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Arbender J. Robinson

Also Credited As: Arbender Robinson

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BIO

Arbender Robinson is no stranger to the stage. On Broadway he has managed to master the NYC audition process and has had successful runs in the Tony Award winning shows Hairspray, Hair, The Book of Mormon and Disney's The Lion King. He has also appeared in Disney's The Little Mermaid and the critically acclaimed revival of Ragtime. Arbender is from Chicago and is a fairly new face in NYC and on Broadway; moving to NYC and quickly landing roles on Broadway.


He made his Broadway debut in the Tony Award winning production of Hairspray; where he covered the role of Seaweed. In the original cast of Disney's The Little Mermaid he covered the role of Prince Eric. He also served as the Dance Captain and Swing for the Broadway revival of Hair and was seen in the Broadway revival of Ragtime. His Broadway credits continue with Disney's The Lion King, Broadway's 6th longest running and all time highest grossing show. Since then he was in the original cast of Beautiful The Carole King Musical and the 2014 of Les Miserables and is the cover for Marius. He is also the first African American to ever play Marius on Broadway.
Prior to moving to NYC, Arbender was a featured Vocalist with Royal Caribbean Cruises as well as an actor and vocalist for numerous Disney productions at Walt Disney World. He spent 4 years as a studio session Vocalist for the Disney Organization and can be heard in various parades and attractions worldwide. Arbender also performed extensively in Regional Theater in the US as well as numerous shows abroad including: Smokey Joe's Cafe, Five Guys Named Moe, Sweeney Todd, Jesus Christ Superstar, Aida, Ragtime, Secret Garden, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Songs for a New World, Parade, Miss Saigon and Into the Woods.
When asked to describe the vocal ability of Arbender, one critic said "clear, effective, killer range of death... and that is a good thing. Look out Billy Porter, Arbender has arrived."
As a teaching artist, Arbender has worked with many organizations around the country and has a very unique teaching style that's accessible to all ages and talent levels. He also works significantly at bringing arts awareness to programs all over the country as well as serving as a huge advocate for Autism awareness and research. You can find him teaching at www.newyorkvocalcoaching.com
Arbender also mentioned a few things to keep his mom happy:
"I am a huge advocate for education, the thirst for knowledge, and believing in the power of your dreams. Dream big because sometimes these things can come true. I studied theater, music, dance, and management at Viterbo University in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. I have lived and or worked professionally in more states than I can ever recall and I now consider NYC and The Great White Way my home."

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2014
Constable

Montparnasse

Marius (Understudy)

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2014
Ensemble

[Broadway]
National Tour [Broadway Return Engagement], 2011
Member of the Tribe

[US Tour]
National Tour, 2010
Member of the Tribe [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2009
Performer

[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2009
Performer (Swing) [Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2008
Ensemble

Gull

Prince Eric (Understudy)

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2002
Denizen of Baltimore [Replacement]

Gilbert [Replacement]

Seaweed J. Stubbs (Understudy) [Replacement]

Broadway: Les Miserables, Hairspray, The Little Mermaid, Hair, Ragtime, The Book of Mormon, The Lion King, Beautiful. Graduate of Viterbo University and a native of Chicago. He's also a vocalist with Disney Symphony Pops. "DREAM BIG 'cause that stuff can come true!" www.arbender.com

Videos

News


Review: FIFTY KEY STAGE MUSICALS IN CONCERT at 54 Below Is All The Things

Robert W. Schneider and Michael Lavine do themselves, 54 Below, and Broadway proud with their remarkable historical concert.
Jason Robert Brown, Patti Murin, and More to Play 54 BELOW Next Week

Next week, 54 Below will present some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and beyond. A recipient of the 2022 Tony Awards® Honor for Excellence in the Theatre, 54 Below celebrates Broadway musicals and writers of the past and present, promoting an ongoing engagement with their work.
Rupert Holmes, OBC HAIR Cast Members & More Join 54 CELEBRATES FIFTY KEY STAGE MUSICALS

Tony Award winner Rupert Holmes (Drood), Heather MacRae (OBC Hair), Michael McElroy (appearing via video, Rent) and Natalie Mosco (OBC Hair) have been added to FIFTY KEY STAGE MUSICALS: IN CONCERT at 54 Below on September 11th, 2022 at 9:30pm.
André De Shields, Arbender J. Robinson & Amy Jo Jackson Join 54 CELEBRATES FIFTY KEY STAGE MUSICALS

Tony Award winner André De Shields (Hadestown), Arbender J. Robinson (Shuffle Along), and Amy Jo Jackson (Kinky Boots) have been added to FIFTY KEY STAGE MUSICALS: IN CONCERT at 54 Below on September 11th, 2022 at 9:30pm.
Photos: Go Inside THE BOOK OF MORMON's Re-Opening and Fan Performance

THE BOOK OF MORMON returned to Broadway with a Free Fan Performance on Thursday, November 4 at 8:00 pm at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street). Regular performances resumed Friday, November 5, 2021. 
THE BOOK OF MORMON Celebrates Broadway's Return With A Free Fan Performance on November 4

The Book of Mormon will return to Broadway one day earlier than previously announced with a Free Fan Performance on Thursday, November 4 at 8:00 pm at the Eugene O'Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street). Regular performances resume Friday, November 5, 2021. 
Kevin Clay, Cody Jamison Strand, and More Will Lead THE BOOK OF MORMON on Broadway

Casting is being announced for the Broadway return of THE BOOK OF MORMON. The production, the winner of nine 2011 Tony Awards including Best Musical and the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album, resumes performances on Friday, November 5, 2021 at the Eugene O’Neill Theatre (230 West 49th Street). 
Jennifer Ashley Tepper's THE UNTOLD STORIES OF BROADWAY, VOLUME 4 to be Released in March

Dress Circle Publishing has announced the release of THE UNTOLD STORIES OF BROADWAY, VOLUME 4, the latest in a series by historian and producer Jennifer Ashley Tepper. The book will be available on Tuesday, March 9 to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the 2020-2021 Broadway shutdown.
Meet the Current Cast of THE BOOK OF MORMON!

