wear the clothes that they think their character might wear.  For Mr. McCarthy, his approach is more psychological.  “As an actor, I enjoy the process of delving into the human psyche to further understand what it truly means to be human. The job of an actor, as most of us know, is not to judge a character, but to find the humanity in them. Every person holds a legitimate reason as to why they choose to act and behave the way they do. We, as people, do not have to agree with how someone behaves, but as actors, we have to understand and accurately portray any and every character’s point of view. It’s through this process that we start to find out how much of everyone is within everyone. We all have the capability to lie, cheat, steal, as well as many other undesirable primal humanistic traits, but also, we have the capability to love selflessly and care unabashedly for our fellow man. This is where my love for acting stems and how I choose to approach my work.” 

There is quite a bit that the audience can take away after seeing this show.  Most of all, hope.  “I hope to at least help convey the idea that the problems we face today, though more modern and seemingly unique, are not that different from what our predecessors had to endure. Human nature is constant and though society’s focus on different issues changes over time, the overarching principles of life still apply, and we can always look back to the past to help us understand our present as well as to give us hope for our future.”

“This show is about a real person and true historical events.  Sometimes taking on a role like that comes with an added sense of responsibility to ensure historical accuracy.  “Yes. The responsibility I feel weighs most heavy on me is the ability to humanize any historical figure we play. Too often, we objectify/other these figures due to how much distance time puts between us, and it’s because of this phenomenon that we often forget that these figures are human beings. By this I mean that we inadvertently deify or demonize these people without really giving them a taste of empathy or understanding like we would give a person who is living today, and in doing this, most of us do not allow room to portray a figure beyond seeing them as a caricature. I don’t believe mannerisms are as important when embodying a historical figure. Instead, I believe it’s more important to find how their character may fit into our modern understanding of life and showcase that so that the audience can better connect with the character. A perfect example of this kind of character is any character portrayed in Hamilton: An American Musical.” 

Mr. McCarthy has some very merry plans for his next project…tis the season!  “After this show, I’ll be getting ready to perform with the Yuletide Carolers for the Christmas season. Maybe you’ll see me at one of the numerous Christmas events in the city. Make sure to say hello!”

You won’t want to miss this compelling production!

Presented by Brooklyn Tavern Theater

The story of Industrial Workers of the World union songwriter, Joe Hill.

A musical about his time – and ours.

Opening Saturday, September 30 @7pm,

followed by Saturday matinees @ 2:00 pm on October 7, 14, 21 and 28.

at the new BROOKLYN ART HAUS, 24 Marcy Ave, Brooklyn, NY

with a special encore performance, November 13, at

Edie Jo’s, 630 Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn, NY

Visit https://www.joehillrevival.com/ for further info.