5 Questions with DIANA's Andre Jordan!
Kevin Ray Johnson
It is my honor to introduce you to Andre Jordan. Andre will be making his Broadway debut is Diana: A True Musical Story as Colin and a member of the Ensemble. Previews begin on March 2nd at the Longacre Theatre. Andre has performed in the National Tours of Shrek the Musical (Donkey), Legally Blonde (Carlos), Joseph...Dreamcoat (Zebulon), and Regionally he has been seen musicals such as Working, Ain't Misbehavin, Mamma Mia, and Aida. Diana is a new musical that I am really intrigued about so for me it was so great to have the chance to interview Andre!
1.) How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
My first play was in Kindergarten. We did a little production of The Very Hungry Caterpillar (I was the butterfly) in our classroom. I started singing in choirs when I was about 8 or 9, and doing shows in elementary and middle school. It wasn’t until I got to High School that I realized that I COULD do it for a living, and decided that’s what I wanted to do.
2.) Where did you study? Are there any mentors that truly helped make you the performer you are today?
A week after graduating High School I attended AMDA in New York City. However, I would say that my High School Drama teacher was the greatest mentor that absolutely set the groundwork for me. Chip Garrison,(“G” for short) was the one that gave me a fantastic theatre education, as well as the space and place to be myself. High School was the first time I fully realized that I wanted to perform professionally, and he knew that. He taught me how to show up in a rehearsal, put in the work, and was always rallying for my talent. He was the second person I called( after my mom) when I received the offer for Diana.
3.) Congratulations on Diana! With performances beginning on March 2nd what can you say is most exciting when it comes to performing in this new musical?
Thank you! I think the most exciting thing is being of Original Cast. To originate a role on Broadway was always a dream and the fact that I get to make my "Broadway Debut" in an original company is a double whammy win.
4.) Are there any other shows that you have done in your career that will always be near and dear to your heart?
I would say without a doubt that would be “Shrek the Musical”. I’ve played the role of Donkey 4 times, and it never gets old. Donkey made everyone smile, myself included. I also am a big Andrew Lloyd Webber fan, and have done “Joseph... Dreamcoat” 3 times. It’s so fun to do, and it’s so short you’re back home in no time!
5.) What advice would you give young performers who want a career in this business?
LISTEN TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN THERE. You’ll learn so much. 2.) Be on time. 3.) Be kind to yourself and others. This business is tough. 4.) NYC isn’t the only place in the world that has theatre. If doing theatre is really what you want to do, explore other cities! 5.) Don’t compare yourself to others.
You can follow Andre on Instagram @manchair5 and to learn more about Diana: A True Musical Story make sure you visit the shows official website at - https://www.thedianamusical.com