Quantum Leap is approaching its 35th anniversary since its debut on television, and Scott Bakula found a unique way to honor this milestone.
The 69-year-old actor invited Quantum Leap fans to attend a performance of his off-Broadway musical, The Connector, in New York City. After the show, he sat down with ET to reflect on the success of the TV series, both during its airing and in the years that followed. Quantum Leap aired a total of 97 episodes across five seasons from March 1989 to May 1993.
Even after the original series ended, fans remained devoted. In fact, TV Guide ranked Quantum Leap No. 19 on its Top Cult Shows Ever list in 2007. Looking back, Bakula has nothing but positive memories.
„Yeah, that was a big deal. I was in New York doing [the musical] Romance/Romance and I left the show with multiple Tony nominations. We were very popular and people were asking, ‚What are you doing?‘ And I said, ‚It’s time to go.‘ A month later, I auditioned for Quantum Leap and we started shooting a month after that,“ Bakula reminisced. „I incorporated so many elements of the theater into the years of Quantum Leap, every aspect of my life. I played the piano, participated in various sports, sang, danced, and did a bit of everything. I believe that all of our experiences shape our lives, and they were all reflected in that particular show. I consider myself fortunate for that to have happened.“
Bakula portrayed physicist Dr. Sam Beckett, who developed the ability to travel back in time. The show also featured Dean Stockwell. Throughout those years and beyond, Bakula admired the enthusiastic fan base that supported him and the show. This is why he welcomed those fans to watch his new musical performance.
„As our show was about to end, there was a writing campaign in the old days where fans flooded NBC,“ he explained. „The fans were invested and vocal. They have followed me around the world. Sci-fi fans are incredible. If you provide them with the right content, they will remain loyal forever. I have encountered them all over the planet, and they attend my performances. They support me, build friendships among themselves, and have been with me throughout.“
Bakula’s popularity and intrigue have also expanded through a very different show. Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Jane Lynch are among those who have mentioned him on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. Although they frequently reference him, Bakula remains unaware of why his name comes up.
„I’m not sure, but I would love to be part of that,“ he expressed. „I adore the show.“
For what it’s worth, there is a small connection between Bakula and Only Murders in the Building – he previously appeared on the HBO series, Looking. One of the writers from that show, John Hoffman, co-created Only Murders in the Building.
„I am honored to be acknowledged in such a delightful manner,“ Bakula remarked. „It always catches me off guard, and I never know when it will happen.“
Meanwhile, fans can see Bakula in The Connector, which is running off-Broadway until March 17. This nearly two-hour musical, based on Jonathan Marc Sherman’s book of the same name, is set in the late 1990s amidst a rapidly changing media environment. Bakula plays a magazine editor, and the story revolves around an aspiring journalist whose ambition leads him to confront his limits for the ultimate scoop.
For the NCIS: New Orleans star, returning to the stage is exhilarating.
„My first love is being on stage in front of a live audience, and I also adore singing. The world of musicals has always held a special appeal to me, and to be back in New York is wonderful,“ Bakula stated. „Many aspects drew me to this role and the show, starting with Jason Robert Brown. I am a huge fan of his work, and when they mentioned it was his show, I was willing to do anything they asked of me.“
„Additionally, having Daisy Prince on board is a bonus. I was not familiar with the writer, Jonathan Marc Sherman, and his script is brilliant. It is one of the best scripts I have ever worked with in a musical or a play. It is incredibly rich and well-crafted. I jumped at the opportunity, and I am thrilled to be a part of it,“ he added. „I am truly delighted to be here.“
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