Move over Kinky Boots
TJ is taking New York by Storm
I have always loved musicals, well maybe some more than others. One day I stumbled across TJ while researching material for another interview. I thought I would reach out and say “hi” and ask him for an interview. He was gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule to chat about where his career is headed and tackling New York.
Tell us a little about TJ.
I’m originally from Warner Robins, Georgia. I moved to New York in October of 2017 to attend college at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy to study Musical Theatre. I love going to see Broadway shows and I love choreographing and performing dance numbers.
How long have you been performing?
I’ve been performing for about 15 years. I started taking jazz and tap classes when I was 4. When I entered High School I started to do a lot of musicals and voice lessons.
What is your favorite musical? What was your most memorable performance?
KINKY BOOTS!!! Lola has been my DREAM role since I was 12. I won the Kinky Boots lottery and I got a chance to see it with my friend Briget.
J. Harrison Ghee was Lola and Jake Shears was Charlie and I was loving every moment of it!!!! I listen to the cast album every day on repeat when I stretch and I already memorized all of the choreography. (haha) So Jerry Mitchell, if you read this hit me up, all I need is one rehearsal!
My most memorable performance was when I played Scarecrow in my community theatre production of “The Wiz”. It was amazing to play a role that I have been watching Michael Jackson do in the film ever since I was 4 and my family was so excited to see it!!
Who has been the single most influential person in your life and why?
I actually have two people. My first is my mother because she has sacrificed so much for me to be happy and for me to be in New York. She did this all while raising two other kids by herself. She is literally my hero and without her, I wouldn’t be here.
The other person is my former dance teacher Richard Frazier. I have known him since I was 13 and he has taught me so much about life. He showed me how to be myself and he is like a father to me. He pushes me to go above and beyond when I perform and I am always calling him when I have a problem.
What is next for TJ?
I start auditioning for musicals in February of 2019 and I graduate from AMDA in May of 2019. I’m excited for whatever life throws at me while I’m in New York!!
If you want to keep up with what is happening in TJ’s life or see what new show he is working on, you can follow him on Instagram tj_broadwayboy.
