Stephen Michael Spencer On the ‘Blessing’ of Performing in ‘Music City’ [VIDEO]

There are gifted singers and gifted actors. The twain doesn’t always meet. Stephen Michael Spencer is a great example of that dynamic artistic collision meeting and melding with his outstanding performance in the off-Broadway production Music City, currently playing at St. Luke’s Theatre in NYC.

Spencer plays T.J. a young and talented musician who, along with his brother Drew (Jonathan Judge-Russo)—and the rest of Nashville, dreams of fame and fortune—yet is relegated to open mike night at The Wicked Tickle, an East Nashville dive bar. But when opportunity knocks, the brothers must make some drastic decisions in order to fund a demo.

Add into the mix a romance between T.J. and another singer/songwriter named “23” (Lauren Pritchard) as well as a few plot twists and turns and you have a show chock full of rousing country tunes as well as plenty of drama and intrigue!

Directed by artistic director of BEDLAM, Eric Tucker, Music City features music and lyrics written by J.T. Harding, recorded by artists like Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, and Uncle Kracker, and some original songs as well. The book is by Peter Zinn.

The show initially had an acclaimed, award-winning run at BEDLAM, extended three times and, after a bumpy start in March (a venue fell through), the show has found a home at St. Luke’s.

Spencer buoys the show, either leading it—and commanding the stage–or watching from the sidelines. He’s an absolutely mesmerizing performer, embuing T.J. with a mix of cocky charm, animal sex appeal and a surprisingly sweet coyness, especially around “23.” Spencer is a true talent whose star is on the rise.

The thesp’s stage credits include the Broadway production of Second Stage’s Clydes as well as the off-Broadway shows The Assassination of Julius Caesar, Julius Caesar and Medea: ReVersed. He’s done a plethora of regional work as well as some TV and film.

For tickets: MUSIC CITY

The Contending had the pleasure of a VIDEO chat with Spencer.