When the offbeat musical dramedy series “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist” premieres on NBC Jan. 7, Lynn native Alex Newell will play a central role as the title character’s confidant and friend.
Newell, who achieved fame on the hit musical series “Glee” in the groundbreaking role of transgender teenager Wade “Unique” Adams, is excited about the show’s potentional. It is already one of 2020’s most buzzed-about new shows by TV critics.
“This show is very different, but it works really well,” said Newell, 27, who attended KIPP Lynn Academy and graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School in 2012.
The plot: After Zoey’s father is diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy she is fearful that it might be hereditary, and gets an MRI. Something happens during the test, and she starts to hear the innermost wants and desires of the people around her through music. People are unknowingly singing their feelings through popular songs — just to her. “She can hear the soundtrack of your life” is the show’s catchphrase.
Newell plays Zoey’s neighbor, Mo, a music enthusiast and DJ, and the two soon deduce what’s happening. Jane Levy stars as Zoey and Skylar Astin is her co-worker/best friend. “I’m loyal to Zoey,” he said.
“It’s been a lot of fun. It’s a dream cast: Mary Steenburgen, Peter Gallagher, Lauren Graham (the mother on “Gilmore Girls”). I was a big fan of ‘Gilmore Girls’ when I was growing up in Lynn. We’re having a ball. It’s a great time to be on TV. The feedback on this show has been strong. A lot of people have fallen in love with it,” he added.
Newell had filmed a previous NBC pilot, “Imaginary Friend,” that wasn’t picked up by the network. Was he gun-shy that a similar fate would befall “Zoey”?
“A pilot is always a gamble. You go in with the mindset that you’re going to do the best work you can. The rest is out of your control,” he said on the phone from New York City, where he lives. “This show has a lot of heart. It’s new and different. We all had positive feelings about it being picked up.”
Newell has had great success in the theater and music worlds as well. In 2017, he made his Broadway debut playing the role of Asaka in the revival of “Once On This Island,” which ran for two years and won numerous awards. Newell’s performance drew raves from critics. Entertainment Weekly‘s review said Newell’s “energetic ‘Mama Will Provide’ is a highlight and one of the show’s most memorable and most cheered moments” while Variety praised his “amazing vocal range.”
Has singing been put on hold during the TV show’s filming? Heavens no, he says.
“I do everything, to stay busy. I’m always singing,” he says.
He has performed at Coachella, and has worked with music legends Nile Rodgers and Diane Warren, and opened for Adam Lambert on tour
A gay man, Newell is a big supporter of LGBT causes and performs in many charity events and pride festivals.
Newell celebrated Thanksgiving with his mom, Brenda, in Lynn and will be home for Christmas. “My mom allowed me to be me, and has supported me and my decisions my whole life.” His father, a deacon, died of cancer when Newell was 6 years old.
Newell’s love for the stage started early. At age 2, he got on stage at the Topsfield Fair, grabbed the mic and started singing a church hymn. He was a standout with the Zion Baptist Church Choir, and appeared in productions at North Shore Music Theatre and Marblehead Little Theatre.
Thanks to “Zoey,” his extraordinary career is about to reach another level.
