"If You Connect With the Material, Run After it." - Chatting w/ Dear Evan Hansen's Ann Sanders!

Ann Sanders

By. Kevin Ray Johnson (Staff Writer for OnStage Blog)

It is my honor to introduce you to Ann Sanders. This history-making performer recently just returned to the Broadway company of Dear Evan Hansen in the role of Cynthia Murphy. Ann was the first Asian American to play Anne Leonowens in The King and I and Belle in Beauty and the Beast on Broadway. Other Broadway credits for Ann include The Music Man, Frozen, If/Then, Avenue Q, and Leap of Faith. She has also performed in the International Tour of Miss Saigon, Off-Broadway at The Public Theatre, Vineyard Theatre, and Regionally with The Old Globe. I am so thankful that Ann took the time. She is a very talented performer with endless knowledge that will inspire many.

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a Performer?

In my senior year, I transferred to a performing arts high school that introduced me to the world of musical theatre… after those experiences, there was no other option!

Where did you study? Are there any mentors that genuinely helped make you the Wonderful Performer you are today?

I’m a graduate of The Chicago Academy for Performing Arts and Texas Tech University. I’ve been thinking of one of my mentors, John Gillas, from my Texas Tech days... I’m reminded daily of his encouragement to follow my passion. He believed in me and saw possibilities of which I never dreamed.

Congratulations on your return to Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. How does it feel to return to such an amazing musical portraying Cynthia Murphy?

Thank you!This material is so beautifully crafted that it has been a joy to revisit the relationships. I recently heard the phrase, "Grief is Love Persevering"-

I have found this to be true with Cynthia Murphy and in my own life.

Are there any other shows, performances, or moments in your career that will always stick out and be near and dear to your heart?

Two came to mind just now…

- My Broadway debut in Beauty and The Beast. Shortly after 9/11, Disney Theatricals began offering tickets to relief workers and families stranded in the city in the days following the unspeakable. We would come out of the stage door each night surrounded by the audience thanking us for a bit of respite and hope to recharge, believe, and serve.

- More recently, it was the final day collecting for BCEFA at The Music Man. It was electric and we had tears of joy streaming down our faces because of the generosity of the audiences… we had set a company goal and all of the audiences combined helped us not only achieve it but surpass and break the record for collecting. Knowing these funds are being used to serve those in need is one of the greatest joys and, I believe, the purpose of our company.

What advice would you give any young artist who would like a career in the performing arts?

We hear this a lot, but it is so true and needs to be practiced. Trust your instincts… if you connect with the material, run after it… If you have the instinct to play a scene a different way… Try it… You cannot do anything wrong. You will never lose going after and exploring meaningful, truthful work and relationships. Also, equally important… Do not attempt to wax off your mustache before getting publicity photos. Leave these things to the professionals.

Dear Evan Hansen will be playing its final performance on Broadway at The Music Box Theatre on September 18th, 2022. For more information (including tickets) please visit -https://dearevanhansen.com/broadway/