Will Swenson

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Will Swenson BIO

Will Swenson is known as one of Broadway’s most versatile leading men and has been seen on Broadway in roles across a wide character spectrum. Will received critical acclaim for his performance as the subversive hippie Berger in the 2009 revival of Hair for which he received Tony, Drama Desk and Drama League Nominations. He went on to perform the role in London’s West End as well. He starred as Inspector Javert in the 2014 revival of Les Miserables, and played the conflicted drag queen Tick in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, (Drama League Nomination). In Waitress Will performed opposite the show’s creator Sara Bareilles. Other Broadway: Disaster!, Lestat, Brooklyn: The Musical, and his sentimental favorite 110 in the Shade: the production where he met his wife, actress Audra McDonald. Off-Broadway favorites include the recent revival of Assassins, Nantucket Sleighride, and Jerry Springer: The Opera for which he won an Obie Award. Will originated the role of Tom in Murder Ballad, and also created the role of Stacey Jaxx in the original Off-Broadway production of Rock of Ages. Other favorites include Little Miss Sunshine, Adrift in Macao, Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Pericles. Tours and Other: Miss Saigon, We Will Rock You, Camelot with the NY Philharmonic, Pirates of Penzance, Moon for the Misbegotten, The Royal Family of Broadway. Film & Television: Will played Philo Barnum in the movie musical “The Greatest Showman”, and can be seen in the feature films “This is Where I Leave You”, “The Kitchen” and “The Switch”. Will spent a season on the Netflix series “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” as the evil Professor Carcosa. He played opposite his wife in the Covid/Zombie thriller series “The Bite”. He has guest-starred on “Law & Order (SVU & CSI)”, “The Good Wife”, “No Tomorrow”, and “The Code.” He played Henry Donnenfeld on the Netflix crime drama series “Hit and Run”, and later this year will be seen as the father of the Vampire clan The Fairmont’s in the new Netflix drama “First Kill”. Some of Will’s earliest memories involve listening to his Dad’s 8-track copy of “Hot August Night”. Will can’t remember not having most of Neil Diamond’s songs permanently imprinted on his brain. And he’s super happy about that.

Will Swenson Photos

Will Swenson STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2022
Neil Diamond (Then)

[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Off-Broadway Revival, 2021
Charles Guiteau

[Immersive]
Quintessence of Dust Theatre Company Immersive Production, 2019
Bruce

[Off-Broadway]
Lincoln Center Theater Off-Broadway Premiere, 2019
Performer

[Regional (US)]
Regional World Premiere Production, 2018
Tony

[Off-Broadway]
The New Group Off-Broadway Premiere, 2018
Satan

Warm-Up

[Off-Broadway]
USS Intrepid Production, 2017
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Earl [Replacement]

Earl [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Tony Delvecchio [Replacement]

Tony Delvecchio [Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Theatre for a New Audience Off-Broadway Production, 2016
Cleon

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2014
Javert [Replacement]

Javert [Replacement]

Javert

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Premiere, 2013
Richard Hoover

[Off-Broadway]
2013
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2012
Performer

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2011
Tick

Mitzi

[Toronto]
Pre-Broadway North American Production, 2010
Tick (Mitzi)

[West End]
London Revival, 2010
Berger

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2009
Berger

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2008
Stacee Jaxx

[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare In The Park Revival, 2008
Berger

[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2007
Cody Bridger

Bill Starbuck (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2007
Rick Shaw

Rick Shaw

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Marquis

Laurent

Ensemble

Lestat (Understudy)

Armand (Understudy)

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 2005
Ensemble

Ensemble

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2004
Vocalist [Replacement]

Street Singer (Understudy) [Replacement]

Taylor Collins (Understudy) [Replacement]

[Regional (US)]
Las Vegas Production, 2004
Ensemble


Will Swenson Movies

The Singles Ward
[ 2002 ] Jonathan Jordan
The R.M.
[ 2003 ] Kori Swenson
Sons of Provo
[ 2004 ] Will Jensen
The Singles 2nd Ward
[ 2007 ] Jonathan
The Switch
[ 2010 ] Actor on Stage
Gods Behaving Badly
[ 2013 ] Aries
This Is Where I Leave You
[ 2014 ] Younger Mort
The Greatest Showman
[ 2017 ] Philo Barnum
The Kitchen
[ 2019 ] Michael Mariano

Will Swenson TV Shows

No Tomorrow
Pete

Will Swenson Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2023 - Distinguished Performance Award

Will Swenson, A Beautiful Noise

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Distinguished Performance Awards

Will Swenson, Assassins

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical

Will Swenson, Assassins


winner
Obie Awards - 2018 - Performance Award

Will Swenson, Jerry Springer: The Opera

Drama Desk Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Will Swenson, Hair

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Will Swenson, Hair

Will Swenson Videos

Will Swenson News


AT THIS PERFORMANCE... Returns To The Green Room 42 Next Month

The show will feature standbys, understudies, and alternates from various Broadway hits like DAYS OF WINE AND ROSES, BACK TO THE FUTURE-THE MUSICAL, and more.

Interview: Audra McDonald talks about AN EVENING WITH AUDRA MCDONALD, her role in 'Rustin' and more

When it comes to concerts, Audra McDonald says she’s learned to choose a song list that really appeals to her. And she’s done just that for her current tour, which will bring her to Symphony Hall for her eighth appearance with the Celebrity Series of Boston, this time with an orchestra of local musicians, on February 27.

