Prowling around on stage at Pittsburgh's Benedum Center feels natural for Chicago-based actor Lucas Fedele.
The Aspinwall native, 25, fell in love with musical theater as a young child dancing across that same stage in the Civic Light Opera's annual production of “The Nutcracker.”
He returns to Pittsburgh this month bringing his talents to the CLO 's presentation of “Cats,” July 18 to 27.
“It is always wonderful to come home,” said Fedele, a 2007 graduate of Fox Chapel Area High School.
“I have so many close friends that I work with here and it's like being with family.”
Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on a book by T.S. Elliot, “Cats” opened on Broadway in 1982 and is the second longest-running show in history.
Fedele is eager to strut his stuff in the Tony Award-winning show. Landing the role of Coricopat, a twin cat with psychic qualities, Fedele's role demands heightened concentration since the feline moves in tandem with his twin, Tantomile.
“The girl that plays my twin has been my friend for years,” he said. “It's really been great to have that opportunity to work with her.”
A quick week of rehearsal comes with grueling 10-hour days. But Fedele doesn't mind.
With roots in dance and singing, Fedele is also an ardent admirer of poetry.
“I enjoy that the lyrics come from T.S. Elliot and it's such an intelligent show,” he said.
Fedele said he feels most at home in the theater.
“I have never done anything else,” he said.
As a toddler, Fedele enrolled in a creative movement class at daycare and was hooked.
“My earliest memories are of that class. I can remember asking and asking if I could join,” he said. “There was a desire and I've never let it go.”
Fedele said his spark is fueled by a fascination with people. He loves the unity that's created in the theater.
“There's a communication that happens with the crew, cast and audience, and it's intoxicating,” he said.
While growing up in Aspinwall, he studied at the Pittsburgh Musical Theater, CLO Academy and The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater.
Before earning his degree at Point Park University, he landed his first professional role in “West Side Story” at The Byham Theater. He was 15, working with veterans and it was a game-changer, Fedele said.
“I remember being excited, questioning if I could keep up,” he said. “It was kind of one of those moments that changes the view of how you look at yourself.”
Post-college he moved to Washington, D.C. where he earned a role in “Oklahoma,” at the Mead Center for American Theater. Over the past five years, Fedele has returned home nine times for roles in the feel-good musical “Singin' in the Rain,” and the love-struck comedy “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”
One of his favorite parts about working with the CLO is that it feels like home, Fedele said.
“I get to stay with my family in Aspinwall where I grew up,” he said.
Tawnya Panizzi is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-782-2121, ext. 2 or tpanizzi@tribweb.com.
