Interview: Josh Dawson of BEAUTIFUL at Winspear Opera House

The national tour of BEAUTIFUL, the musical based on the life and legacy of Carole King, just arrived in Houston, where they'll perform for one week before landing at Dallas' Winspear Opera House. On Tuesday night, I was lucky enough to catch this former DFW local Josh Dawson on his way to the theatre. It's been four years since he has performed in The Big D, but he's eager to briefly return to our thriving arts district. Check out our conversation below:

Name: Josh Dawson

Hometown: "I was born in Atlanta, and then I grew up in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. [But], I went to high school in Dallas, the Duncanville area."

Current Role: Ensemble/Drifter in the national tour of BEAUTIFUL

Kyle Christopher West: Growing up, what first inspired you to perform?

Josh Dawson: You know what, I'd say my journey is somewhat similar to a lot of people in theatre. My dad is a pastor, so my twin sister and I grew up singing in my dad's church. I went to a performing arts elementary school and a performing arts middle school, so it's always sort of been in my blood. I have been doing musical theatre for as long as I can remember.

Kyle: Before performing professionally, did you play any memorable roles?

Josh: Oh my goodness gracious. One of my first roles was Danny Zuko in GREASE. I played Adam, the older brother, in SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS in high school. I played Jud Fry [in OKLAHOMA] in middle school. So, [my roles were] kind of all over the place. When you're young, you can sort of do whatever you want; you don't have a type. It's nice.

Kyle: It looks like your resume also lists Dallas Theatre Center as one of your early professional credits?

Josh: Yes! I left Dallas in about 2007, [but] they invited me to do JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT there in 2012.

Kyle: Is there anything in Dallas you're looking forward to checking out when you arrive next week?

Josh: Oh, absolutely! The whole new performing arts area was not there when I was growing up. As a matter of fact, I remember seeing Dallas Theatre Center shows in their old space in North Dallas. They were building [the new venue] when I was doing [JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT], and I haven't actually been to the Winspear [Opera House] yet, so it's going to be great to go and perform in that space. All of my old teachers and dance teachers will get to come see me in the show. It will just be nice to get to play in my hometown.

Kyle: How did you land your current gig in BEAUTIFUL?

Josh: I [had] just signed with a new agency toward the end of 2015, and I [knew] the show had been cast, because I had a really good friend in the Broadway cast who was joining the tour. I was pretty devastated about that, but my agent called me one day and said, "Would you be interested in auditioning for a swing track?" So, I went through the [audition] process for about a month and a half. I made it through the final callback thinking I was auditioning for the swing track - and maybe twenty minutes after [my audition], my agent called and said, "You booked the show, but it's actually for a full-time "Drifter"!"

Kyle: How have audiences around the country responded to the show?

Josh: Carole King is such an iconic figure. Most of our audiences are between the ages of 40-65. This is their time period; this is the music they grew up on. People come to the show and they fall in love with their childhood all over again. I honestly cannot remember a single bad audience we've had the entire run. We're overjoyed!

Kyle: Is there a song or moment in the show that you enjoy watching or performing in most?

Josh: Sure! For me, I am very close to the Drifters. We hang out quite a bit. There's a moment right before we do our first number where we sort of check in with each other. We all just look at each other and have our own handshake, and that, by far, is my favorite moment in the show. It has nothing to do with flashy kicking or performing, but it's a moment of family and love. I think that is one of Carole [King]'s messages.

Kyle: How long are you with BEAUTIFUL, and what's next for you?

Josh: For me, I kind of go where the wind takes me. I'm going to be on this show for six months, or maybe another year. I have no plans of leaving right now. As you know, in show business, you can get a call from an agent and go to another gig next month!

Kyle: Well, I will let you go and enjoy your show in Houston. We look forward to seeing you next week!

Josh: Thank you so, so much!

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