There are only a few weeks left to catch Tony nominee and Grammy winner Brandon Victor Dixon in the Tony-nominated Alicia Keys musical Hell's Kitchen at the Shubert Theatre.
Dixon, who plays Ali (Maleah Joi Moon)'s estranged father Davis, will play his final performance in the Broadway hit March 9 with his successor to be announced at a later date. The gifted artist, who also starred in the musical's Off-Broadway Public Theater premiere, provides one of the musical's many highlights, lending his beautifully rich, soaring voice to a jazzy reinterpretation of the Keys hit "Fallin'."
Dixon also picked up his third Tony nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for his work in Hell's Kitchen, following previous nominations for Shuffle Along… (2016) and The Color Purple (2006). The Maryland native was also seen on Broadway in the original cast of Motown the Musical, playing legendary producer Berry Gordy, and subsequently stepped into the roles of Aaron Burr in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Hamilton and suave lawyer Billy Flynn in the long-running revival of Chicago. He also played Haywood Patterson in the 2013 London production of The Scottsboro Boys.
The actor is equally busy on the other side of the footlights, picking up a 2014 Tony Award as a co-producer of Best Revival of a Musical winner Hedwig and the Angry Inch. His Broadway producing credits also include the Tony-nominated Moulin Rouge! The Musical and the 2014 revival of Of Mice and Men.
Among Dixon's numerous screen credits are Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, The Best Man, Power, She's Gotta Have It, Modern Love, The Good Wife, Firebuds, This Is Us, and 88.
In the interview below for the Playbill series How Did I Get Here—spotlighting not only actors, but directors, designers, musicians, and others who work on and off the stage to create the magic that is live theatre—Dixon shares advice for budding actors and producers.
Where did you train/study?
Brandon Victor Dixon: I am a graduate of Columbia University here in the city.
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
Yes,
my voice teacher Jack Waddell, who just recently passed away, was
particularly impactful. He molded my voice into what it is today.
You were also part of the Off-Broadway company of Hell's Kitchen. How do you think your performance has grown or changed over time?
To be honest, I’m pretty sure it’s the exact same as it was downtown. The material sits easily in me.
Can you share how the terrific new arrangement of “Fallin’” was
conceptualized and what it's been like to perform the song in the
musical?
It
all came from the mind of Alicia Keys. I believe she had long had an
idea for a version of the song that was like that, and we just refined
it in rehearsals.
When
you look back at your journey with Hell's Kitchen, do you have a
favorite memory?
There’s no specific moment, but there were
a few times leading up to opening when I would look at Alicia and see
the gratitude and pride in her face at a job well done. Those are some
of my favorites as it certainly is a job well done. I’m glad she’s
proud. She deserves it.
You've also produced on Broadway, including the Tony-winning revival of Hedwig.
What advice would you give to those looking to invest? Also, how do you
think your work as a producer has affected how you approach your acting
career?
I advise people to think like a tourist. Don’t invest based on passion unless that’s the only reason you’re doing it.
I think producing has given me a unique appreciation for the challenges required of all of us to do what we do.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you can share?
I’m
releasing an album later this year and have singles dropping in May and
August. I can also be seen with the Muse/ique Orchestra at the Mark Taper
Forum in Los Angeles March 21-23.
Not including your current role, do you have a favorite theatrical role
you've played? What made that part particularly special?
I love Haywood Patterson and The Scottsboro Boys. I loved the story we told, how we told it, and that we told it at all.
What is the most memorable day job you ever had?
I
was a salesman for the retail store Natural Wonders at Lakeforest Mall.
It’s where I first encountered Michael Flatley and his Feet of Flames.
Is there a person or people you most respect in your field and why?
Todrick Hall and Amanda Seales. Self-made founts of relentless creative energy.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Keep
going. Try everything. Say yes now so you can say no later. Do not let
fear keep you from pouring yourself fully into things.
What is your proudest achievement as an actor?
Being able to do featured concerts around the country. If you’d like to come see me this year, please join my mailing list at BrandonVictorDixon.com.
