Phantom, Snoopy & Beyond: Douglas Tholedo Unscripted
New York 2024. Douglas Tholedo is a triple threat—belting on stage, voicing everything from musicals to credit cards, and keeping audiences hooked from Brazil to Broadway. Whether he's in Phantom of the Opera or teaching the next star, he’s got stories (and voices) for days. Let’s dive into the many roles of this theater chameleon!
Q&A with Douglas Tholedo: From Broadway to Brazil, and Everything in Between
Q: Douglas, you’ve performed in The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and even We Will Rock You—iconic productions! If you could only perform in one musical for the rest of your life, which would it be?
Douglas Tholedo: That’s like choosing your favorite child! But if I had to pick... maybe Phantom. There’s something about the mystery and grandeur of that show—it feels timeless. Plus, getting to wear those costumes forever? Not a bad deal!
Q: I can imagine! So, what's the bigger thrill—belting out a big musical number or nailing a complex scene as a voice actor?
Douglas Tholedo: Belting, for sure! Don’t get me wrong, voice work is a lot of fun, but there’s nothing quite like the energy of a live audience reacting to your high notes. It’s like an adrenaline shot.
Q: Speaking of voices, your range is impressive—from musicals to voice-overs for Brazilian credit card companies. Any funny moments behind the mic?
Douglas Tholedo: Oh, plenty! One time I was voicing an automated phone service, and I accidentally slipped into my “Snoopy” voice from You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. I’m pretty sure a few customers were confused, but hey, they got a bit of theater with their customer service!
Q: That’s amazing! You’ve also studied at Juilliard and worked on Broadway. How does working in New York compare to the Brazilian theater scene?
Douglas Tholedo: New York is intense—there’s a hustle here that pushes you to your limits, and I love it. But Brazilian theater has this raw passion, a unique energy that’s hard to describe. It’s like every performance is a celebration. I feel lucky to have experienced both worlds.
Q: You’ve played some unforgettable roles. Snoopy, Axl Rose, M. Reyer—what’s the most challenging character you’ve tackled?
Douglas Tholedo: Snoopy might sound easy, but trust me, it’s hard to nail that dog’s comedic timing! But seriously, playing Courfeyrac in Les Mis was a challenge emotionally—it’s such a heavy show. You have to leave it all on stage, night after night.
Q: Last one—what advice would you give to aspiring actors trying to break into musical theater?
Douglas Tholedo: Don’t give up, no matter how many auditions you bomb. Every ‘no’ is just getting you closer to the ‘yes’ that changes everything. And always stay curious—whether it’s learning new vocal techniques or studying different roles. Oh, and have fun—if you’re not enjoying it, the audience won’t either!
