For Brett Popiel, theater is more than a passion—it’s a lifelong love affair that started with an unexpected muse: Spice World.
"Picture this! The summer of 1998. A shy little Jersey Boy temporarily breaks out of his shell and puts on the performance of the century when he hears the critically acclaimed masterpiece, Spice World, for the first time," Brett recalls. "This moment forever captured by my aunt on a now-lost videotape kick-started my love for performing. But it wasn’t until seven years later, in June of 2005, when I performed in my first musical, Bye Bye Birdie, as Hugo Peabody, that I truly caught the theater bug. Now, 20 years and hundreds of performances later, the rest, as they say, is history.”
That history includes professional performances, and regional award nominations. "I just moved to New York City in 2015 for my first big boy job out of college doing Pharmaceutical Research and Development. I had been there for 3 months and was desperate to counterbalance the monotony of my day job with something dynamic. So I found the first audition I could find on Playbill, huffed down from my Inwood apartment to the Upper West Side and auditioned for the Drowsy Chaperon. I got cast and during one of our Sunday matinee we find out the Lisa Lampanelli, the show’s composer/lyricist, was in the audience. Turns out she lives around the corner and was browsing MTI when she saw that we were performing that weekend. She even came back and saw our evening performance after the matinee. Now, Brett is back at the Rose Center Theater for his seventh production, stepping into the lively world of Oklahoma!
Meet Carl June: Circus Performer Turned Claremore Resident
By day, Brett is a Corporate Technology Change Manager and a devoted dog dad to Charlie, his very spoiled Shepherd mix. By night, he’s bringing to life Carl June—an ensemble member with a unique backstory. "I play Ensemble Member #12, aka Carl June, who, along with his sister-turned-wife, April May June, got stranded in Claremore, Oklahoma, while traveling as the trapeze act for Barnum and Bailey Circus," Brett shares. With a backstory like that, it’s no wonder Brett finds himself cracking up in rehearsals. "Anytime Jillian Matthews and I are partnered together, we end up making each other break out in laughter. It’s led to some fun backstories for our ensemble characters," he adds.
A Love for Classic Musicals and a Fear of Lifting
For Brett, returning to a Golden Age musical like Oklahoma! has been a thrilling experience.
"Most of my early forays into musical theater were the Golden Age classics, and it’s so much fun returning to them after so many years of doing more contemporary pieces," he says. "There’s a certain je ne sais quoi these older shows have that make them classics. When you get to be a part of one, that special quality infuses into you, and you just have the best time.”
But it’s not all smooth sailing."There are some cool new lifts being added to the dance numbers that add complexity," Brett admits. "And it’s been a moment since I picked up a weight. My noodle arms have been holding up, but they’re starting to question my gym aversion, he says with a laugh."
Dream Roles and Oklahoma!’s Lasting Impact
If given the chance to swap roles for a night, Brett knows exactly who he’d want to play.
"Hands down, Ado Annie. I love a good comedic relief and character role, and who would give up the chance to belt out ‘I Can’t Say No’? But nothing would hold a candle to Bernie’s rendition in this show. She’s going to blow the roof off every night!"
As for why Oklahoma! still resonates with audiences today? "One of its lasting strengths is how it blends optimism with realism. While Oklahoma! is often remembered for its sunny, sweeping melodies and joyous celebration of the American frontier spirit, it also acknowledges the challenges of change, the tensions between different kinds of people, and the darker undercurrents in human nature," Brett explains. This balance between light and dark gives Oklahoma! a unique emotional depth—one that continues to captivate audiences over 80 years after its Broadway debut.
Why You Can’t Miss Oklahoma! at the Rose Center Theater
So why should you grab tickets to see Oklahoma! at the Rose? Brett puts it best:"Oklahoma is the pinnacle of what the Rose does best. Reimagining classic stories for today’s audience with intricate and interesting choreography, a score sung to perfection, and storytelling by some of the best performers in Southern California. With so much going on in the world, this particular performance provides a much-needed escape from reality." And if he had to sum up this production in three words?"Classic. Musical. Perfection."
Don’t miss your chance to experience Oklahoma! as only the Rose Center Theater can deliver. Secure your tickets today! On Stage February 21 – March 9
Click the banner below or visit rosecentertheater.com/oklahoma to reserve your seats today.
Oklahoma! musical, Rose Center Theater, live theater Orange County, Broadway musicals in California, Southern California theater, Brett Popiel actor, classic musicals, local theater performances, theater tickets Orange County, musical theater interviews
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