Talking with André Ward
In today’s episode, André shares with us:
- How theatre solved the problem of what to do with an energetic little boy
- His Zen-like way of handling the news “no, you didn’t get the job”
- The key to remaining open to what the Universe has in store
- Why success is an inside job
- How to get out of your own way
- The payoff that comes from showing up, working hard and always being prepared
- How inspiration and joy can come from feelings of discomfort (as well as happiness)
Podcast Extras:
- Gypsy of the Year!
- Variety is the spice of life: 6 Years in Rock of Ages
- Rainbow Company Youth Theatre
- Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors
- This one's for you, André!
UPDATE: André Ward portrays Manhattan in the Season Two episodes Never Knew Love Like This Before, Revelations, and In My Heels, of POSE.
André Ward as the Leading Player in PIPPIN. New York Times, Photo Diane Sobolewski
André as one of muses in Broadway's XANADU.
Have you ever met someone who has so much luminosity that when they walk into a room, they don’t just light it up, they fill it with joy? My guest today, veteran Broadway actor André Ward, is one of those people. André’s megawatt smile, his infectious laugh, and his knack for telling a juicy story (not to mention his singing and dancing) have put him on every casting directors “must have” list for nearly two decades. The stage, and the world, gets a whole lot brighter when André shows up.
Since coming to New York in the late 90’s, André has performed steadily on Broadway, landing featured roles in the original companies of The Producers, Saturday Night Fever and Rock of Ages. In the quirky hit Xanadu, André had the distinct honor of having played every single role - both male and female - during the show’s run. If you’re in New York City before the end of 2016, be sure to catch André singing and tapping his heart out as Minstrel in the hit comedy Something Rotten!
André sharing the stage with Whoopi Goldberg in XANADU
Broadway: Something Rotten, Rock of Ages, Xanadu, Saturday Night Fever (original Broadway companies), The Producers, and The Apple Tree (City Center). National Tours: Pippin (Leading Player), The Producers, Ragtime (Chicago company), Cinderella, and Dreamgirls. Regional: Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Portland Center Stage), Putting It Together (Syracuse Stage), Lucky Duck (Old Globe), Elegies (Barrington Stage).
During the rare days when André is not on stage, he can be found on TV and in films. Credits include: “My Dead Boyfriend," How to Follow Strangers, The Big Gay Movie Musical, World Trade Center, “Elementary” (CBS), “Difficult People” (Hulu), “Broad City” (Comedy Central). Web: “High Maintenance,” and “It Could Be Worse.”