Star of The Producers Brings Broadway Home to Sts. J & P

by Barbara Gallagher

(November 3, 2005) John Treacy Egan, the newest lead in the Broadway production of The Producers, returned to his alma mater and home parish, Sts. John and Paul, for a sold-out Cabaret Night on Sunday, October 30. The school gymnasium was transformed into a dinner theatre for the evening, and Mr. Egan received a standing ovation in the same place where his dreams of becoming a performer had begun more than 25 years ago.

The Broadway star began the show with his parents’ favorite love song, “I’m in the Mood for Love.” He continued with the hit song from Jekyll & Hyde, “This is the Moment,” and other favorites such as: “I Wish You Love”; “Danny Boy”; and a medley from his current musical, The Producers. In addition, he dedicated the song, “The Path You Choose,” to Maureen Morris of Larchmont, who first directed him in the Sts. John and Paul teen club plays.

Why do a show such as this for Sts. John and Paul? “This is my first performance in the church since performing The Curious Savage, by John Patrick, in the 1980’s,” he said, recalling his teen years. “I’ve wanted to come back and sing here for some time. My family has always been very involved at the church and the Cabaret Night was the perfect opportunity to bring everyone together and help make some money for the parish at the same time.”

The actor's father, Edward Egan, was one of the founding trustees of Sts. John and Paul and, as the parish attorney, helped procure the land for the church. Edward Egan loved to sing as well and was known for his own cabaret performances at each of the pastor’s dinners he attended.

The youngest of seven children, John Egan was always putting on plays in his garage as a child. As he grew older, his good friend, Michael Coughlin, encouraged him to try out for one of the teen club productions at Sts. John and Paul Church, which were directed by Michael’s aunt, Maureen Morris. John took Michael up on his suggestion and the rest is history. He received a bachelor of fine arts degree in music at SUNY Purchase and quickly became involved in community theatre in Westchester.

Mr. Egan got his first Off-Broadway role in Howard Korder’s When Pigs Fly. He made his official Broadway debut as one of the original company members of Jekyll and Hyde, and also toured in productions of Cats and Kiss Me, Kate.

A member of The Producers cast since May 2002, Mr. Egan had already played two other principal roles as Franz Liebkind and Robert DeBris when he stepped into the lead of Max Bialystock on October 25. In an interview with BroadwayWorld.com, he reflected on this triple feat, "It's amazing...Franz to Roger to Bialystock... I think it's the first time anyone has contracted three principal roles in one show. I'm terribly excited! “

Mr. Egan still lives in Larchmont and gets involved with local theatre productions in his “spare time.” To learn more about him, visit johntreacyegan.com.

Barbara Gallagher volunteers with the Sts. John and Paul parish. For more information on the church and school, visit www.sjpchurch.org or call 834-5458.

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