Joshua Henry is looking for the best barbecue in Dallas when he returns this week to headline Plano Symphony Orchestra’s Get Up! Stand Up! concert at the Meyerson
RICH LOPEZ | A&E Writer
Rich@DallasVoice.com
The Plano Symphony Orchestra is at it again.
Last year, the PSO hosted Broadway legend Bernadette Peters for a one-night only concert at the Meyerson. To follow up, the orchestra is bringing in a new Broadway icon and recent (like, this year) Tony Award winner Joshua Henry.
Fresh off his role as Coalhouse Walker Jr. in the acclaimed production of Ragtime by Lincoln Center Theater which earned him the Tony for “Best Actor in a Musical” this year, Henry headlines PSO’s Get Up, Stand Up! concert conducted by Héctor Guzmán Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Meyerson.
“Bringing Joshua Henry to the Meyerson stage this August is exactly the kind of bold, electrifying experience we strive to create for our audiences,” PSO President and CEO Gregory Patterson stated in the show’s press release, “Joshua is one of Broadway’s most gifted performers and an artist whose voice and presence are simply unforgettable. Get Up, Stand Up! is going to be a night that reminds everyone why live music matters, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him making his Texas debut with the Plano Symphony Orchestra.”
Henry spoke recently with Dallas Voice about coming back to Dallas and also about debuting with the PSO for this concert as well as winning the award after previous nominations and whether male divas can get the same love as female Broadway divas from the queer community.
Dallas Voice: OK, it’s been a minute but still, congratulations on the Tony win. How did it feel to hear your name and finally hear it after your previous nominations? Joshua Henry: When I heard my name, it was a big sense of deep, deep gratitude and peace. I love theater so much. I love the arts, and for my community to honor me in that way, it was the highest professional honor I’ve ever had. Darren Criss said, “Joshua Henry,” and everything just kind of slowed down, like one of those movie moments. I’m really happy I got to talk about everything important to me. I’m endlessly happy.
Our own Tony-winning Dallas Theater Center staged Ragtime back in April to rave reviews and sell outs. Your production had monumental acclaim. What is it about the show that resonates so strongly today? It’s a mirror for who we are. It shows us who we’ve been. It shows us different walks of life — a white family in the upper class; a Black family in Harlem; a Jewish immigrant family; swirling around and dealing with the American Dream which is a beautiful, complicated thing. It’s different for everyone in this country.
I think we see ourselves in those stories. I resonate with Ragtime’s idea of dreaming ferociously. We don’t get anywhere significant or great without sticking to a dream, and having faith that it is possible. That’s why I love playing Coalhouse.
What made you say “yes” to performing this concert with the PSO in Dallas? I’m one of those people who loves to perform. I have been to Dallas once before and I had a really great time. I can’t wait to celebrate and make people feel something deep and give them a great sense of gratitude, which is what I feel when I perform. I want to bring that to Dallas in a bigger way than I did last time. I think the last time I was in Dallas could’ve been eight years ago? So, fresh off the Tony, fresh off this joy, I can’t wait to come back to Dallas.
We are the LGBTQ+ paper of the area and we love our Broadway divas: Audra, Bernadette, Idina, etc. Do the gentlemen leads get as much love? You know, I don’t think we do. I don’t think we get as much love. I mean, there are a few. I hope when I come down, y’all show ME some love. When you think about divas, the guys don’t really get the love like that.
So, look, I’m looking forward to coming down and giving it everything I have. I’m gonna be throwing it out there regardless. I’m looking forward to hopefully getting love back.
In all seriousness, Broadway, or theater in general, lately seems to speak more loudly to marginalized communities. Have you reflected on being part of that industry that often lifts up LGBTQ+, POC, women, etc. whether onstage or behind the scenes? Oh yeah, I definitely have. I’m proud to be a part of this community which has given so much, and shed so much light, welcoming so many from all different walks of life. In fact, one of the things I’m really proud of, is to be a trustee for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. They do so much for LGBTQ+ communities and beyond. It means a lot to be a part of such a compassionate community which opens its arms to everyone.
You got the Tony, the Grammy kinda. Any plans for the EGOT? Okay. In all fairness, I did get a Tony. Hallelujah! The Grammy — I was on a Grammy Award-winning album, so I still have yet to claim that prize. But look, I’m well on my way. I’ve taken a step down that road, and we’ll see what’s in store. I am happy to now be writing and producing, as well as being on stage as an actor, performer and singer. There are many different creative ventures I want to pursue. We’ll see what God has in store. I’m open to it all.
Any particular Texas thing you are looking forward to when you get here (and if you have the time)? Look, if I can be greeted at the airport with the best barbecue… I will be happy, and I may just stay an extra day. When I think of Texas, and I’ve been a few times, whether it be to Austin, or now coming back to Dallas, I really want to try the best barbecue.
So, please help me, DM me, email me, tell me the best barbecue spots to go to, because I need them! They help me sing. They help me thrive in life.
For tickets, visit PlanoSymphony.org.