Splashy casting news is plenty exciting but we're taking a moment to give a shoutout to the casts of some of Broadway's long-running shows. Meet the current cast of The Book of Mormon below!
VIDEO: On This Day, January 10- THE LITTLE MERMAID Takes Broadway Under the Sea

The Little Mermaid, based on the Disney film and the classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Anderson, opened on this day in 2008 at Broadway's Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.
ANASTASIA's Ramin Karimloo and More to Perform, Present at Primary Stages' 2017 Gala

Primary Stages announced today additional performers, speakers and presenters for the Primary Stages 2017 Gala, which will take place on Monday, October 16, 2017 at 6:30 pm.
Lea Salonga and More to Tribute Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty at Primary Stages' 2017 Gala

Primary Stages announced today that the Primary Stages 2017 Gala will take place on Monday, October 16, 2017 at 6:30 pm. The event, which will be held at Tribeca 360º (10 Desbrosses Street), will honor Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty, the Tony-winning songwriting team of Ragtime, Once on This Island, and Anastasia (Artistic Honorees); Janet B. Rosen and Marvin Rosen, producers of In Transit on Broadway (Producer Honorees); and Jose Mendez and Katie Graziano of The Excel Group and MIC Floor Covering, LLC (Corporate Honorees).
Jess LeProtto, James Dybas & More Set for ANOTHER OPENING, ANOTHER ROBE at Laurie Beechman Theatre Tonight

Four of Broadway's busiest performers will unite for Another Opening, Another Robe tonight, March 30 at The Laurie Beechman Theatre at the West Bank Cafe.
Jess LeProtto, James Dybas & More Set for ANOTHER OPENING, ANOTHER ROBE at Laurie Beechman Theatre, 3/30

Four of Broadway's busiest performers will unite for Another Opening, Another Robe on Monday, March 30 at The Laurie Beechman Theatre at the West Bank Cafe.
BWW Reviews: BEYOND THE BARRICADE is Electrifying Entertainment

The ensemble of the smash-hit musical Les Miserables has got to be one of the hardest working ensembles on Broadway. Last night this talented group impressed audiences by casting the wigs, dirt, and grime aside and singing the music that makes them tick at 54 BELOW.
Photo Coverage: Actors' Equity Association Presents BEAUTIFUL Ensemble ACCA Award for Outstanding Broadway Chorus

Actors' Equity Association ('AEA' or Equity) just presented Beautiful - The Carole King Musical with the eighth annual 'ACCA' Award for Outstanding Broadway Chorus. Presented by Equity's Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs (ACCA), the ACCA Award is the only industry accolade of its kind to honor the distinctive talents and contributions made by the original chorus members of a Broadway musical.
BEAUTIFUL Receives Actors' Equity's 8th Annual ACCA Award for Outstanding Broadway Chorus

Actors' Equity Association ("AEA" or Equity) today announced that Beautiful - The Carole King Musical will receive the eighth annual "ACCA" Award for Outstanding Broadway Chorus. Presented by Equity's Advisory Committee on Chorus Affairs (ACCA), the ACCA Award is the only industry accolade of its kind to honor the distinctive talents and contributions made by the original chorus members of a Broadway musical.
Exclusive Photo Coverage: Inside the LES MISERABLES Gypsy Robe Ceremony!

The company of Les Miserables just celebrated their opening with the Gypsy Robe ritual. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the event and brings you full photo coverage below!
Photo Coverage: After the Barricade- LES MISERABLES Cast Celebrates Opening Night!

Cameron Mackintosh's new production ofAlain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schonberg's Tony Award-winning musical Les Miserables opened last night, Sunday, March 23 on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre. The cast of the new LES MIZ features Ramin Karimloo as Jean Valjean; Will Swenson as Javert; Caissie Levy as Fantine; Nikki M. James as Eponine; Andy Mientus as Marius; Samantha Hillas Cosette; acclaimed Canadian actor Cliff Saunders as Thenardier; Tony Award nominee Keala Settle as Madame Thenardier and Kyle Scatliffe, as the revolutionary Enjolras. BroadwayWorld was there for all of the opening night festivities and you can catch full coverage from the after party below!
Exclusive Photo Coverage: Inside the Gypsy Robe Ceremony for BEAUTIFUL!

The company of Beautiful just celebrated their January 12 opening night on Broadway with the famed Gypsy Robe ritual. BroadwayWorld was on hand for the event and brings you exclusive photo coverage below!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Arbender J. Robinson been in?

Arbender J. Robinson has appeared on Broadway in 7 shows.

How many West End shows has Arbender J. Robinson been in?

Arbender J. Robinson has not appeared in the West End.

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