ALL THE WORLD’S A WORKOUT

‘Comet’ actors keep fit for grueling show

NEW York’s best workout isn’t at SoulCycle or Barry’s Bootcamp — it’s on Broadway. In “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812” at the Imperial Theatre, 32 hardworking actors, including Josh Groban, sing, dance and bound up and down stairs. The athletic cast rarely leaves the stage — which includes the theater’s entire orchestra seating section and balcony — during the 2 ¹/₂ hour show. Performing it eight times a week requires that the actors be in peak physical condition.

“It’s certainly the most physically demanding show I’ve [ever] done,” says Azudi Onyejekwe, an ensemble member. “When we did the pre-Broadway engagement at the American Repertory Theater [in Cambridge, Mass.], I lost 15 pounds.”

Onyejekwe, who’s also the show’s fight captain, relies on a strict routine to stay fit.

“I don’t drink alcohol, don’t eat dairy, don’t take in MSG or high-fructose corn syrup,” says the actor, who eats chicken and fish for a protein boost. He also takes oregano oil via a dropper and, in pill form, bromelain, a natural enzyme found in pineapples that’s used for anti-inflammatory and restorative properties.

Onyejekwe says he no longer has any use for the treadmill. “We’re getting all the cardio we need! But I do a lifting regimen, and I do some legwork,” he says of his three-day-a-week workout. Lower-body strength is especially important because each night Onyejekwe jumps from significant heights six times.

His secret for combating muscle stress and strain? A foam roller on his muscles a

half-hour before and after the show. “Rolling out has been a godsend,” he says.

“Comet” actress Lauren Zakrin says it’s her toughest credit to date.

“It’s solely because of the stairs,” she says. “Even when you’re offstage there’s so many . . . Our women’s dressing room is on the sixth floor, and most of our quick changes happen in the basement.”

Zakrin still hits the gym every day, where she alternates between cardio bursts and strength training. “I think you should be using your body outside of the show every day. Sure, going to the gym might make you a little tired for the show, but you’re never going to build up your stamina and endurance unless you push your body beyond the minimum,” she says.

Zakrin adds that the most important thing for getting through the athletic musical is properly warming up and cooling down. She arrives at the theater 90 minutes early to roll out and stretch to avoid injury.

She says: “Simply having endurance and strength is not enough to do this.”