Hello Beautiful People,
Andy Kelso is a many of many talents, as he’s an actor, singer, and songwriter. He played Sky in MAMMA MIA on Broadway, and is coming back to The Great White Way as Harry in Kinky Boots. As Andy and I sat in Schmackery’s, we chatted about theater, education, life, and of course, Kinky Boots. Andy was so gracious and generous with his time, and I am confident he will be a Broadway staple for many more years to come.
TWT: First things first, did you always want to be a performer?
AK: No, I did not. It was always in my environment growing up, in my elementary school I had to do a music class, which was in conjunction with my church, and that’s when I first started performing; but I never thought to do it as a career. Even in high school I was very involved in the arts, but I graduated with the idea that I was going to be a sound engineer. And then I went to a school that didn’t have that as a program of study, but it was in-state and close and affordable. About halfway through my freshman year I really started to miss performing, and so I transferred to the University of Northern Colorado where I studied acting. So that’s when I knew I wanted to be a performer, when I was away from it all for a while – I missed it.
TWT: What roles are most memorable for you?
AK: My Broadway debut in Mama Mia. That was an amazing moment for me, and then it became my home for three years. I also just recently did a production of Jacques Brel is Alive at the Two River Theater in Red Bank, and that was really fun, partially because I did the show in high school, and then I got to revisit the show ten years later. And again, the cast was amazing. I just got off the tour of Wicked, which was my very first tour. That was unbelievable too, and I got to perform at the theater where I saw my first show at, (in Denver.)
TWT: What advice would you give to students in high school who wish to pursue a career in theater?
AK: I would say to get the best training that you can. Work on it. Study, study, study. Even if you end up going to school and disliking a teacher, remember that there is always something to learn. You can always learn something from every teacher and every class. Class teaches you skill, but it also teaches you discipline which is key in the business. You have to go over material on your own, you have to keep your skills fresh, you have to look for the auditions, and you constantly have to be disciplined in your pursuit.
Photo by Joan Marcus 2012
TWT: Just for fun, what sound do you love?
AK: I love the sound of someone typing or folding paper when I’m up late at night and trying to go to bed. I don’t know why, but it’s soothing and I love it.
TWT: Just for fun, what sound do you hate?
AK: I don’t like remixes of classic songs. Like a Michael Jackson song, you should just leave that alone.
TWT: What books are permanently on your bookshelf?
AK: I love Tom Robbins and Kurt Vonnegut. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite books. I also love a good nonfiction book, like The Year of Living Biblically, by AJ Jacobs.
TWT: Lets talk Kinky Boots. What has this been like for you?
AK: It’s my first time originating a role in a show of this magnitude. I’m thrilled to be a part of this process, and see how everything works, and I’ve been a part of it for two years now. We did a reading, and a workshop, and a few months ago we went to Chicago, and now we’re on Broadway. It was really well received in Chicago, and I think we really have a strong thing going. I’ve been thrilled to be a part of this entire process. Harvey, Cindy, and Jerry are all outstanding. It’s been awesome.
TWT: What reasons would you give to a politician for preserving the arts?
AK: Sometimes, the theater business can seem silly, but at the end of the day art is humanity. It’s our tradition, it’s how we express our feelings, and it’s how we learn. It’s difficult to explain that to people who don’t know nor appreciate that. I wish I had a better way of getting through to people, because I don’t understand how you don’t see the bigger picture. I am a much more intelligent, kind, and open person because of the arts, and I think we all need to work on the disconnect between those who see it and those who don’t.
TWT: Who is/was your greatest teacher?
AK: In every single bio, I try to list teachers. My theater teacher in high school was Jennifer Condreay, she was the person who helped me discover that I loved theater and where to go from there. In college it was Tom McNally. IN the city I’ve also been blessed with amazing teachers, one of which is Joan Rosenfels. That’s three, but it’s just the top of the iceberg, as I have been blessed with so many wonderful teachers in my life.
Thank you, my friend!
Live, Love, Learn,