We all love the Broadway tale of the unknown chorus girl who's plucked from the ensemble to take over the lead and becomes a Broadway star! Some of the actors you look up to most didn't start out as Broadway divas. Sutton Foster was famously promoted from the ensemble of Thoroughly Modern Millie to win a Tony award on Broadway in the leading role. Laura Benanti made her Broadway debut in the chorus of Sound of Music and was eventually a replacement for the starring role of Maria!

In our STAR TO BE feature, we interview Broadway's most talented supporting players, swings, and understudies. These are the performers to watch! This week, we talked to Tyrick Wiltez Jones who is currently playing Howard in the critically acclaimed Broadway production of Finian's Rainbow!

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Name: Tyrick Wiltez Jones
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama
College Attended: American Musical & Dramatic Academy
Current Occupation: “Howard” in FINIAN’S RAINBOW

What was your first Broadway gig?
HAIRSPRAY on Broadway!

What was the audition process like for Finian’s Rainbow?? What did you do to celebrate getting the role?
Originally I auditioned for the role of Henry for the City Center production. I came in… I danced… I sang… I danced again… I sang again… My audition songs were “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise” and “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain….It was a full day, 6 hour audition and an athletic heavy dance call. I was required to show a lot of youth as the role of Henry is a young 10 year old! Three days later I was told I was in the mix then received the offer. With the unexpected success of the City Center run, I was then offered to play the role of Howard for the Broadway engagement.

I never celebrate getting a role immediately. I prefer to celebrate after I’ve achieved some sort of success in the role or the show….a personal pivotal moment when I walk out of rehearsals or a performance and I smile from what I’ve accomplished on stage and say to myself  “You don’t really suck Tyrick☺"!

What is the most challenging thing about performing Finian’s Rainbow 8 times a week? The most rewarding?
The most challenging: The first act choreography. My character Howard gets no breaks. I’m dive rolling and jumping over people who seem 8 feet tall! I’m rarely in a comfortable position...it’s like stand, sit, kneel, squat over and over!

The most rewarding: Direct Deposit! LOL! Actually the most rewarding is the end of my characters big scene in Act 1 “The Colonial Estate of Senator Rawkins” for personal and professional reasons….and I’m living my dream!

You work in several aspects of the entertainment industry, from theater to singing backup to teaching master classes and auditioning new talent for Broadway Artists Alliance. How do you keep your life balanced?
Rest, diet, prioritizing! This may sound very granola, but doing everything your parents told you to do growing up! Pacing yourself, not stressing out and knowing that what you are doing is a gift and a blessing, never a burden.

What made you want to become a performer?
The profession chose me I didn’t choose the profession. At age 15, Ann Reinking and Gregory Hines were part of the team that influenced my decision and changed my life.

What was your “survival job” before you made it on Broadway?
I never had to have one! I’ve been lucky and blessed!

What Broadway stars do you look up to?
Tony Award winners Dick Latessa and Lillias White

What has been the most exciting thing about performing on Broadway?
Taking a bow every night on the stage of the St. James Theater where so many legends have played and having someone say thank you after a performance.

Do you have a dream role?
The Scarecrow in THE WIZ

What advice to you have for people who dream of being a Broadway star?
Study hard. Understand that your body is an instrument and a temple. Be realistic!. Be honest to yourself and what is supposed to come to you will!


Don't miss Tyrick in Finian's Rainbow! Click here to get tickets now.

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