For much of his 22 years of life, Julius Chase has pursued a single goal: to entertain audiences worldwide as a singer, dancer and actor.

The New Orleans native got his first real break fresh out of college when, nine months ago, he was chosen to travel with the hit musical “Mamma Mia,” which returns to Charlotte this week.

The show, which features songs by the 1970s Swedish rock band ABBA, is the story of a daughter's quest to discover the identity of her father. To aid in that search, she invited three of her mother’s former lovers to a Greek island just days before her wedding.

Qcitymetro.com recently caught up with Chase between performances in Tampa, Fla. He talked about the enduring appeal of “Mamma Mia” – now in its 11th year on Broadway -- and the joy he derives from living his dream.

“I feel really blessed to have this opportunity right out of college,” he said. “This is always what I wanted to do, travel and get to perform.”

The Q&A below is based on our interview with Chase. Answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Q. A young woman searching for the identity of her father among three possible men. This is obviously a comedy, correct?

Oh, for sure. But at the same time, there are a couple of warm moments in the show. For me, I appreciate that. A lot of people come to a musical to have comic relief. But also people relate to the warmer moments. At the end of the show, when the mother is giving away her daughter, getting her daughter ready for the wedding, there is a song called “Slipping Through My Fingers.” It basically talks about giving your daughter away and letting her become an adult. That’s a song everybody can relate to. Children can relate to the fact of wanting to grow up. Parents coming to the show can relate to it because they know what it’s like to give their child away and to let go and let them become adults. So it’s really beautiful how the show unfolds.

Q.  The storyline sounds like Jerry Springer meets Broadway.

It’s a little risqué, but people focus on the music, and they enjoy the storyline. Because of the movie (“Mamma Mia” was made into a move in 2008 starring Meryl Streep), people who come are already familiar with it and are happy to see our take on it. We may have certain audiences when we go into some parts of the country that may not react to things as openly as others, but that’s all just how audiences are in various locations. In actuality, these are problems that happen every day in society in America. We haven’t had a problem. We don’t get hate mail or anything.

Q. What’s the appeal of music by ABBA, of all groups?

I think it has a worldwide appeal. My parents, or people in that generation, it’s the kind of music you can remember from our childhood, and when you hear it again it always brings you back to that state of youth. When people come and see the show, they love it because they are reminded of their youth and happy times.

Q. What role do you play?

I’m one of the dancers. I also cover two of the featured roles -- Eddie and Pepper. They are kind of like the young bartender and wait staff on the island, and they are there for comedic relief.

Q. Are you the only African American?

No, there are actually two other African Americans. I am the only African American male. It’s a pretty diverse cast. We also have an Asian American and Hispanics as well.

Q. You landed your first role fresh out of college. What’s your secret?

I always had a vision or goal from childhood. I knew the direction I wanted my life to go and what I wanted to do professionally. I knew I wanted to be in the arts as a child. My success is because of the heart of the city I’m from, the people I’ve met, the upbringing that was instilled in me, the hard work and patience and faith, really. Faith is very important, and hard work, because if you don’t work hard you can’t play hard. If you don’t work hard you’re never going to reach the things you choose to accomplish in life.

Q. How would you characterize the opportunities for African American in theater?

I look at it like this: There are always opportunities for us; we just have to make them. The same is true for any actor, no matter what color. In New York, it comes in waves. There are years on Broadway where new shows come and they are of all-African American cast. And then there are years where shows have no African American cast but will feature one or two. There is work out there for us; we just have to be there at the right place and find it. There is also color-blind casting. Often, actors of color are hesitate about going in for shows like “Oklahoma.” My friends and I, we’re trying to push the boundaries to make sure we have a voice and can play those roles. I think it’s a good time.

IF YOU WANT TO GO:

Dates: July 26-31
Place: Blumenthal Performing Arts Center (130 North Tryon St.)
Price: Tickets begin at $30

For more information, visit the Blumenthal website.

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