Remember dreaming as a little kid that you would become the greatest actor, or dancer or singer in the world? How people would rush to get tickets to see the performance of a lifetime, and not care it cost $90 to see because it was worth it. Fast forward to adulthood and a major reality downer. That little kid who wanted to be a star is now stuck in either a dead end job or a well-paid job that is so boring that pulling out eyelashes is a better idea. Evan Tyler left a lucrative job back East to make his artistic dreams a reality.

Tyler isn’t a well-known name, yet, but the way he works his grind it is astonishing Hollywood hasn’t capitalized on this great talent. Tyler would have been a goldmine in the early days of Hollywood when being a triple threat—dancing, singing and acting— and leading man looks would make the studios millions. He got fed up with his job and moved to California to re-direct his inner star.

Tyler looks on his 12-year old self dreaming of the day he would be an American Star

Tyler was destined to be a star, not a celebrity. The difference is a celebrity gets written up and photographed for simply breathing and looking cute. A star is a person who hones his craft meticulously making it look effortlessly so the audience can ‘oooh’ in amazement. When he was 12-years old the little Jewish boy with an Afro, actually it was extremely tall curly hair, studied Michael Jackson and MC Hammer performances. He perfected his tight moves to show off at his 1989 bar mitzvah. I’m sure he tossed a ball or rode his bike like other kids, but it was the theater that captured his spirit.

Tyler’s show is an autobiographical tale told through music, dance, video and bittersweet memories. He talks fondly of his first crush at a kids theater camp who didn’t notice him romantically. His voice was finally in tune after four years to sing ‘Brother Can You Spare a Dime’ at the camp’s finale. Unfortunately the counselors decided to go with a girl instead of a boy. That was bad. However, Tyler had the opportunity to do his version of the song in this show and does a very poignant rendition. During his various wardrobe changes, he provided the audience with clips of dance and song and how he works the crowd as an emcee for an event.

The man, the hoofer and soon to be a huge star Evan Tyler giving another brilliant performance

After showing snippets of tap dancer Savion Glover and Glover’s mentor Gregory Hines from the 1989 movie “Tap”, Tyler would re-create the moment. I got nervous and scared for him when he announced he would do some break dancing. I remember thinking “White boy don’t embarrass yourself.” Then I thought, “You better bring it and bring it hard.”

I was amazed and completely surprised at his remarkable tap dancing skills. He brought out an enormous collapsible hard floorboard for the tapping and when he was through wood particles floated in the air. All the little popular dances in the 80s he excelled even the cabbage patch which somehow became the Caucasian dance movie to do in movies. He made it look cool which isn’t easy or recommended to do now. Tyler expressed how sometimes he had to live on little food to afford lessons from a punk-ass dance instructor who charged $100 an hour. The sacrifice didn’t deter him but I think the thought of not being the best was more injurious.

When he wasn’t impressing the audience with his beautiful singing or incredible dance moves, Tyler would take a moment and share his personal experiences. He’s not regretful, except for letting his over-demanding executive position give him an ulcer, and spoke affectionately of his entertainment career. Tyler has a lot of heart and respect for his gift.

The actor talks with the audience as pictures from his past look on

He gets what it takes to be in the performing arts. It’s not about the fame or the so-called riches that’s attached. That part comes later if the entertainer is lucky. Tyler has the passion, the drive and intense focus of his skills and takes excellent care by rehearing more and coming up with ways to make it better. Once the audience feels his enthusiasm and love for the art, that pay off is worth more than any other accolade or million-dollar check. Don’t get me wrong. Money is always appreciated but it’s simply a prize for doing something you would do for free. He was in his own world and he allowed up to take a peek.

“What happens in our youth affects our lives as adults,” he said during those shared moments. Those simple words ring so damn true like a signal to get moving and do what you like. I have much respect for Tyler who moved across country, had little or nothing to live on and worked hard in making his dream come true. While the rest of the population daydream during those mind-numbing board meetings or answering phones with irate customers on the other end, Tyler is living his childhood dream. It’s never too late to find your passion and work it.

Hi, my name is Evan and I’m the next big thing

“American Star” plays at The Hudson Guild Theatre at 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. until Sunday, August 26. For more information call 323-960-7792 or visit www.plays411.com/americanstar.

Evan Tyler can be reached at www.evantyler.com

Photos by Natalie Young

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