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.
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.
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Advertisement
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.
Get The Big To-Do Your guide to staying entertained, from live shows and outdoor fun to the newest in museums, movies, TV, books, dining, and more. Enter Email Sign Up
Juliet Pennington can be reached at writeonjuliet@comcast.net.
The VIP Lounge with Greg HIldreth of Broadway and West Roxbury
2 COMMENTS
LEAVE A REPLY
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on Inside Floyd Mayweather’s Lavish Lifestyle: A Look at His Stunning Car Collection and Private Jet
on Cruise guest gets stuck on ‘claustrophobic’ water slide suspended over ocean: ‘That is super scary’
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Big Tech companies will cover travel expenses for employees’ medical procedures, including abortion
on Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on GameFly Sale Offering Nintendo Switch Sports at a Mind-Blowing Price, Don’t Miss the Opportunity!
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
I appreciate your creativity and the effort you put into every post. Keep up the great work!
Your words have a way of resonating deeply with your readers Thank you for always being encouraging and uplifting