As we approach the final weekend, join us for a little Q & A as we learn more about a cast member of BILLY ELLIOT: THE MUSICAL!
Today, we talk about all kinds of things with our Mr. Braithwaite – TJ Ford Cunningham!
TJ Ford Cunningham
Q: Tell me all about your character!
A: Mr. Braithwaite is a part of the miner’s union but accompanies Mrs. Wilkinson’s ballet classes in the community center. He’s fiercely loyal to both his fellow miners and Mrs. W., and is always down for a good time at the Rose & Crown.
Q: What brought you into the theatre/performing arts scene here in Indianapolis?
A: Growing up in Indy, I participated in a lot of performing arts around the city, mainly centered around school theatre and music. I spent four years in college studying IT, and though performing with the Singing Hoosiers was an amazing opportunity, I still longed for being a part of a production. After moving back home from school, I jumped back into it like I never left.
Q: For fun, what’s the last thing you do before you go out onstage?
A: Check my pants to make sure they haven’t ripped. I’ve probably ripped a total of 12 pairs of pants in my stage career. Big ass, big problem.
Q: After BILLY ELLIOT, what’s on your calendar?
A: Trading in my mining boots and hard hat for fishnets and heels! Playing a Transylvanian in Zach Rosing Productions’ ROCKY HORROR SHOW.
Q: Didn’t I hear that you just started a new podcast?
A: I have a podcast with my friend Matt Altman called the Kween’s Vernacular where we get drunk and spill some tea on celebrity gossip and all things black queer intersectionality. Give us a listen on iTunes, Soundcloud, or Stitcher if you’re interested!
Tickets available online and by phone (317-280-0825) for the Indiana Premiere of BILLY ELLIOT:THE MUSICAL!
