By Lynn Venhaus
Whether he stands out in a challenging role or disappears into a classic character, Spencer Davis Milford is a familiar presence, having matured on local stages and now recognized nationally.
Fresh from the U.S. and New Zealand premieres of the epic fantasy tale “The Lord of the Rings” musical adaptation as hero Frodo Baggins, the St. Louis native has returned to tackle one of his “dream roles,” as the cunning Master of Ceremonies in New Jewish Theatre’s powerful interpretation of “Cabaret.”
“Getting the chance to tell this story with the passion and creative leadership that Rebekah Scallet, Ellen Isom, and Carter Haney are bringing is incredibly special. I’m grateful that they asked me to be a part of this amazing cast,” he said. “This had always been one of my dream roles when I was younger and became obsessed with musical theater, and I always was the lookout for an opportunity and I couldn’t pass it up.”
Performances have been selling out (including this upcoming weekend), they’ve extended the run through April 13 for four more performances, and he’s been garnering rave reviews for his magnetic performance as the menacing emcee with the salacious grin. It’s a departure from anything he’s done before.

Director Rebekah Scallet, whom Milford said had a clear vision, was impressed with her cast’s work ethic.
“The entire ensemble of Cabaret, from top to bottom, was a dream to work with. Everyone was incredibly committed to this production and worked their tails off – this was no easy feat, given our short rehearsal schedule and small ensemble (we only had 11 and typically the show is done with more like 18), but this group was up for any challenge. We began the process with a tour of the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Museum, and I think that really cemented for everyone the important reasons for doing this show now at NJT. I am so grateful for all of their talents and their passion,: she said.
New Jewish Theatre’s production takes on an even greater relevance as rates of anti-Semitism in the United States are reaching all-time highs. The musical illustrates how the Nazis rose to power while the German citizens either ignored what was happening, refused to believe fascism possibly could happen, or chose to go along with it to ensure their own survival.

“The themes of the show are just as prevalent in our society today as they were when the show was written, unfortunately,” he said.
The Wool Studio’s intimate and immersive setting brings the audience right into the Kit Kat Club as they enter the world of 1929 Germany.
Scallet described Milford as a ‘dream to work with’ on “Cabaret.”
“Not only is he a super talented actor, singer, and dancer, he is a thoughtful and sensitive human. The emcee is a challenging character to wrap your head around, both who he is and how he functions in the play, and Spencer and I had wonderful conversations, diving deep to discover his journey. And I absolutely love what he found,” she said.

A veteran of the Muny, Stages St. Louis and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Milford spread his wings on the first national tours of “Billy Elliot” (as the “Tall Boy” and understudy to Michael) and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” (as Boo Hoo).
In 2013, he appeared on Broadway in the revival of the 1947 Terrance Rattigan play “The Winslow Boy” as the titular character, Ronnie. The drama, about a family’s fight to clear their son’s name after an unjust expulsion from naval college, is based on a real incident, starred Roger Rees and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as his parents.
Acting since he was a youngster, he played Michael Darling in The Muny’s “Peter Pan,” Winthrop in “The Music Man” at Stages St. Louis, Rudy in “Over the Tavern” and :”A Boy” (aka Peter) in “Peter and the Starcatcher,” both at The Rep.
Among his recent roles at the Muny, he was Gene Vincent, Dick Clark and part of the ensemble in 2023’s “Beautiful: the Carole King Musical,” Davey in 2017’s “Newsies,” the ensemble in 2016’s “42nd Street” and in the ensemble in 2022’s “Camelot.” He said performing at the Muny in the summer is one of his most favorite things to do in St. Louis.

