Mark MacKillop talks about his ‘Duets’ show in New York City

Mark MacKillop. Photo by Daniel D’Ottaviok

Artist Mark MacKillop chatted about his upcoming “Duets” event at Chelsea Table + Stage in New York on March 11. All proceeds will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

He is known for his acting work in such musicals as “West Side Story,” “Anastasia,” and “Dirty Dancing.” 

‘Duets’ show at Chelsea Table + Stage

MacKillop will be joined by an illustrious list of stage and screen performers, which include Contreras (“Almost Famous”), Sean Doherty (“Teeth”), Nick Drake (“Back to the Future: The Musical”), Jasmine Rice Lebeija (“Five: The Parody Musical”), Mauricio Martínez (“On Your Feet!”), Dimitri Joseph Moïse (“The Book of Mormon”), Larry Owens (“A Strange Loop”), Darius Anthony Robinson (“Alvin Ailey”), Kyla Stone (“Harmony”), and Anne Fraser Thomas (“Titanique”).

On forthcoming show at Chelsea Table + Stage, MacKillop said, “‘Duets’ is a series a started right after the pandemic. I missed performing and singing with friends. So, I decided to produce a show that would allow me to do that.”

“You can expect a fun night of duets that span musically from pop, country, musical theatre and classic standards,” he added.

Daily motivations

Regarding his daily motivations as an entertainer, he said, “I love living in New York City and being friends with some of the most talented people in the world. I’m constantly inspired by them and their talent.” 

Future plans

On his future plans, he shared, “Well, definitely “Broadway Bares” this summer. As an actor, it’s hard to make plans for anything.”

“You just kind of audition and put yourself out there. So I’d say just continuing to show up and then raising money for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS,” he added.

Advice for young and aspiring entertainers

For young and aspiring entertainers, he said, “Well, my best advice I can give to someone who wants to work consistently is to get to dance class. Dancers are always working.”

Career-defining moments

On his career-defining moments, he revealed, “I think I’m most defined by my work with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, which is something I’m very passionate about.”

“If I had to choose a really cool moment from my career as a performer, I’d say when I made my principal debut on the ‘West Side Story’ international tour in the oldest opera house in the world in Italy,” he added.

Success

On his definition of the word success, MacKillop remarked, “It’s funny, when I was younger I would’ve had a much different answer. But now success to me is feeling seen in an industry by my peers.” 

Closing thoughts on his Chelsea Table show

On his Chelsea Table show, he stated, “It’s a fun night. If you’ve ever been to one of my shows, you know it’s very relaxed. I want people to feel like we are hanging out around a piano together in someone’s living room, singing and sharing stories.”

“If you leave feeling comfortable and happy having heard some beautiful duets, then I’ve done my job,” he concluded.

To learn more about Broadway performer Mark MacKillop, follow him on Instagram.