Edward Juvier’s love of road trips started when he was a child, when he and his family would travel by car to tourist destinations in other states. Now, as a touring actor, much of his life is spent on the road. “Those trips sparked a sense of adventure that still shapes how I travel today,” Juvier, 49, said in a recent phone call from West Palm Beach, Fla., where he was performing in the national tour of “Some Like it Hot.” The musical, which in 2023 won four Tony Awards, is coming to the Citizens Opera House Jan. 28-Feb. 8. The Houston native said he is looking forward to returning to Boston, where he attended the Boston Conservatory (now Boston Conservatory at Berklee) from 1995-2000, and performed in national tour productions including “Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Misérables” (two shows in which he also appeared on Broadway). And while he’s been on the national tour of “Some Like it Hot” since it began in September 2024, Juvier said that with a wonderful story, an incredible score (“every single [song] is a banger,” he maintained) and a “best-of-the-best” cast, it never gets old. He said that while the musical is based on the classic 1959 MGM film starring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis, and set in the same time period, “it’s sort of an updated version of the story … with a modern eye and modern sensibility.” Set during the Prohibition era, the story revolves around two male musicians who disguise themselves as women to hide from Chicago mobsters. Juvier said that at its core, it’s a “story about love and authenticity” and that his character — Osgood Fielding III, an eccentric millionaire with a laid-back attitude — is a “plum role” that “fits me like a glove.” We caught up with Juvier, who lives on Long Island, N.Y., when he’s not on tour, to talk about all things travel.
If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go?
Right now, I’d like to go to Japan. As a theater artist who spends much of the year driving from city to city on tour, I’m drawn to places that value ritual, precision, and storytelling. Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are at the top of my list as a theme park enthusiast, but I’m equally inspired by the food, history, and cultural traditions. I’ve performed extensively throughout the United States and would love the opportunity to experience — and eventually perform — theater internationally.
Do you prefer booking trips through a travel agent or on your own?
I usually book my own trips. Touring has made me comfortable handling logistics and staying flexible. For bigger international trips or truly special experiences, I love the idea of working with a travel agent who knows the destination intimately and can help elevate the experience beyond the basics.
Thoughts on an “unplugged” vacation?
I love the idea of it, even if I’m not fully there yet. Being on tour means I’m often connected for work, navigation, and staying in touch with people I love. Still, I try to build in moments to unplug, put down the phone, and really be present. Travel feels most rewarding when you give yourself permission to slow down and experience where you are.
What has been your worst vacation experience?
Getting sick or injured while traveling is always the hardest for me. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it’s challenging to be far from home and suddenly navigating doctors’ offices while trying to explain a touring lifestyle that doesn’t fit neatly into a box. It’s a reminder that no matter how carefully you plan, travel always asks for flexibility.
What is your favorite childhood travel memory?
Growing up, my family took a lot of road trips, which is where my love of traveling by car really began. I also fell in love with theme parks early on, thanks to family trips to Disney and Universal and many Six Flags visits with my sister. Those trips sparked a sense of adventure that still shapes how I travel today.
Do you vacation to relax, to learn, or for the adventure of it all?
A combination of all three. I love travel that offers rest, curiosity, and a sense of adventure — especially when those elements naturally overlap.
What book do you plan on bringing with you to read on your next vacation?
I usually bring a mix. I enjoy self-help books and recently finished “The Let Them Theory” by Mel Robbins, which I loved and learned a lot from. I’m also a comic book nerd, so I always pack a few comics to completely unplug and get lost in a story.
If you could travel with one famous person/celebrity, who would it be?
I’d go old school and choose someone I could learn from. Ella Fitzgerald has always been a personal hero, and I would love to hear her stories — especially about what it was like traveling the country as a performer in her era. Anyone from that time would be fascinating to learn from, both as an artist and a traveler.
What is the best gift to give a traveler?
A great bag. I’m a bit of a bag enthusiast — Big bags, small bags, anything that helps you carry your things more comfortably and stay organized on the road. I even travel with colored light bulbs to help set the mood in whatever hotel or Airbnb I’m calling home.
What is your go-to snack for a flight or a road trip?
For me, it’s pork rinds or chicharrón. It’s a classic, comforting snack I grew up with and still love bringing along for the ride.
What is the coolest souvenir you’ve picked up on a vacation?
I’m not big on traditional souvenirs, but I love picking up stickers from the cities I visit. I put them on the trunk I travel with on tour, so it becomes a moving scrapbook of where the company and I have been.
What is your favorite app/website for travel?
Airbnb for places to stay, Waze and Google Maps for getting around, Hotels.com and Hotels Tonight when needed, and just about every parking app known to man.
What has travel taught you?
Travel has taught me flexibility, patience, and how to feel at home almost anywhere. Living on the road as a theater artist has shown me that connection and curiosity matter more than location — and that every place has something to offer if you’re open to it.
What is your best travel tip?
Stay curious and respect the locals. Listen more than you speak, be open to learning, and remember that you’re a guest wherever you go.
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