J Savage Shares Backstage Secrets From SMASH on Broadway

We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving. 

In this edition, we catch up with J Savage, currently appearing in Smash on Broadway. Below, he takes us backstage at the Imperial Theatre (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of his favorite backstage moments, pre-show rituals, and more!

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?

First thing I do is say hi to the doorman, say hi to SMs, sign in, then say hi to the crew as I walk to my warmup hiding spot and begin my warmup! 

What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?

I go around the stage and tell everyone to “kill it” or “believe in yourself” or “give it your all” then I whack my right leg three times, and off we go!

What’s your must-have backstage snack?

Chomps beef sticks!! I eat WAY too many but they’re just so good! I also am known to roam the backstage scrounging for snacks. I have wardrobe, orchestra, and sound well trained to feed me when they see me coming. 

Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?

I’ve started putting on a face of makeup before the show at half hour call. That’s not weird in general but it’s new for me! I used to be so stupefied by makeup but all the boys in Bad Cindy taught me how to do it. Now it feels like such a calming event in my half hour routine. It feels off not to do it. 

What are five must-haves in your dressing room?

-A Barbie 

-deodorant 

-comb 

-a place to put my jewelry 

-as many knick knacks as I can fit!

What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?

The opening of Let’s Be Bad! That girl choreo is so FIERCE!

What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?

We have so many bits that we’ve built into our show that make it so fun to do, but I think my favorite moment is during the Bombshell finale, I’m hiding behind the bed with another cast member and one of our prop guys, and we are just crouching, hiding, until we rip the black sheet off the bed to reveal it. It’s just such theatre magic knowing this Incredible moment is pulled off by an actor hiding behind a set piece while Robyn Hurder is onstage giving the performance of a lifetime.

About J Savage

J's previous Broadway credits include Elf and Bad Cinderella. Off-Broadway, he has appeared in Empire, A Sign of Times, and Seesaw. He is also an avid outdoorsman, a vintage Barbie collector, and a singer-songwriter. 

About Smash

Inspired by the hit TV series, Smash is the perfect musical-lover’s musical. Get ready for all the backstage pandemonium as opening night approaches for Bombshell, the splashy new show about Marilyn Monroe. Nearly breaking under the pressure, legendary Broadway star Ivy Lynn causes a series of hilarious set-backs and surprises that brings a diva director, a bewildered producer, two exasperated authors, one eager understudy, and an entire company to its knees. But the curtain’s going up, no matter what!

Smash is filled with kick-ass production numbers and iconic songs like “Let Me Be Your Star,” “Don’t Forget Me”, “They Just Keep Moving the Line,” and more. And who better to play Broadway A-listers than actual Broadway A-listers? Our cast is stacked with veterans and Tony Award® nominees including Robyn Hurder, Brooks Ashmanskas, Krysta Rodriguez, John Behlmann, Kristine Nielsen, and Jacqueline B. Arnold, to name just a few.

Buy Tickets to Smash