The TV Addict 

Since our favorite FOX shows are off tonight in leu of the MLB Playoffs [damn you baseball!!!], this TV Addict thought he’d help fans get their BONES fix by posting our recent interview with actor Eric Millegan.

But before we get to discussing BONES with the talented actor/singer, this TV Addict — who just so happens to be a huge theatre fan [see: theTHEATREaddict.com] couldn’t resist asking Millegan what it was like watching SPRING AWAKENING — the show he originally starred in — take home a TONY for Best Musical.

Eric Millegan: I’m glad the show did well, but truthfully it was a little bittersweet. SPRING AWAKENING was going to be my big break. We did a workshop of it back in 2001 at the Roundabout Theatre. I played Moritz. We were supposed to go to Broadway in 2002, but as shows tend to do, it got delayed. I got older and older and by the time the show was ready to go it was too late.

The TV Addict: Of course, you are now starring in a hit TV show on FOX, so I’d say things worked out.

Yeah, [laughs] I’m on BONES.

Did SPRING AWAKENING change a lot since you originated the role of Moritz?

There are definitely some new songs. But the whole idea of doing the play and pulling out the microphones — we discovered that.

Obviously there are enormous differences between theatre and television. Do you have a preference?

I like them both. With theatre, you can’t mess up. Well you can, but you just start over again or keep going. On television it’s easier, you just re-shoot the scene. With singing, you always have to ensure your voice is warmed up and you’re caring for your voice. I don’t have to worry about singing so much on BONES.

When I first went from musical theatre to television I thought, “WOW, it’s so much easier.” But as the seasons wear on, the show gets harder and harder. Obviously TV pays me a lot more, which is nice. But they both have their demands and challenges and I embrace them both.

Has it been challenging to play the same character for three seasons?

Yeah, it’s a challenge. The show becomes a formula. You know your part on the show and sometimes you just want to break out and play a different character. But that’s what a hiatus is for. Between season 1 and 2 I shot a movie. I did an operetta during the Christmas break last season and this season I’m hoping to put together a Cabaret.

Where would you like to see you character go this season?

I’d love for Zack to get a love interest. But I don’t know if the writers are ever going to go in that direction. But I think the audience wants it, so we’ll have to see how long the writers can hold off on that.

Can you talk about your character’s relationship with Booth?

At the very end of the season premiere, Booth says he’ll take my character our for drinks, but we have yet to see that scene. I would have loved to play that scene. There’s a really great scene between the two of us coming up in the episode we’re just shooting [episode 8], so stay tuned for that.

Do you ever spend time online reading fan reaction?

Absolutely, I go to fox.com all the time. They’re my audience.

I can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic. If I were an actor, I’d be terrified of the internet!

People write a lot of good stuff about the show. Our fans are very passionate. It’s fantastic. I don’t really read too much bad stuff about the show, I guess the people who don’t like the show don’t bother posting.

BONES returns to FOX next Tuesday October 23 at 8PM