He may have a famous dad, but Beau Woodbridge is earning his own stripes in the theatre world. I chatted to him, as he takes on the role of Evan Hansen.
Dear Evan Hansen is a great musical. What do you like most about playing the lead?
I love exploring things deep into 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 for the role?
There’s a lot of preparation such as getting familiar with the script, but in terms of the character it has been about exploring the nature of social anxiety. I was lucky enough in my research to meet with a psychologist brought in by our director Dean Bryant. I got to ask questions to this professional who works in teen psychology. It was very interesting to get his perspective on Evan.
Beau Woodbridge as Evan Hansen
Your dad Todd is a champion Australian tennis player and now TV presenter. 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 got to see a lot of shows. I think that’s what originally sparked my interest in theatre. Dad’s been very excited about seeing this 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. Are there any future roles you have your sights set on?
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’m not pitched into one thing and 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 and a lot of my favourite places to hang out with my friends, are in the queer areas. They’re generally a bit more accepting and I always feel comfortable there. I’ve had a night or two out with my friends in the UK at the iconic London gay bars, like G.A.Y. and it’s been a lot of fun. I’ve made quite a few friends in the industry solely 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!
“I’ve had a night or two out with my friends in the UK at iconic London bars, like G.A.Y.”
Do you have an irresistible burn-the-floor song?
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 into the mainstream pop scene it’s admirable, and I think there’s a real story in that. To be an overnight sensation especially when she was so close to giving it up.
Beau Woodbridge
Do you have a favourite music diva?
I love Barbra Streisand. Especially her influence in the musical theatre world. She’s iconic. No matter what, I’ll always love Barbra and Patti LuPone – and that little bit of crossover they have. 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 your celebrity man crush?
It changes day by day. I’m a big Hugh Jackman fan. The ties he has to Aussie theatre and his beginnings there are a great thing. Then there’s Glen Powell (Twisters) who’s making real strides at the moment and also Jeremy Jordan from the musical theatre world. I always like the tenors!
Who has been the most famous person you’ve met?
I’ve always had bigger connections 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.
“I love a weaponised BFA!”
Being babysat by tennis players is pretty cool.
Yeah, there were a few Aussie ones here and there. 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?
A few have got me to the place I’m at. A big inspiration belongs to my family, and that’s all members. Of course, there’s my dad. He’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 also 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. To have a career like his is any performer’s dream.
Beau Woodbridge as Evan Hansen with Georgia Laga’aia as Zoe Murphy
You’ve graduated with a Master of Arts from London’s Royal Academy of Music. What advice would you give to those aspiring for a career in theatre?
You have to trust yourself. You need to know what is good for yourself in the moment. That can be in the arts and theatre, but it’s also the case for me personally. If I feel ready and have what I need then and there, I’ll throw myself into the deep end. I always say just 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 do 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, then that’s all that matters.
Do you have a grooming tip?
I don’t like using heavy creams or waxes in my hair. I like having a wavy style and I usually put water through it in the morning and then add a salt spray. I leave it like that from day to day. I rely on a product from the UK which maintains my curls. It keeps the soft waves natural. 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.
What’s been your biggest onstage wardrobe malfunction?
When I was in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, I had a blood nose on stage. It wasn’t full on, but it was dripping onto my hand. Rachel Beck was playing Truly Scrumptious, and she grabbed my hand and pressed it against her costume. I kept thinking, “No not the costume!” It was so white, but it was all fine in the end. Rachel was only freaking out because she thought I had injured myself. All I cared about was her costume!
Beau Woodbridge as Evan Hansen
The aerialist hoop artist Thomas Worrell recently told us how he’s bled on the job and discovered that spit takes the stain out.
Yes, I heard that recently. When we had our first read-through of the script, it got very emotional and one of the cast members was crying so hard they had a bloody nose. Then somebody said, “Use your saliva!”
When it comes to underwear are you briefs, boxer briefs or commando?
It depends on the situation, but most of the time I wear boxer briefs. As a dancer, I find the support is better and when I’m not wearing a dance belt, it’s great to wear boxes instead!
Dear Evan Hansen is playing at the Roslyn Packer Theatre, Sydney
For more visit: dearevanhansenmusical.com.au
Instagram: Beau @beau.woody
