PAUL SHAFFER (Hermes) adds some zip and cheer as Zeus' merry messenger who is the life of the party even when he has to deliver bad news.
"Working on 'Hercules' has been a terrific, relaxed and wonderful experience for me," says Shaffer. "It was a thrill to be selected for the part and when my four-year-old daughter sees it and recognizes me, it's gonna be an even bigger kick. This is a classic story, and just like classic rock and roll, you can't go wrong with a classic. I grew up watching Disney and Mickey Mouse as the Sorcerer's Apprentice is indelibly etched in my brain. Hermes has a lot of energy because he's always zipping in and out real fast. He's a cat who knows the right kind of gift to bring."
He adds, "Seeing the animation come to life has been amazing. In the sound booth, I would say a line that was supposed to be funny and then they animated it with a facial expression that was funny. Which made the line really funny and getting an animated laugh is a great kind of laugh to get."
He has been David Letterman's Musical Director and sidekick for more than 13 years. He began his career playing keyboard with high school and night club bands around his hometown of Thunder Bay in Ontario. As Music Director with the Toronto production of "Godspell," he met Stephen Schwartz who invited him to play piano for Broadway's "The Magic Show." From there he became part of the original "Saturday Night Live" band. He has also established his recording career with two albums, composing the "Late Night" theme song as well as co-writing the hit song "It's Raining
Men." His movie credits include "Gilda Live," "This is Spinal Tap," "Scrooged" and "Look Who's Talking Too." Additionally, he served as Music Director of the Closing Ceremonies of the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta.
