'Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist' star Peter Gallagher practices songs 'a hundred times' for the musical dramedy

In an interview with MEA WorldWide, Peter opened up about his unique role in the show where he plays a father suffering from a neurological disease
PUBLISHED JAN 30, 2020
Peter Gallagher (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Peter Gallagher (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

'Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist' will return to our screens with a brand new episode on February 16. The musical dramedy is the perfect combo of music and drama that will leave you wanting more. 

'Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist' includes a star-studded cast with the lead played by Jane Levy from ABC's 'Suburgatory'. The series also includes Skylar Astin, Alex Newell, Peter Gallagher, Lauren Graham and Mary Steenburgen.

The fan-favorite series revolves around Zoey, a computer coder who goes for an MRI scan. During the procedure, an earthquake takes place which alters her brain patterns. This leaves Zoey being able to hear the innermost thoughts and feelings of people around her. Though at first she thinks that she is cursed, she eventually realizes that it might be a blessing as well as her gift allows her to communicate with her father who suffers from a neurological disease.



 

Peter Gallagher plays the role of Zoey's father. During NBCUniversal's Winter Press Tour MEA WorldWide (MEAWW) caught up with Peter who opened up about his unique role in the show. 

Talking about if he felt extra pressure playing the role of Mitch Clarke (Zoey's father) because it was based out of one of the creator's father, Peter said, "I didn't feel extra pressure about it. I actually felt pretty good about it because Austin, who created the show, did it brilliantly. His dad had that disease and he's also written Broadway musical, and he also wrote an amazing pilot. He's an amazing writer. So I felt he's there and he's going to know if I'm doing something that's full of baloney." 

Adding to that he said, "I felt honored to try to fulfill his vision and when he would be moved and have to leave the set, I was comforted by that. That I'm doing his father some justice. I'm just Mr Winesburg and I just feel very lucky to be in the company." 

Mitch and Zoey's father-daughter relationship could be sad, but instead, it brings joy with their communication through music.

Talking about what songs communicated to him on a personal level, Peter said, "You know, it's hard. I can't tell you how much I love the songs they've chosen for me. There are some of my favorite songs and I can't really dwell on any of them cause I have to learn two for the next episode. I have to do a song a hundred times before I can sing it. I just got to put the hours in so constantly my head is what I'll be singing next." 

'Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist' returns on February 16 only on NBC. Check your local listings for more information.

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