"Study & Practice Your Craft Daily & The Work Will Come." - Chatting w/ Alex Joseph Grayson!
By Kevin Ray Johnson (Staff Writer for OnStage Blog)
It is my honor to introduce you to Alex Joseph Grayson. Alex is currently performing on Broadway in one of the hottest revivals to have come to Broadway in years, Into the Woods where he understudies the roles of Jack, Rapunzel’s Prince, Milky White, and Cinderella’s Father. Up next Alex will be performing in Jason Robert Brown's Parade at The New York City Center. Alex has also performed on Broadway in Girl From the North Country, A Bronx Tale, and in The National Tour of Once on This Island. He also has performed Off-Broadway in Toni Stone and regionally with well-respected companies such as The Old Globe, and Asolo Repertory Theatre.
Alex's talent is truly endless and is someone you want in your cast because when he is it only makes your show better. He has accomplished a lot in his career and I truly feel that he is only beginning. I am so happy to have the chance to feature him!
How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a Performer?
I have been playing make-believe since I took my first step. I can clearly remember dancing and singing Michael Jackson's Thriller on the sidewalk while my mother filmed me. I had to be 3-4 years old. Although didn't know how to express it at the time, I was truly born to perform.
Where did you study? Are there any mentors that helped make you the Fantastic Performer you are today?
I am an alumni of SUNY Fredonia and Genesee Community College in Musical theatre and Theatre Arts, and my training is ongoing. I have also trained at the Stella Adler school. The incredible Andrea Burns was a pivotal influence in my theatre education. I'm currently working on the Meisner technique with my amazing coach, Matthew Corozine.
Congratulations on Parade. Parade is truly one of my favorite musicals written by one of my favorite composers in Jason Robert Brown. How does it feel to be performing in it at New York City Center?
Performing at New York City is a huge honor for me. I feel like it is a chance to share the gifts and skills I've been developing all these years. It's also an opportunity made possible by the influence and trust of many family members, friends, colleagues, and teachers. I'm overjoyed to be working alongside some inspirational artists; many of which, I've admired for some time!
Are there any other shows, performances, or moments in your career that will always stick out and be near and dear to your heart?
Every show I've been a part of was special, but some of the greatest and most love-filled experiences were Hair at the Old Globe, Spring Awakening as Melchior at the Argyle theatre, and my professional debut as an actor-singer on Disney Cruise Line.
What advice would you give any young artist who would like a career in the performing arts?
My advice for any young person pursuing a career in the arts is to identify the artists that inspire you most and learn as much about them and their journey as possible. Find a way to study and practice your craft daily and the work will come.
Into the Woods is currently running on Broadway at The St. James Theatre until January 8th, 2023. For more information, please visit - https://intothewoodsbway.com; Parade will be opening on November 1st and will be running through the 6th. For more information, visit - https://www.nycitycenter.org/; and to learn more about Alex, make sure you visit his official website at - https://www.alexjosephgrayson.com