Actor Beau Woodbridge, 22, is earning his stripes in the world of musical theatre, taking on the lead role in Dear Evan Hansen.
DNA: What do you like most about playing the lead in Dear Evan Hansen?
Beau Woodbridge: I love exploring things deep in Evan’s character. There’s a little bit of everybody in Evan, which makes him interesting to play. There’s a very human side to him, especially with the anxiety because that is something I relate to. I have my own anxiety which I’ve had to work on, and still do. I like exploring that in Evan and making it an open thing for the audience.
How did you prepare?
In terms of the character, it has been about exploring the nature of social anxiety. In my research, I was lucky enough to meet with a psychologist who works with teen psychology, and I was able to ask questions. It was very interesting to get his perspective on Evan.
Your dad, Todd, is one of the most successful tennis players of all time, having won 16 Grand Slam titles with doubles partner Mark Woodforde. What does he think of your new gig?
Dad and my whole family are super into theatre. I was lucky enough to travel with him early on through his sporting work and saw a lot of shows. That’s what originally sparked my interest in theatre. Dad’s very excited about seeing the show. He’s solely responsible for a large percentage of my ticket sales!
You’ve also had roles in Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The King And I. What future roles do you have in your sights?
There’s a lot! I’m lucky to have started my career at a young age and to build on it. I love theatre because we can do so much in it. I’m eager to do more dance shows, but also the classics like Les Misérables and Phantom Of The Opera. Then there are new ones like Back To The Future: The Musical where I could play Marty McFly! I want to explore many genres, including straight theatrical plays.
Do you have gay mates you hang out with?
Definitely. I’ve been living in the UK, where a lot of my favourite places to hang out with my friends are in the queer areas. They’re generally a bit more accepting. I always feel comfortable there. I’ve had a night or two at the iconic London gay bars, like GAY, and it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve made quite a few friends in the industry just by bumping into them in those places. I’m also a big Drag Race fan and I’m always up to date with who’s coming onto the scene. RuPaul’s Drag Race is one of the best things on TV. I love a weaponised BFA! [Contestants using their Bachelor Of Fine Arts to craft costumes, wigs, makeup etc.]
Is there a dancefloor song you can’t resist?
Currently, it’s anything by Chappell Roan. Good Luck, Babe! Hot To Go, Red Wine Supernova… I have all her songs on repeat. The explosion she’s had in the mainstream pop scene is admirable. There’s a real story in that – being an “overnight sensation” when she was so close to giving up.
Do you have a favourite music diva?
I love Barbra Streisand, especially her influence on musical theatre. She’s iconic. No matter what, I’ll always love Barbra and Patti LuPone. I adore Barbra singing Cry Me A River and I also like Sorry I Asked by Liza Minnelli. It’s such an emotional and powerful song. One of my friends recently sang it at an event, and it gets to me every time.
Who’s the most famous person you’ve met?
I’ve always had a connection to the sporting world, so I’ve met quite a few tennis players, like Roger Federer. When I was young, people like that used to babysit me! But a big one for me was meeting Imelda Staunton. I was a bit starstruck. I mean, she’s phenomenal. Professor Umbridge in the Harry Potter films, not to mention playing the Queen on The Crown, and then there’s her theatre work.
Being babysat by famous tennis players is pretty cool.
Yeah. I have a lot of connections in the sporting world, but they feel less like celebrities because when you grow up around that, it’s kind of your life. It wasn’t until I was older that I thought about who my dad actually was and thought, “Hey you were pretty good!”
Who has been the greatest inspiration to your career, thus far?
Of course, there’s my dad, and a lot of inspiration from my whole family. Dad’s a very hard worker in his job and in life. He’s now hosting the television game show Tipping Point. Who would have thought he’d be doing that? Ben Platt, who originated the role of Evan Hansen is someone I look up to. He has such great vocals. But I’ve always said I’d love to have a career like Hugh Jackman’s – a career like his is any performer’s dream.
You graduated with a Master Of Arts from London’s Royal Academy Of Music. What advice would you give to those aspiring to a career in theatre?
You need to know what is good for you in the moment. That can be in the arts and theatre, but it’s also personal. If I feel ready, and have what I need then and there, I’ll throw myself in the deep end. Trust yourself. You know yourself better than anything.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.” I like the idea that everybody is on a different level with their growth, and if the level that you’re at right now is the best you’re doing, that’s all that matters.
Do you have a grooming tip?
A few years back, I went on a beach holiday with my family and I couldn’t be bothered doing my hair with the constant swimming, so I started pushing my hair back instead and thought it looked pretty good. I rely on a product from the UK that maintains my curls. It keeps the soft waves natural.
Have you had a memorable onstage wardrobe malfunction?
In Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, I had a blood nose on stage. It was dripping onto my hand. Rachel Beck, playing Truly Scrumptious, grabbed my hand and pressed it against her costume. I kept thinking, “No not the costume!” She thought I had injured myself. All I cared about was her costume!
Briefs, boxers or commando?
As a dancer, I usually wear boxer briefs. I find the support better. When I’m not wearing a dance belt, it’s great to wear boxers instead.
Dear Evan Hansen playing at the Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney. For tickets: dearevanhansenmusical.com.au
Find Beau on Instagram @beau.woody
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Photography: SoundCloud/Playbill.
