The young actor describes his character as "mostly very quiet, very stiff--just like his family. But he has a spark in him. When he sees something that he likes, he just goes for it."

Alex's favorite number, he says, "is 'New Music,' which is my number with Coalhouse (Brian Stokes Mitchell), Younger Brother (Steven Sutcliffe), and the family."

He has a number of quick changes in the show. "One is very quick. If it wasn't for my dresser, I wouldn't be able to make it."

What he likes best about his character "is his personality. Even though he's stiff and everything, he's happy all the time." And, if he could, would Alex change anything about the boy? "I don't think so. He's basically flawless."

Born in Washington, D.C., Alex grew up in Maryland; he becomes a teenager on October 20th. The oldest of four, he has two sisters and a brother. Like almost every other young actor working today, he made his Broadway debut in Les Miserables.

Alex's favorite pastimes are writing, drawing, and playing cards. As far as combining work and school, he explains, "I'm on the Calvert System. They have an actual campus in Baltimore, but my sister and I are on their home-tutoring program." I ask if it's difficult doing eight shows a week and maintaining friendships, and Alex answers, "Other than my sister, I have no peers."

And does he intend staying in the business as an adult? "I'm either going to be an actor," says Alex Strange, "or a marine biologist."