Cast Members From HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO, HAMILTON, MJ & More to Join AT THIS PERFORMANCE... at The Green Room 42

AT THIS PERFORMANCE... returns to The Green Room 42 featuring Standbys, Understudies, and Alternates from HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO, HAMILTON, HARMONY, MJ THE MUSICAL, and KIMBERLY AKIMBO. Join us on Monday, February 19th at 7 PM for an evening of Broadway talent.

Tony Award Winner Audra McDonald to Perform at Westport Country Playhouse in February

“An Evening with Audra McDonald: Songs from Broadway and the Great American Songbook,” with Andy Einhorn on piano, will take the stage at Westport Country Playhouse on Saturday, February 10, at 7 p.m.

Rialto Chatter: Audra McDonald to Star in GYPSY Revival Next Season

Everything's coming up Audra! Sources say Audra McDonald will be taking on the iconic role of Mama Rose in a revival of Gypsy during the 2024-2025 season. 

Audra McDonald Will Perform in Concert at State Theatre New Jersey This Month

State Theatre New Jersey presents Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award-winning artist, Audra McDonald in Concert on Sunday, January 21 at 7:30pm. McDonald is joined by music director and pianist, Andy Einhorn. Find out how to get tickets here!

AT THIS PERFORMANCE... Returns To The Green Room 42 This Month

AT THIS PERFORMANCE… returns to The Green Room 42 featuring standbys, understudies and alternates from  Hamilton; Merrily We Roll Along; Harmony; Here We Are;  Purlie Victorious; The Gardens Of Anuncia; Into The Woods and Here Lies Love.        

Audra McDonald Will Be Grand Marshal of 2024 Rose Parade

Audra McDonald will be the grand marshal of the 2024 Tournament of Roses Parade, it was announced on Friday, December 1st.

AT THIS PERFORMANCE... Returns To The Green Room 42 This Month

AT THIS PERFORMANCE... returns to The Green Room 42 featuring Standbys, Understudies, and Alternates from MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, THE BOOK OF MORMON, NEW YORK, NEW YORK, WAITRESS, TITANIQUE, and SAW THE MUSICAL: THE UNAUTHORIZED PARODY. Join us on Monday, November 20th at 7 PM for this monthly residency showcasing Broadway talent.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 30th, 2023

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 30, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours: 

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld October 26th, 2023

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is October 26, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Interview: Will Swenson on Leaving A BEAUTIFUL NOISE and Reflecting on the Role of Neil Diamond

Tony nominee Will Swenson opens up about his journey portraying Neil Diamond in 'A Beautiful Noise' and the bittersweet feeling of leaving the show. Learn about his growth as a performer and the connection with Neil Diamond superfans.

Video: Nick Fradiani Performs 'I Am... I Said' From A BEAUTIFUL NOISE

Nick Fradiani, who will soon take over the lead role in A Beautiful Noise, performs 'I Am... I Said' in an all new video! Check out the performance here! 

A BEAUTIFUL NOISE, THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL to Host Original Broadway Cast Album Signing Next Week

The cast of A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical will host a signing event of the Original Broadway Cast Album immediately after the matinee on Wednesday, October 18 at the Broadhurst Theatre.

Danny Burstein, Will Swenson & Kate Baldwin Join MAUI IKAIKA Benefit Concert To Raise Funds For Maui

Additional Broadway stars will make special appearances in the upcoming online benefit concert to support the families and communities of Maui titled MAUI IKAIKA (translated to MAUI STRONG).

Nick Fradiani Will Take Over as 'Neil Diamond - Then' in A BEAUTIFUL NOISE

 “American Idol” winner Nick Fradiani will star on Broadway as Neil Diamond – Then in A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical starting Tuesday, October 31 at the Broadhurst Theatre. Learn more about Fradiani and find out how to get tickets to catch him in the show here!

AT THIS PERFORMANCE... to Celebrate Its 20th Anniversary This Month

AT THIS PERFORMANCE... will celebrate its 20th anniversary at The Green Room 42 with Standbys, Understudies, and Alternates from various Broadway shows on October 23rd at 7 PM.

Wake Up With BroadwayWorld September 29th, 2023

Rise and shine, BroadwayWorld! It is September 29, 2023 and it's time to catch up on all of the theatrical happenings you may have missed in the last 24 hours.

Will Swenson to Play Final Performance in A BEAUTIFUL NOISE, THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL in October

Will Swenson will play his final performance as ‘Neil Diamond – Then’ in A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical, at the Broadhurst Theatre (235 West 44th Street) on Sunday, October 29.

Will Swenson FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Will Swenson been in?

Will Swenson has appeared on Broadway in 9 shows.

How many West End shows has Will Swenson been in?

Will Swenson has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Will Swenson's first West End show?

Will Swenson's first West End show was Hair which opened in 2010

What awards has Will Swenson been nominated for?

Will Swenson has been nominated for several awards throughout his career, including the Distinguished Performance Award for "A Beautiful Noise" and "Assassins" at the Drama League Awards, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical for "Assassins" at the Outer Critics Circle Awards, Performance Award for "Jerry Springer: The Opera" at the Obie Awards, Outstanding Actor in a Musical for "Hair" at the Drama Desk Awards, and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for "Hair" at the Tony Awards.

What is Will Swenson next theatre project?

Will Swenson's next show will be A Beautiful Noise which opens on 12/4/2022 on Broadway.

What awards has Will Swenson won?

Will Swenson has won a Performance Award (Obie Awards) for Jerry Springer: The Opera.

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