As a child watching Harry Potter, The Gladiator, and Matrix in Naples, Italy, Yuri Pascale Langer dreamed about starring on the big screen. Heavily influenced by his parents for their love of music engraved in Yuri a deep passion to pursue a career as an actor in musical theater. "My first music memory is singing with my mom and playing the guitar with my dad; they raised me on milk and The Beatles!" says the 26-year-old. This passion led him down the road as a musical stage actor. And now, Yuri is coming out with a new movie, Backstage - The Movie, streaming on Amazon Prime on October 13th. Yuri is driven to develop his craft as an actor and a musician. "I'm a very self-critical person. And I try to do the best I can. This is important because I can reinvent myself every time and create something unique."

We can't wait to see more from this genuine and humble talent.

Vestal __ You were born in Naples, and I understand your father influenced you to pursue music. Can you tell us about your upbringing and how you got into musical theater?

Yuri Pascale Langer __ Yes, I’m so proud to have a Neapolitan soul! My first memory of music is singing with my mom and playing guitar with my dad; they raised me on milk and The Beatles! I also had a real passion for watching movies with my brother and dreaming about living in those worlds, like Harry Potter, The Gladiator, and Matrix! Then during high school, I decided to become an actor but also a singer-songwriter and dancer. I also fell in love with a musical while living in Naples called Mind The Gap, directed by Fabrizio Miano, which ultimately pushed me into the theater. After my first show, where I played the character Peter Pan, I understood that the stage was my second home.

VM __ What do you like most about acting or producing music?

YPL __ The continuous challenges. Every time I start a new project, show, film, or song, there is always that feeling of the unknown of how it will go. I’m a very self-critical person. And I try to do the best I can in both genres. This is important because I can reinvent myself every single time and create something unique.

VM __ How do you prepare for a role?

YPL __ First, reading. I read the script as often as possible, trying to find something new, a detail, a nuance, then questioning everything: the character, the story, what I want, what I need and why, and how I can get it. Then I would speak with others, the director, friends, family, and every breathing person that can help me find a new perspective.  I also like to experiment with my body and objects that can help bring out the character's soul!

VM __ Can you tell us a little about the movie Backstage - The Movie?

YPL __ Working on Backstage - The Movie was a breath of fresh air, something that here in Italy is missing; a pop dance movie like Fame or Flashdance, where a group of young performers will compete in three brutal auditions for a musical: singing, acting, and dancing! We will see their strength, fear, and, most importantly, their passion for this beautiful job!

VM __ What was it like working on this project with your co-stars?

YPL __ One of the most beautiful things in this movie is the relationship between us guys. All our feelings were real! We met each other on set, and we immediately bonded. The general mood was incredible; we laughed a lot and always supported each other. We lived in the same house for three months. Some crazy things happened, but that is another story!

VM __ Was there any exciting moments you could discuss while filming Backstage - The Movie?

YPL __ I think that for all of us, the most exciting mo ment was when we all were in the Sistina theatre, on stage, and had to record the dance audition; the air was electrifying. We were nervous because we couldn’t be wrong and we all knew that that scene was one of the most important in the movie. Fortunately, everything went fine, but we were exhausted at the end of the day, so we all went for a few drinks to ease the tension.

VM __ If you could choose three actors, you would like to work with, whom would they be and why?

YPL __ I would love to work with Leonardo di Caprio, so I can ask him how he could do so many intense scenes. Maryl Streep because I think there is no actress more versatile than her. Timothée Chalamet looks fantastic, and I would love to have him as a friend.

VM __ What do you like to do in your downtime?

YPL __ I love seeing Naples, my beautiful city, and staying with my family and friends from high school. When I reconnect with my brother, my mom always says that we have become children again because we spend time playing video games or table tennis. I also love studying music and guitar and making music videos for social media. I’m also a videomaker and love studying photography and DOP. I love sports too, like tennis, basketball, and skating! I spend most of the time falling, but it’s enjoyable!

VM __ Can you share the projects you are most proud of?

YPL __ I think I'm still beginning my career and have so much road ahead. But there are some things I'm proud of, like Chorus Line, which I played some years ago. I miss that show so much. And I'm proud of the music I am working on, but I have to publish it soon. I'm pleased that in Backstage - The Movie  there are two of my songs.

VM __ There are significant changes the world is going through. How do you keep informed? Do you have any messages that you’d like to share?

YPL __ I must admit that my brother keeps me informed of all the news. Because I don’t have a television, I read a lot on the web, but it is not enough; we are flooded with so many events that we struggle to express our opinion about every single one. I always try to carry on my battle of kindness and inclusiveness toward others regardless of their sexual, political, or religious orientation. Everyone should do their part to better the world and our culture.

VM __ What are your plans for 2023?

YPL __ To Work! Self-improvement was something I tackled this past year, studying, writing music, and waiting for the film to go out! I hope Backstage - The Movie will give me the visibility to find new opportunities and experiences.

VM __ What advice have you gotten that has been valuable to you, and from whom?

YPL __ My mom always told me that “everything happens for a reason.” Even if I think we own our destiny, this advice always helped me when I got sad after receiving “no” for a movie role or breaking up with some girl… I always thought that sad things happen to make you a better person. Thanks, mom.

VM __ What is one of your favorite musicals, and why?

YPL __ Without any doubt, Once by Glen Hansard. The music in that musical is terrific, so profoundly romantic and heartbreaking! I love it because all the actors in the musical are also musicians, so they act, dance, and sing with different instruments like guitars, violins, violas, and percussion! It’s insane! I recommend watching it!

VM __ Do you have any new projects you are working on?

YPL __ Yes, my music. After the release of Backstage - The Movie, I will release my first single, FILTRI, written for my girlfriend which is also in the movie’s soundtrack! I would love to pursue a career as a singer, songwriter, and actor. I also will never leave the theatre stage; that is my home.

VM __ What would you say to someone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

YPL __ Keep learning and studying, don’t give up after someone says “no,” and surround yourself with family and friends who can encourage you and people with the same passion and dream. Reinvent yourself, be self-critical in a good way, always try to do better, and be competitive. Never be satisfied, and bring out the “CAZZIMMA”, a Neapolitan word that have no translation but I hope turns you on.

Photography Raffaele Grosso, Styling Andrea Sangiorgi, Makeup and Hair Fabiana Albanese, Press office Mpunto comunicazione, Talent Yuri Pascal Langer.