Andy Richardson attended North East School of the Arts (NESA) before he got his big break performing on Broadway. On Thursday, Oct. 11, Richardson returned to NESA to help students who were once in his shoes, and are now preparing to put on their production of Disney’s Newsies the Musical.
When Richardson was just 16 years old he auditioned for and booked the role of “Romeo” in the world premiere production of Newsies at Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey. One year later, Newsies transferred to Broadway, and Richardson went with them, eventually taking on the role of “Crutchie.”
“I found out I got my part in Newsies in English class here during school,” said Richardson. “NESA was such a formative time for me as in fine-tuning my skills as an actor, dancer and just artist overall. It all translated so well that I felt prepared to do such a large-scale production.”
Richardson has since joined the cast of Wicked on their North American tour, serving as an ensemble member and understudy to “Boq.” Wicked is playing at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio through Oct. 14, allowing him the time to share what he’s learned with the students at NESA. Dance director Dena Mabry taught Richardson when he was a student, and was there to welcome him back years later.
“We are so proud to have him back,” said Mabry. “It is truly an incredible coincidence that he’s here doing Wicked on the national tour at the same time we’re preparing for the show he did on Broadway. We’re just thrilled to have him here.”
“It’s surreal knowing that I was in their places exactly like this years ago,” said Richardson. “We had guest artists then, so to kind of come full circle with a show that I got to work on is amazing. I love it.”
Richardson spent three hours working with students as they get ready to perform Newsies in front of audiences in November. Even years later, Richardson says his time at NESA made a lasting impact.
“The teachers, just the overall community of it is something I will always cherish and I tout to this day to all of my friends,” said Richardson.
Click here to find out more about NESA and its upcoming Newsies performance.
Posted on 10/11/18
