For me, the most effective cabaret evenings have been some of the most personal ones, where the performer is comfortable enough to simply be themselves.

Once you have a central character who announces in the first five minutes of the show that he feels whooped by life and that he's had enough, I'm in. I'm hooked.

I've always thought of myself as a character actor, even though I've played some leading-man roles.

I really like Los Angeles - I had a good life out there. But the reason I choose to live in New York is because when I'm between engagements, as they say, something creative always comes up for me, like 'Julian Po,' or helping teach at NYU, or helping stage a show at Juilliard.

I am inspired by show girls and Vegas. I was a cabaret performer, so that's where all that influence comes from.

To ask if I am mischievous is the understatement of all time.