Welcome to "Was it Chance" where we peel back the layers of serendipity to uncover the hard work and opportunities behind what looks like mere chance. In today's episode, we bring you a conversation with the extremely handsome and talented Andy Mientus, a true maverick of the stage and screen.
From accidentally becoming one of Broadway's first social media managers to his heartwarming experience with Dolly Parton on the set of Heartstrings, and one amazing Broadway production credit after another, Andy's journey is one you don’t want to miss.
Andy shares with us his belief in staying proximate to your aspirations, even if the connection seems tangential, and how this philosophy led him to astounding opportunities—like touring with Spring Awakening and soaking in the Wicked Tour which felt like a "warm bath.”
We're also have some juicy revelations—such as Alan Seales' surprising stance on Sondheim, the unexpected significance of The Met Gala for the theatre community, and the personal tales of failure that Andy calls his "close friends," teaching him resilience and the art of bouncing back.
Moreover, Andy gives us a glimpse into his life beyond the stage lights. As a best-selling author of YA books and an actor who's not shied away from portraying significant LGBTQ+ roles, like the openly Gay character Hartley Rathaway in The Flash, Andy is a testament to the diverse avenues of artistic expression.
And, if you stick around till the end, you'll be treated to a special rendition of "Shut the Fuck Up Alan!" by Andy himself.
Prepare to be inspired, entertained, and perhaps a little starstruck—this is an episode you won't want to miss!
Connect with Andy on Instagram. Get his books The Backstagers series: Backstagers and The Ghost, Backstagers and The Theater of the Ancients, Backstagers and the Final Blackout as well as his latest book, Fraternity.
- Make sure to follow this podcast everywhere you find podcasts, leave a rating and a review, and slip into our Instagram DMs at @wasitchance.
- More about Heather via @heather_vickeryandco on Instagram, @Braveheather on TikTok, and listen to The Brave Files
- More about Alan via @theatre_podcast on Instagram and listen to The Theatre Podcast with Alan Seales
EPISODE TAKEAWAYS
- Live Theatre may be the last frontier when it comes to avoiding AI
- Andy says he stumbled in the back door for every professional experience he’s ever had
- Back in college, Andy stumbled upon Spring Awakening (by past WIC Guest, Stephen Sater) and he fell madly in love. He started a Facebook group for fans of the show and, thus, became one of the first-ever Broadway Theater social media managers.
- Not long after that, he auditioned for a role in Spring Awakening and joined the tour.
- Choose to be close to your goals, even if they are tangential.
- NEWSFLASH - Alan Seales doesn’t resonate with Sondheim!
- Working with Dolly Parton was a highlight for Andy and he was thrilled to act with her in an episode of Heartstrings that featured a Gay storyline with a happy ending.
- Tune in to hear why The Met Gala is a super important event for the theatre world (which most people don’t know!).
- Being part of the Wicked Tour was like “a warm bath” for Andy because the show is always a wonderful, welcoming experience.
- Mientus has a rare neurological disorder called HNPP (Hereditary Neuropathy with Pressure Palsies).
- Andy is not just a live theater actor, he’s also a TV and Film actor including playing the supervillain, Hartley Rathaway, in The Flash who is an openly Gay character in the series!
- Failure is one of Andy’s close personal friends. He says he fails several times a week and it never gets easier but it’s always a learning opportunity you can get better at dealing with, most of the time.
- Stay until the end of a special Andy Mientus rendition of Shut the Fuck Up Alan!
- tick, tick…Boom! runs June 5 to June 15 at the historic Cape Playhouse in Dennis, MA where Broadway goes to summer since 1927