Sunday, November 16, 2008
Quick, A+E, Music, Theater, Q&A

Misbehavin’ with Ruben Studdard

A Quick Q&A

You probably know him best from “American Idol.” But we caught up with Ruben Studdard five years after his second-season win and found an entertainer with far more to his name than merely being the fifth best-selling “Idol” performer to date: Grammy and BET Award nominee; a 2004 American Music Award winner for Favorite Male R&B/Soul Artist; actor, husband, father, Roll Tide fan and vegetarian (well, sometimes). It’s appropriate that the touring production of the musical revue “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” which stars Studdard (as jazz great Fats Waller) and former “Idol” contestant Frenchie Davis, begins in Atlanta; the city holds a special place in the heart of the “Velvet Teddy Bear.”—Anne Lee Dabney

Q How will you handle time apart from your wife, whom you first met at a Wal-Mart autograph signing in Atlanta, during this yearlong tour?
A Our daughter’s in school, so she has to be at home with her, but I have family in Atlanta. As far back as I can remember, I came every summer. It’s like a second home to me.

You were heavily influenced by Gospel and jazz as a child. How did that play a part in selecting this role?
Yeah, my middle school jazz teacher introduced me to [jazz], and I've been a fan ever since. My favorite movie I used to watch with my mom was actually “Stormy Weather,” with Fats Waller.

How did you decide on a Broadway production?
It’s a good challenge for me. It was time for a change, to really stretch myself. I haven’t done any musical theater since college.

Has Frenchie Davis, who’s done “Rent” on Broadway, helped you?
The first week or so, she gave me a lot of pointers. After that, I went for what I knew … the music is so good and everything is done so well, it’s hard to not focus yourself on perfecting the part. I [fell] in love with the score.

This production spans 30 years, has won Tony Awards—how does it feel to be a part of its history?
The thing is, so many people, including some original cast members, came back and are really serious about its protection. It feels really good to be a part of this and work with the original set designer, writer, choreographer. … Everyone just wanted to make sure it had what it had in the beginning. … It’s the rebirth of the Harlem Renaissance, when musicians were real musicians and performers real performers. It’s really a chance to see a great performance.

You performed on the “Idol” seventh season finale. Looking back, after all the ups and downs, how do you feel about the show?
I’m a blessed man. “American Idol” afforded me an opportunity to do a job I’ve wanted my whole life. It shaped me and made me stronger. If not for “Idol,” I would not have so many opportunities to be excited about. My wife loves the show. [He laughs.] She always TiVos it for me

J Records dropped you after your third album “The Return,” claiming it fell “short of expectations.” What do you think happened?
I don’t really know. My job is for me to make great music, you know what I mean? At the end of the day, I was pleased with the outcome. To me, it was one of the best R&B albums of 2006. You just never know. I just want to be remembered, to stretch myself always, and to have more than one genre of music. That’s why I'm doing a lot of different projects. I hope everyone sees my range and education, not just as an R&B singer, but as a student of music. I’m concentrating now on doing the best I can with ["Misbehavin'"].

You’ve said that if you weren't a performer, you would want to play football, and I know you’re an avid fan of college football. Favorite team?
Do you have to ask? Alabama. We might take it all the way. I don’t want to offend any Georgia fans. I’ll stay neutral. Florida beat y’all pretty bad, though.

Still keeping up with the vegetarian lifestyle that lead to your publicized weight-loss?
[Laughs] Currently trying to return. SP
Kevin Moreau’s “Stop the Presses” will return next week.