Beau Woodbridge stars in Broadway blockbuster
Beau Woodbridge may have chosen a vastly different career path to that of his tennis star dad, Todd, but with his latest Broadway musical role the son of a gun says he is living his dream.
Confidential
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Beau Woodbridge, son of tennis ace Todd Woodbridge, has been cast as the lead star in the Broadway blockbuster, Dear Evan Hansen.
“It’s surreal and it’s a dream role,” Beau, 21, told the Herald Sun. “I’m so excited to bring this musical to Melbourne, to my hometown, friends and family. It’s so special.”
Producers cast Beau to play troubled student Evan Hansen.
The musical, which opens in Sydney in October, before seasons in Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide, tells the story of a socially-anxious high-schooler who is thrust into the spotlight when he inadvertently invents an important role for himself at the centre of a tragedy.
“I did musical theatre all through high school, so I can relate to the socially-awkward part. But I had a tight knit family and friends to support me,” Beau said.
His theatre credits include Love Never Dies, Mary Poppins, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and The King And I. Dear Evan Hansen is his first leading role.
Woodbridge said he is determined to carve his own path despite his famous surname.
“I’ve learned a lot from my dad, and the tennis and sporting world,” Beau said. “Training, theatre and the arts is very similar because you have to put in the hours, and deal with hardships, whether it’s the physical or mental game. But I’m doing what I love.”
Beau also paid tribute to his mother, Natasha.
“She’s the one who would pick me up from school, and drive me to the other side of the city every weekday, and weekends, to do my training,” he said. “She’s my rock.”
Dear Evan Hansen is co-produced by Michael Cassel and the Sydney Theatre Company.
Mr Cassel said: “I am so pleased we’ve been able to find such a brilliant performer to tackle this challenging role. Beau Woodbridge is going to break the nation’s heart as Evan.”
Tickets: dearevanhansenmusical.com.au
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