I enjoyed The Tony's last night. There were weak moments (many of them) but also some strong performances and some cast albums (It Should Have Been You) I now have to order. Every year when watching the Tony's, there is someone who stands out to me, someone I had not known or seen before but whose stage presence has me wanting to know more.
This year, that performer was Jay Armstrong Johnson. In one of the show's early performance, Jay and his On The Town cast mates brought some much needed energy into the room. I actually have been following Jay's work for awhile. Last year, Jay stage presence also stood out to me while watching PBS's Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. I started researching the actor for a future post which today, seems perfectly timed.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (PBS)
Jay has been on stage in regional productions including of Hairspray, West Side Story, a national touring production of A Chorus Line. The 27 year old actor and singer made his Broadway debut in Hair in 2009. Jay went went on to perform on Broadway in Catch Me If You Can and Hands on a Hardbody and off-Broadway in Wild Animals You Should Know. Jay has been playing Chip in Our Town since October of last year.
Hair
Poolboy
Wild Animals You Should Know
