Markki bares (almost!)
Body Talk with Markki Stroem, star of the Atlantis’ musical Side Show: Come to think of it, if a ‘worthy’ role calls for it and it’s imperative that my character should drop his pants, well, why not?
He’s said to be one of the actors with a very colorful love life not so much exposed in the media as whispered around the gossip circuit. In this “revealing” Body Talk, Markki Stroem bares himself (well, almost!) and answers most of the questions showbiz-watchers have been wanting to know but were afraid to ask. Markki is in the cast of Side Show (nominated for four Tony Awards including Best Musical), an Atlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group production set to be staged starting on Aug. 31 at the Carlos P. Romulo
Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City. (For tickets, call 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.)
Written by Bill Russell and composed by Henry Krieger (of Dreamgirls fame), Side Show tells the story of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton (played by Gab Pangilinan and Kayla Rivera) who try to overcome their impediment and make a name for themselves as stage and film stars. Side Show is directed by Steven Conde. Where are you more at home, theater or film?
“As much as I enjoy doing both film and theater. I started acting on stage when I was six years old. I basically grew up in the theater. Live performance has always been something I enjoyed more. Although I only do one play a year, my family of stage performers always welcomes me back with open arms.” Describe your role in Side Show and how you relate to it.
“I play Terry Connor, a talent scout and press agent for the Orpheum Circuit. He scouts Siamese Twins Daisy and Violet Hilton and brings them to play Vaudeville. The character is very businessoriented. He is always looking for the next big thing. Fortunately, performing in show business, as well as the theater, I have come across many managers and have had meaningful conversations with them. Understanding the passion for discovering talent and sometimes the extent to which one will push their talents for fame. It’s an emotionally taxing business and I relate with the drive of Terry Connor for his career.”
Why do they say that among the young actors you have one of the most “colorful” lives?
“I have lived in different parts of the world. Gone to school with people from different walks of life and nationalities. As an international school kid, my personality is an amalgamation of nuances from everywhere. I am fortunate to have had my parents support my career choice yet am thankful that my parents pushed me to get my bachelor’s degree in Switzerland. It allows me to do what I love to do without worrying about not having a fallback.” Do you have any dream (theater role)? “Most of my dream roles are much older.
Next to Normal’s ‘dream dad,’ Dan is a role I would like to play when I am much older. As for non-musical plays, I would like to play Christopher John Francis Boone in Curious Incident of a Dog in the Night-Time before I get too old.” How daring are you as an actor (willing to strip for a good role)?
“Daring is not the word I would use. If a ‘worthy’ role calls for it, and it is absolutely imperative that my character does so…yes, I would consider doing it. Although, to be honest, in this day and at my age, there are very, very, very few projects that are ‘worthy’ enough for me to strip.” What kind of diet do you follow?
“Intermittent fasting. I only eat from 4 p.m. to 12 midnight, although during rehearsals for Side Show I need all the energy I can get, so my routine is a little less strict. I am also fortunate to have a diet food sponsor who counts my calories, ‘Supreme Diet.’ I also work with Diet Divas’ ‘Lean Machine’ when I need to really tone down for a topless shoot.” What’s usually for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and snacks between meals?
“Chicken, fish, bananas, kamote, protein shakes and a lot of coffee. I also enjoy yogurt for breakfast and muesli. Again, these days, my diet has been a little less strict because of Side Show rehearsals.” What vitamins do you take?
“Colostrum, mother’s milk (found in Healthy Options). This boosts your immune system and overall health, good to take before tech week. I have my daily dose of Vitamin C as well.” How much water do you take per day?
“I take around six to eight glasses of water a day, depending on how much cardio I do. I usually take a lot of sparkling water to counteract my lactose intolerance.”
What workout do you do?
“I have a trainer, Wilbert Uy. He creates my training regimen at Fitness First. I usually do a different body part a day and he monitors my gains and losses.” What part of your body needs improvement?
“My arms have always been hard to sculpt as I have naturally thin arms. Also, my lower abs are very stubborn. It takes a lot of serious diet to flatten my stomach out.” What part of your body is most vulnerable?
“My eyes, I have hay fever allergies so if I am around dogs and too much dust, my eyes get red and I always have to bring eye drops everywhere I go. They also tend to get itchy very fast.” What part is your favorite? “My abdominal V. Also, my glutes, I guess.” How much sleep do you get per night? “Six to eight hours.” Favorite sleepwear? “Nothing.” Last thing that you do before you go to sleep?
“Turn on my Pokemon Go app and send gifts to friends. Sometimes, I fall asleep with my phone in my hand. I play until I fall asleep.” First thing that you do as soon as you wake up? “Brush my teeth.” How do you cope with stress? “Sometimes, I have mild anxiety attacks when I get too stressed. I usually do a few breathing exercises to calm me down. Also, I tend to isolate myself to be able to handle the stress properly.” Favorite hideaway? “The roof of my house in Antipolo. I go there to think and admire the view. Hong Kong is also great for short vacations when I need a quick break. I also disappear into my Pokemon Go world once in a while for a quick virtual mini vacation. My last one was Zapdos community day with Megan Young, Mikael Daez, Myrtle Sarrosa and Chico Garcia. We scouted Manila for three hours to raid Pokemon together and meet the community.” How’s your love life? “Single and happy.” How’s your sex life? “Pretty non existent actually, especially since play rehearsals started. I’m usually tired when I get home and pass out right away.” Lights on or lights off? “Lights on.” When did you lose your innocence?
“When I ran into the house of my neighbor as a five year old. I saw his lifeless body on the floor. He had a heart attack. Pretty traumatizing for a five year old.” To a younger woman, older woman or a woman your age? “For now, maybe my age.” (E-mail reactions at rickylophilstar@gmail.com. For more updates, photos and videos, visit www.philstar.com/funfare or follow me on Instagram @therealrickylo.)