The echo of "thank you, five!" at theaters across the country could be heard as casts assemble five minutes away from the house lights dimming and audiences are on their way to be transported into the exciting worlds of brand new shows or revisiting a fresh new view of a beloved favorite title.
This season, we are asking some of this year's 2022 Tony Award® nominees, if they could give their own "thank you, five" to these five subjects, what would they be? Find out what they had to say!
Earning a Tony Award nomination and Drama Desk Award nomination this year for his role as the terrific triple threat Eddie Ryan in the first Broadway revival of Funny Girl, Jared Grimes, Tony Award-nominated for Featured Actor in a Musical shares what he's grateful for.
1. Company Member
Which company member of your show would you like to shine a spotlight on that makes each show a fabulous experience?
The entire Ensemble! I have so much fun with them every night on stage. I literally miss everyone when we are not at the theater.
2. Family/Friends
Which family member or close friend offered so much support to you during the audition process or inspires you each night since the very beginning of your run in the show?
Wifey! Yurika Nakano Grimes. She helped me audition for the show. She’s my ride or die indeed!
3. Performer
Was there a performer when you were growing up that influenced you into this onstage career and what was your first memory of encountering their work?
Sammy Davis Jr and Fred Astaire. I had all of their performances on VHS as a kid around 3 years old and I watched them on repeat 24/7.
4. We all start somewhere!
What was the earliest performance of yours that was the moment you knew this was going to be what you wanted to do forever?
My first performance was in a dance school recital at 3 years old. I cried on stage because I poked myself in the eye while dancing. As I cried everyone started cheering and it was then that I knew the stage was a safe space. My role was the dance teacher's son haha and that’s still my role.
5. Time To Relax
In the hustle and bustle of a week of shows, what is your favorite way or favorite place to decompress?
My favorite way to decompress is by watching basketball.
