Interview: CINDERELLA'S Andy Huntington Jones on Touring as a Newlywed

Andy Huntington Jones plays Prince Topher in Fairwinds Broadway in Orlando 2015-2016 series opener CINDERELLA. Jones is no stranger to the show as he was a part of the Broadway cast. While CINDERELLA on Broadway officially closed earlier this year, it's legacy lives on throughout the tour. I have been waiting to see this show since it opened on Broadway, so I was very excited to see that it was coming to Orlando. Despite being married less than two weeks ago, Andy is back on tour and took the time to answer some questions.

Hello Andy! Soon you will be in Orlando with the CINDERELLA tour as a newlywed to fellow castmate and Ella understudy Audrey Cardwell. Are you excited to begin your life together as an on and off-stage couple?

Audrey and I are thrilled to be able to continue working together as newlyweds. As actors, we are often separated by distance on various jobs, and to be able to share the same city as well as the same show is a huge blessing.

Where did you and Audrey meet? Did she lose a shoe in front of you?

Audrey and I met during the summer of 2010 working at the St. Louis Muny. We were doing Rodgers and Hammerstein's The Sound of Music so R+H are the musical bookends to our relationship thus far. She is very put-together, so she has never lost a shoe in front of me. We both lose hotel keys all the time, but she keeps track of her shoes.

Do you find that there are any challenges with having a relationship while on the road or is it more like an extended vacation?

This phase of our relationship has been pretty idyllic. I hesitate to label it an "extended vacation" because we are doing 8 shows a week, but the opportunity to see the country together has been invaluable.

I imagine that there are some instances where you two play opposite each other. What is that like?

We have performed the roles together about 75 times and it never gets old. In our version of CINDERELLA, Ella and Prince Topher have an immediate chemistry. They make each other better; the dress gets her in the room, but their connection is what keeps them together. Loving your scene partner when your character loves their character is an out-of-body experience. We have a blast onstage together. Audience members will comment on our chemistry, and often don't believe us when we say we're actually a couple.

You were also apart of the Original Broadway Cast of CINDERELLA. Is the show exactly like the Broadway version or are there some differences?

Despite some small differences, the heart of this version of CINDERELLA is a direct transplant from the Broadway production. We have a classic story told with a modern sense of humor, and it has been fun to bring this show to America's backyard. Audiences come expecting a sweet evening for the kids, but they leave surprised they that have laughed, and cried, and laughed again, and been deeply moved. Sharing this story around the country feels like sharing a proud secret to tons of new friends.

Is it hard transitioning from a stationary Broadway production to tour, aside from the fact you're now a principle? Logistically speaking, I wouldn't even know what to do with my mail or my pets.

Logistically speaking, going on tour means forwarding my mail and having a friend stay in my apartment. This interview has actually reminded me that I need to renew my mail-fowarding! Thank you!

[You're welcome!] What is it about CINDERELLA that keeps audiences loving the story and particularly this musical?

The CINDERELLA story is universal and found in just about every world culture because it is a story of hope and possibility. Our version is much more than a story of a girl whose dreams come true as a result of a makeover. Our Cinderella is responsible for her good fortune. Her kindness changes the kingdom. Douglas Carter Beane has infused our storytelling with a very modern sense of humor, so although we have a strong message, it doesn't feel preachy. It's an incredibly funny, yet moving, night at the theatre.

Do you have any rituals that you do before or during the show?

I try to go to the gym to get my body and my mind ready for the show. Coffee doesn't hurt.

How do you and your fellow cast mates keep the show fresh day after day?

Touring helps to keep the show fresh for us. We are in a new city every few weeks, and every theatre is vastly different backstage, so every time we mix up our backstage life, our experience is completely new.

Ella has some really cool and quick costume changes. Do you have any quick changes or a favorite costume?

Although I don't have any onstage quick changes, I do have the honor of wearing William Ivey Long's Tony Award Winning costumes. I wear my favorite costume in the opening of the show: a full suit of armor.

Touring around the United States must be exhausting and fun. What cool things have you done so far?

We have the unique opportunity to see the country as tourists while working at night. We have to find a balance between resting and experiencing the wonderful cities at our disposal.

Orlando is home to some world-class theme parks like Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World. Do you have any plans to visit some of our "local culture"?

Audrey and I will be spending every waking moment away front the theatre in the parks. We live in New York City, so whenever we have a job in Florida, we always end up in Orlando. I cannot express how excited we are for the "local culture".

Thank you so much for your time Andy! We are definitely looking forward to seeing you and Audrey in CINDERELLA soon.

---

Are you grabbing your glass slippers and heading to see CINDERELLA this week? Let us know in the comments below. CINDERELLA runs at the Dr. Phillips Center from November 10 - 15th at various times. For tickets and more information visit http://www.drphillipscenter.org/.

Photo Credit: Rodgers + Hammerstein's Cinderella

To post a comment, you must register and login.