Yes, yes, but what about pre-calculus?
(Um, I'm kidding!)
4
Interesting that the article nowhere mentions that Andrew's high school, Lawrence Woodmere Academy, is the same institution that produced Michael Cohen, Trump's "fixer." Thank goodness this fine school now gets to crow about a famous student rather than to eat it.
3
It's really wonderful when people are allowed to be themselves - supported, encouraged, and loved. I wish more young people had that opportunity. Andrew has worked very, very hard and will continue to - but it seems as though he can devote most of his energy to being productive instead of having to swim against the current or deal with mean people who want to knock him down. I look forward to seeing him someday!
6
I’ve seen Dear Evan Hansen three times, and I absolutely must see it again with Andrew playing Evan. What an incredible kid! I wish him all the best. He sounds like he’s off to a solid start.
10
Break a leg Andrew and best wishes for a highly successful career!
11
Editor if possible please update with his performance schedule....
11
Just a quick correction - (You wrote that he'd be portraying a high school junior while also a junior himself)
Evan is actually a high school senior. Andrew is the only person ever cast in that show to be playing a teenager older than himself!!!
12
Andrew, I've watched your YouTube videos many times. You are the real deal, and a pleasure to watch. Grab the bull by the horns young man...it's all yours!
11
Break a leg, Andrew! Stay healthy and hydrated!
Congrats to his mom cuz let's face it, it takes a parent who will support, both financially and otherwise, a child's love of theatre.
Wish my kid's school participated in the Jimmy's.
10
So crazy. So inspiring. Cant wait to see how amazing he does.
7
Poor kid.
Lets visualize him in 20 years....
1
@RLiss
Yes. let's visualize him in 20 years. Likely as the next Jonathan Groff, Aaron Tveit, Jeremy Jordan, Steven Pasquale, Matthew Morrison, Mandy Patinkin, Lamar Odom, Brian Stokes-Mitchell, Gavin Creel, Steve Kazee, Norbert Leo Butz, Andrew Rannells, Brian D'Arcy James, Brian Stokes-Mitchell, Brandon Victor Dixon, Ben Platt, and/or Raul Esparza, for starters.
As with these talented men, with seemingly well-integrated personalities (normal actor neurosis aside) he will likely giving musical theater goers years and years of joy and receiving joy in return. Since he is following his bliss, he will likely be a very happy camper as opposed to those whose dreams and talent were discouraged, frustrated or thwarted at a young age or otherwise never realized. Yeah, poor kid, indeed.
Nobody seems to be forcing this joyous, gifted young man onto the stage. Seems like mother followed his lead and did not push. A Broadway show at an early age sparked a passion and has followed that spark for a number of years. Poor kid. Better he be more involved the corrosive mean girl/mean boy /superficial peer pressure garbage that guides most of high school life. Being part of the theater world has probably made this kid more open-hearted and generous and non-judgmental than most of his self-involved peers.
I am so sorry, perhaps, that you did not get to follow your own dream and you are maybe a little dispirited because of it.
I think Andrew will be just fine.
30
Thank you! I agree he will be more than fine!. Not only is Andrew truly gifted, but he is an extremely kind, realistic, appreciative. and grounded young man. This is in large part thanks to his amazing mother who is supportive, loving and fiercely protective and careful about her sons well-being. He is also blessed with a wide network of family and friends who love and support him no matter what!
7
THIS is why I get the TIMES, this kind of reporting,along with all the serious stuff too,LOVED THIS ARTICLE IN TOTO,
9
@Cheffy Dave, I so agree with that. As much as I enjoy Michael Riedel on the air, I didn't like that in the Post, he often made Broadway news into a scoop race for the whole industry, and Riedel just got things wrong so many times in print by rushing. These years, it's felt like we're back in a time when the Times will still be able to be proud of its coverage when 20-30 years from now, people are looking for what happened late 2010s, when such quality shows went premium and a revitalization of the new American musical was in full swing, with investors being very interested in taking part.
I really hope the clicks are making this an indication of what's to come. (Nice to know Mr. Paulson also has a silly side for when not doing theater as the real news he and the section are treating it as now, as in the Memorable Moments take about Idina Menzel in "Skintight."). I don't even mind the glamorous photo of the "teen idol" appearing person here who will transform into the very troubled Evan Hansen; hopefully this will get the teen girls to read a well-told story. Classy and may even be click-worthy for tweens and teens to keep this thought-provoking show popular.
(Side note: This show's themes have potential to make a powerful film, and what an impact this could have on society if the film turns out well. Theatre is priced too high to have huge social impact, but if the movies do this story, script, score right, it could save lives - no exaggeration meant.)
8
My gawd this young man is a dynamo of talent! He's got that spark. It's almost undefinable but you can feel it and see it. Break a leg Andrew. I'm going to buy my tickets to see you today.
8
“Who is this person, separated from the performances that I’ve seen?” he asks himself as he delves deeper and deeper into the role. “I learn a bunch of new things about him every day, every rehearsal, every time I sit down and look at the script. And I’m going to find him.”
Way to go. No matter what Andrew or any other person does with his/her life this is one of the most important questions. The only way we learn about others is to reach out, to ask questions, and to listen.
27
An amazing young man. He is destined to be a huge Broadway star. He will be the lead in a great musical. I wish him every success.
19
That last quote -- "And I'm going to find him" -- is bone-deep thrilling. This kid's got the goods.
17
Good luck, Andrew. Looking forward to seeing your performance.
13
Wonderful article about this amazing young man, but I wish you would have given a well-deserved shout-out to the very significant role that The Roger Rees Awards played in making all this happen. Andrew would not have been eligible to participate in the Jimmy Awards if he had not first been awarded the 2018 Rees award.
18
Andrew sounds like a truly exceptional performer and person. All the best to him as he embarks on this exciting adventure!
20