Michael Baxter, The Muny’s associate artistic director, has worked with Spencer for many years. first as a Muny Teen. Baxter, part of the Muny artistic team since 2012, spearheaded the teen program, revamping it and being director/choreographer, serving eight seasons. He became the resident choreographer in 2015 and promoted to his current position in 2018.
When asked for a comment, he said: “Spencer is an incredible talent, a true ‘song and dance’ man who comes alive in every role. He is valuable in an ensemble because he honors his essence but is a proper actor who is great with language. He lives in the ‘truth’ of the play and activates every role/line with specificity, rhythm and nuance. I trust him implicitly and he always delivers exceptional work.”
In my Aug. 11, 2017 review of “Newsies” for the Belleville News-Democrat, I wrote: “Other standouts include appealing Spencer Davis Milford as the smart go-getter Davey who handles setbacks with great aplomb, scene-stealing rookie sensation Gabriel Cytron as his adorable waif brother Les,,,.”

He has performed at professional regional theatres, including in Chicago, as Barnaby in “Hello, Dolly!” in 2022, as Rusty Charlie in “Guys and Dolls” in 2024, and as Tony in “Billy Elliot: The Musical” a year ago.
The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre opened “The Lord of the Rings” musical last July before its New Zealand premiere in November 2024. The musical, originally written in 2006, is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s 1954 novel about a humble hobbit who is asked to play the hero and undertake a treacherous mission to destroy an evil, magical ring. It’s set in the world of Middle-earth. The music is by A.R. Rahman, Vartina and Christopher Nightingale, with the lyrics and book by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus.
The reviews described it as a visual marvel, ambitious and featuring a hard-working cast. “This Lord of the Rings is a memorable piece of work. It is undeniably intense, exciting, and powerful,” wrote Chicago on Stage..
Varsha Anjali, a critic for The New Zealand Herald, said “The cast kicked ass,” describing Milford as “charming.” and the musical as “exhilarating.”
While he is in town, we asked him to answer our Take Ten questionnaire, and we interviewed him on the March 12 PopLifeSTL Presents podcast.
Here’s his responses:

Take Ten with Spencer Davis Milford
1. What is special about your latest project?
“Cabaret” is widely considered one of the best musicals of all time. The themes of the show are just as prevalent in our society today as they were when the show was written, unfortunately.”
“Getting the chance to tell this story with the passion and creative leadership that Rebekah Scallet, Ellen Isom, and Carter Haney are bringing is incredibly special. I’m grateful that they asked me to be a part of this amazing cast,
2. Why did you choose your profession/pursue the arts?
“The first time I was onstage in a musical was at five years old in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at Shrewsbury Youth Theater and I’ve been obsessed with performing ever since. I knew very early on that I wanted to be a professional actor.”
3. How would your friends describe you?
“My friends would describe me as mostly laid back and fun, but when I’m passionate about something I am very committed and a little intense.”
4. How do you like to spend your spare time?
“I’m a pretty competitive person and I love sports, so I play a lot of golf and disc golf.”
5. What is your current obsession?
“The green liquidIV packets, electrolytes AND caffeine? Sign me up.”
6. What would people be surprised to find out about you?
“I think Farotto’s has the best t-ravs (toasted ravioli) in STL. Maybe that’s not a surprise.”

7. Can you share one of your most defining moments in life?
“Playing Frodo in the US premiere of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ musical and also doing the show in New Zealand. It was the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life.”
8. Who do you admire most?
“My parents. They’re the hardest working people I know and they’re incredibly supportive of me and my three siblings. I don’t know where I’d be without them.”
9. What is at the top of your bucket list?
“Being in a show that tours all over Europe.”
10. What is your favorite thing to do in St. Louis?
“Performing at The Muny. Going to a Blues playoff game. Eating Imo’s pizza and t-ravs is pretty sweet too. I can’t pick a favorite.”
11. What’s next?
“Nothing I can announce yet but it’s going to be an exciting summer for sure!”

More About Spencer Davis Milford
Birthplace: St. Louis
Education: Masters in Acting from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Favorite jobs/roles/plays or work in your medium? Lord of the Rings, Buzz directed by Carrie Preston, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Billy Elliot
Dream job/opportunity: “Hamlet”
Photo at left is curtain call from “The Winslow Boy” on Broadway.
