Tom Hewitt: It's huge! It's a big show. Right now we're in 10-out-of-12s [when the actors rehearse onstage for 10 hours a day, with a 2-hour break], and everybody's a little weary. We're at the point where all the elements are coming together so it's a very strange mixture of thrill, inspiration, and frustration. You tend to think, "This will never happen." But it's easy to forget these difficult times because it will, it will all come together. In two months, during the big number we'll be thinking about where we want to go to dinner! (laughs)

Can you talk a bit about the animals? They are puppets, operated by live actors.

integrates the sensibilities of the dog but allows the puppet to stand out against his body. So you get to see the overt and delightful theatricality of the human being manipulating the puppet on stage.

Were the Doctor Dolittle stories a part of your life as a kid?

I've only recently discovered them and they're delightful. In fact, in the show we're using Hugh Lofting's aesthetic. He illustrated his own books and the design of the set and costumes are inspired by Mr. Lofting's illustrations.

You've played many classical and dramatic roles throughout your career. Did you ever imagine yourself playing a man who talks to the animals, in a musical no less?

(Laughs) That's often been the case in my career. I didn't ever think I would be playing an alien transvestite [in Rocky Horror] on Broadway either! Life throws

Do you have any particular pre-show rituals?

You get to be little stars for a while in every town that you're in. That's kind of fun.

Good luck with your first performance.

Thanks!

For a full list of Tom Hewitt's Broadway credits, click here.

For information about touring Broadway in your city, click here.