When he was 6 years old, Greg Hildreth performed in the ensemble in a production of “Fiddler on the Roof” at the Neighborhood Children’s Theatre in Jamaica Plain. Fast forward 30-plus years and not only has he had more prominent roles, but many of them have been on Broadway stages. The West Roxbury native has been in six Broadway shows — including “Frozen,” where he played the lovable snowman, Olaf — and will be in the world premiere of “Queen of Versailles,” in its pre-Broadway run at the Emerson Colonial Theatre through Aug. 25. Starring Kristin Chenoweth and F. Murray Abraham, the musical is based on the 2012 documentary of the same name that tells the story of a wealthy Orlando family that sets out to build the largest private home — modeled after the Palace of Versailles in France — in America, but faces unexpected financial challenges when the housing market crashes and the 2008 financial crisis hits. “It’s a story about American excess and greed and potentially the dangers of that,” said Hildreth in a recent phone call. “I would say it’s classified as a dramady for sure. I think both itches will get scratched. The very first act is very light and bubbly and super fun, and then with the plot taking place in 2008 and the recession, there is definitely a marked turn about halfway through the show as well. I know it sounds cliche but it will make you laugh and it will make you cry — if we do our jobs right.” Hildreth, whose character works for Abraham’s character — a billionaire “time-share king” — said he is “thoroughly enjoying” working with Chenoweth and Abraham, as well as the rest of the cast. He called composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz — whose scores include “Pippin,” “Godspell,” “Children of Eden,” and “Wicked,” in which Chenoweth was a costar — a “genius” and said “he’s just a brilliant, brilliant man. It’s amazing to be in the room with him.” The 2005 Boston University graduate said he is excited to be performing at the Emerson Colonial Theatre, where he saw touring musicals in his youth. “It’s one of the places where my love of the theater began, so to come back and work there is really special,” he said. We caught up with Hildreth, who lives in Brooklyn with his partner, Marissa Lesch, a relocation consultant, and their two cats, Pigeon and Basil, to talk about all things travel.
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go? Tokyo has been on my list for quite some time. I have never been and would completely relish eating and drinking my way through that city. I love public green spaces and gardens and it would be fascinating to see how another major city does them. I would also be taking in some kabuki while I’m there.
Do you prefer booking trips through a travel agent or on your own? I have the great fortune of being in a relationship with someone who loves to plan trips. She loves the logistics, the planning, and finding a great deal. This kind of task gives me great anxiety, so let’s say that I live with a kind of travel agent.
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Thoughts on an “unplugged” vacation? Here’s another task that gives me great anxiety. However, a couple times a year I do take Instagram off my phone and it feels like camping. So rustic. I would be into an “unplugged” vacation, but it would not be easy for me.
What has been your worst vacation experience? I’m having trouble answering this one because generally I’m never sorry I’ve taken a vacation. I will say that once or twice a destination has been overhyped by friends and I’ve spent some time in places thinking, “This is it?” Even then, I’ve been able to figure things out and still have a great time.
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What is your favorite childhood travel memory? When I was growing up, we used to rent a house for a couple of weeks on Cape Cod. One of my favorite things to do was to walk around in tide pools with a net to catch guppies or crabs or whatever else I could find. In those days, there were no screens for long car rides. I remember making signs that said, “Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?” that I would put in the window for passing cars. Even at that age, I was a diehard “Wayne’s World” fan.
Do you vacation to relax, to learn, or for the adventure of it all? I have a really hard time relaxing, so I would say that I vacation to learn and to adventure. I love exploring new places, walking around aimlessly without a plan, and seeing what I might stumble upon.
What book do you plan on bringing with you to read on your next vacation? I just picked up this book called “A Philosophy of Walking” by Frederic Gros. It boasts the ability to “change how you think about walking and how you walk while you’re thinking.” I am a big fan of an aimless walk and think or think and walk. I can do it for hours. Also, they have just republished Fran Lebowitz’s “Metropolitan Life” and “Social Studies.” I’d be throwing [those] in my duffle as well.
If you could travel with one famous person/celebrity, who would it be? Stanley Tucci seems to know what he’s doing. If the celebrity could be dead or alive, I’d pick Anthony Bourdain every time. I feel like he was an epicurean — and not just about food and drink, but about culture. I feel like he denied himself nothing when he would go to a place and he would connect with people, not just a restaurant. He would fully immerse himself in the culture of the place. And he seemed like he would be a good time in a bar, too.
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What is the best gift to give a traveler? A vacation candle. I have a genius friend who turned me onto this idea years ago. If you pick out a candle — ideally one that you don’t usually burn at home — and use it while you’re away in your hotel or Airbnb or whatever, you begin to associate the scent with being on vacation. I have this tomato-scented candle that still reminds me of a vacation I took in Tulum. When I use it at home in Brooklyn, my shoulders instantly lower.
What is your go-to snack for a flight or a road trip? It’s a toss-up between Chex Mix or Cheez-Its.
What is the coolest souvenir you’ve picked up on a vacation? I’m a plant-lover, so if I am traveling within the country, I usually try to find a greenhouse or a nursery. I have an extensive cactus collection with many specimens from out west. Yes, I’m the guy with a live cactus in my carry-on. I even took a couple plants through customs on my way back from Hawaii. Additionally, I’m a sucker for a museum gift shop postcard.
What is your favorite app/website for travel? Years ago when I was in Kauai, a friend had recommended this app called “Shaka Guide.” It’s an audio tour guide app that uses your GPS. It offers different tours with different stops of historical significance, hikes, extraordinary views or other places of interest. It’s an app that can be used on any of the Hawaiian Islands and completely changed our trip for the better.
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What has travel taught you? I think the most important thing that travel has taught me is to remain curious. It’s so easy to become so myopic in our day-to-day lives. Living in New York City, it’s easy to be closed off, think you’re an expert, and keep your eyes on the sidewalk. The expansive act of travel forces you out of your comfort zone. You have no choice but to look around, look up, engage with strangers, and see and try things that are new and different. I always find I come home with a greater desire to be curious about the place where I live and the people around me.
What is your best travel tip? Have a plan but don’t be afraid to deviate from that plan.
Juliet Pennington can be reached at [email protected].