GAHANNA’S
MIKE FAIST ''West Side Story" Standout Mike Faist. Maybe you’ve heard of this guy. Actor. Dancer. Singer. Currently starring on the big screen in Steven Spielberg’s spectacular remake of "West Side Story". Nominated for a Tony Award for his role as Connor Murphy in the Broadway production of Dear Evan Hansen. Raised in Gahanna. (Yep. You read that correctly.) We caught up with Mike—who has been living in New York since he was 17 years old—to learn more about his journey from Gahanna to Broadway.
We know that you were inspired by musicals/theatre/movies early on. At what age did you KNOW you wanted to pursue acting as a career? “It was pretty early on. I remember watching "Singing in the Rain" as a kid and knowing I wanted to be like Gene Kelly. I asked my parents to get me in dance classes maybe when I was around 4 or 5. That led to children's theater and community theater and really anything I could get my hands on.”
Who were your personal mentors growing up, and why? Who taught you the most? “I was fortunate to have a lot of supportive adults in my youth, the majority of whom were women, and all very different women. My mother is a more grounded, (stubborn and relentless) person who knows how to get the job done. She is determined. She was a positive role model for me in showing how to take agency in your life. Things happen to all of us, but it's the choices we make that define who we are.”
What was it like growing up in Gahanna— with a determination to appear in theater/ movies? Did you feel that Gahanna/ Columbus offered good educational training options to help develop your skills to pursue a career in theatre? Which schools/ organizations/programs offered the most support? “I was relatively a normal kid growing up in Gahanna. I played baseball and took dance classes, and in my spare time would wear camo and roll around in dirt and go sludging through the creek pretending I was a soldier. I always liked playing pretend. Columbus had a lot to offer in the sense of opportunities for youngsters to perform. Columbus Children’s Theater , BalletMet ...These are a few. There are many community theaters. At the collegiate level there is Otterbein, CCM Baldwin Wallace, Oberlin. Honestly, I wish I knew more as to what was available to me but truthfully school never interested me as much as just moving to New York and getting started. At the end of the day, you just simply have to want it.”
What was your favorite role in high school theatre productions? My favorite role that I played while in High School was Simon in Jesus Christ Superstar. That show has always been a favorite of mine. Now that you’ve seen the finished movie, what’s your favorite scene in West Side Story and why? “America! It's just so joyous.” What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you? “I'll never tell.” Aside from your family, what do you miss about Gahanna? “The people are pretty great. Good midwestern folks with grounded sensibilities.” What advice would you give to your younger self? “Relax.” Finish this sentence: “Gahanna is …” “Gahanna was home. Gahanna was a place for me to feel safe while I explored who I was. I worked in Gahanna, it helped shape who I am.”
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UNIQUELY GAHANNA • FEBRUARY 2022
