Seattle Gay News
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Issue 27, Volume 42, July 11, 2014
by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer THE BOOK OF MORMON PARAMOUNT THEATRE July 22-August 10
codyjamisonstrand.com
Cody Jamison Strand
The Book of Mormon is perhaps one of the highest grossing, newer shows on Broadway. By the creators of “South Park,” The Book of Mormon took Broadway by storm with its irreverent view of the Mormon faith and the two missionary boys that go to Africa to spread the word. As it continues its sell-out performances across the country, The Book of Mormon returns to the Emerald City. The Seattle Gay News caught up with Cody Jamison Strand, a man with a contagious, hyenalike laugh and self-proclaimed actor and chef who stars in The Book of Mormon.
Eric Andrews-Katz: Who were your earliest influences as a performer? Cody Jamison Strand: I remember looking back and seeing It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World with Mickey Rooney. He was hysterical! His performance was the funniest thing I’d ever seen [as a kid]. I remember being at my Grandma’s house and my father putting it in, and watching it. Growing up I’d have to say it was a lot of Jack Black and Chris Farley was another big one. Andrews-Katz: What was your first professional performance? Strand: If we were including summer stock, I’d have to say my first performance (as a paid actor) was Man of La Mancha. I was one of the Muleteers. I was the Little Barber. Andrews-Katz: You bill yourself as a Top Chef. Do you have professional or personal training and what is your favorite thing to bake? Strand: (exhibiting the infamous laugh) My apple pie is out of this world. It’s an Apple Cream Cheese Pie to be exact, and it’s wonderful – even if I have to toot see Mormon page 5
Paul Kolnik
20th Century Fox
Ruby Lewis in We Will Rock You
by Eric Andrews-Katz SGN A&E Writer WE WILL ROCK YOU 5TH AVENUE THEATRE Through July 13
he led the ape revolt, the genetically evolved primate helping his The music of the rock group brothers and sisters secure their QUEEN – with lead vocals by Caesar (Andy Serkis) believes freedom from a San Francisco re- Freddie Mercury – has become an peace has finally come to the iconic part of American musical see DAWN page 7 history. Based on the music creforest. It’s been a decade since by Sara Michelle Fetters SGN A&E Writer
ated by Queen (and a book by Ben Elton) the Broadway musical takes its title from one of the group’s biggest hits. We Will Rock You has rolled into Seattle at the 5th Avenue Theatre earlier this week and is rocking the Emerald City through the weekend. The story takes place in the far future. Earth (renamed iPlanet) has been consumed by cyber life – everyone programmed and down-
loaded from the Internet. The ruler of the planet is the evil Killer Queen. All forms of music have been outlawed and all musical instruments have been destroyed. A Prophecy has been foretold about a Dreamer, who hears – in words and music – voices from the far past, and who will overthrow the current Ruler. Two rebels have risen in the ranks; a see Rock You page 4