Andy Mientus Talks Role of Openly Gay Villain on THE FLASH: 'It Is A Lot of Pressure'

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Andy Mientus, who currently plays 'Marius' in Les Miserables on Broadway, took a brief break from his show to take on the role of 'Pied Piper' in CW's THE FLASH. The character is described as hearing impaired and the first openly gay villain to be featured on the small or big screen.

At Monday night's 'Into the Woods' New York Premiere, Mientus spoke to Variety about the guest starring role. "With the gay thing, I feel like I'm representing a whole community," said the 28-year-old. "People are excited to see this character, so it is a lot of pressure. But I'm glad they are introducing the character to the show. It's a huge step forward, and I'm thrilled to help make that happen. It's awesome."

He went on to admit that he is more concerned about pleasing avid fans of the comicbook series than discussing his character's sexual choices. "The universe of 'The Flash' has such an intense, passionate fanbase, which has existed since the '60s, and this is the first time he's been in a live-action, on-camera interpretation, so I hope I pulled it off."

Speaking on Pied Piper's colorful costume, he explains, "It's badass. I can't put it on and not feel powerful. It tells you everything you NEED TO KNOW on how to move and feel like a superhero. It does a lot of the work for you."

Mientus will first appear on the show in the January 27th episode. THE FLASH airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on The CW.

Mientus makes his Broadway debut in the role of 'Marius' in LES MISERABLES. A Pittsburgh native, he toured the country in the first national tour of Spring Awakeningand appeared in MCC Theater's production of Carrie. On television, he was a series regular on the NBC musical drama Smash, and this season has recurring roles on both the FX comedy ANGER MANAGEMENT and the ABC Family drama Chasing Life.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos