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Will Swenson

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BIO

Will Swenson is known as one of Broadway’s most versatile leading men and has been seen on Broadway in roles across a wide character spectrum. Will received critical acclaim for his performance as the subversive hippie Berger in the 2009 revival of Hair for which he received Tony, Drama Desk and Drama League Nominations. He went on to perform the role in London’s West End as well. He starred as Inspector Javert in the 2014 revival of Les Miserables, and played the conflicted drag queen Tick in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, (Drama League Nomination). In Waitress Will performed opposite the show’s creator Sara Bareilles. Other Broadway: Disaster!, Lestat, Brooklyn: The Musical, and his sentimental favorite 110 in the Shade: the production where he met his wife, actress Audra McDonald. Off-Broadway favorites include the recent revival of Assassins, Nantucket Sleighride, and Jerry Springer: The Opera for which he won an Obie Award. Will originated the role of Tom in Murder Ballad, and also created the role of Stacey Jaxx in the original Off-Broadway production of Rock of Ages. Other favorites include Little Miss Sunshine, Adrift in Macao, Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Pericles. Tours and Other: Miss Saigon, We Will Rock You, Camelot with the NY Philharmonic, Pirates of Penzance, Moon for the Misbegotten, The Royal Family of Broadway. Film & Television: Will played Philo Barnum in the movie musical “The Greatest Showman”, and can be seen in the feature films “This is Where I Leave You”, “The Kitchen” and “The Switch”. Will spent a season on the Netflix series “The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” as the evil Professor Carcosa. He played opposite his wife in the Covid/Zombie thriller series “The Bite”. He has guest-starred on “Law & Order (SVU & CSI)”, “The Good Wife”, “No Tomorrow”, and “The Code.” He played Henry Donnenfeld on the Netflix crime drama series “Hit and Run”, and later this year will be seen as the father of the Vampire clan The Fairmont’s in the new Netflix drama “First Kill”. Some of Will’s earliest memories involve listening to his Dad’s 8-track copy of “Hot August Night”. Will can’t remember not having most of Neil Diamond’s songs permanently imprinted on his brain. And he’s super happy about that.

Photos

STAGE CREDITS

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2022
Neil Diamond (Then)


[Off-Broadway]
Classic Stage Off-Broadway Revival, 2021
Charles Guiteau


[Immersive]
Quintessence of Dust Theatre Company Immersive Production, 2019
Bruce


[Off-Broadway]
Lincoln Center Theater Off-Broadway Premiere, 2019
Performer


[Regional (US)]
Regional World Premiere Production, 2018
Tony


[Off-Broadway]
The New Group Off-Broadway Premiere, 2018
Satan

Warm-Up

Satan

Warm-Up

[Off-Broadway]
USS Intrepid Production, 2017
Performer


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Earl [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2016
Tony Delvecchio [Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Replacement]

[Off-Broadway]
Theatre for a New Audience Off-Broadway Production, 2016
Cleon


[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2014
Javert [Replacement]

[Replacement]


[Replacement]

[Replacement]


[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Premiere, 2013
Richard Hoover


[Off-Broadway]
2013
Performer


[Off-Broadway]
Manhattan Theatre Club Production, 2012


[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2011
Mitzi

Tick

Mitzi

Tick

[Toronto]
Pre-Broadway North American Production, 2010
Tick (Mitzi)


[West End]
London Revival, 2010
Berger


[Broadway]
Broadway Revival, 2009


[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2008
Stacee Jaxx


[Off-Broadway]
Shakespeare In The Park Revival, 2008
Berger


[Broadway]
Roundabout Revival, 2007
Cody Bridger


Bill Starbuck (Understudy)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 2007
Rick Shaw




[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2006
Ensemble

Marquis

Laurent

Ensemble

Laurent

Marquis

Armand (Understudy)

Lestat (Understudy)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

Armand (Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

(Unknown)

[Off-Broadway]
Off-Broadway Revival, 2005
Ensemble




[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2004
Vocalist [Replacement]

[Replacement]

Street Singer (Understudy) [Replacement]

Taylor Collins (Understudy) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

Street Singer (Unknown) [Replacement]

Taylor Collins (Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

Street Singer (Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

(Unknown) [Replacement]

[Regional (US)]
Las Vegas Production, 2004
Ensemble


Movies

The Singles Ward
[ 2002 ] Jonathan Jordan
The R.M.
[ 2003 ] Kori Swenson
Sons of Provo
[ 2004 ] Will Jensen
The Singles 2nd Ward
[ 2007 ] Jonathan
The Switch
[ 2010 ] Actor on Stage
Gods Behaving Badly
[ 2013 ] Aries
This Is Where I Leave You
[ 2014 ] Younger Mort
The Greatest Showman
[ 2017 ] Philo Barnum
The Kitchen
[ 2019 ] Michael Mariano

TV Shows

No Tomorrow
Pete

Awards and Nominations

Drama League Awards - 2023 - Distinguished Performance Award

Will Swenson, A Beautiful Noise

Drama League Awards - 2022 - Distinguished Performance Awards

Will Swenson, Assassins

Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2022 - Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical

Will Swenson, Assassins


winner
Obie Awards - 2018 - Performance Award

Will Swenson, Jerry Springer: The Opera

Drama Desk Awards - 2009 - Outstanding Actor in a Musical

Will Swenson, Hair

Tony Awards - 2009 - Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical

Will Swenson, Hair

Videos

News


Photos: On the Red Carpet at the 2025 Drama Desk Awards
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Jun 2, 2025

Debra Messing and Tituss Burgess hosted the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards at 7:30pm ET at NYU Skirball. See photos from the red carpet here! Learn more about the awards here!
The Best Tony Awards Fashions of the 2020s
by A.A. Cristi - May 30, 2025

Let’s take a look back at some of the most unforgettable looks that turned the Tony Awards into a true fashion spectacle. Check out photos of all of our favorite Tony Awards fashions of the 2020s!
Bebe Neuwirth, Nicole Scherzinger, and More Will Present at the Drama Desk Awards
by Stephi Wild - May 30, 2025

Additional presenters and performances have been announced for the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards, being held this Sunday, June 1 at NYU Skirball. Learn more here!
Jonathan Groff, Jeremy Jordan and More to Present at the 69th Annual Drama Desk Awards
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 22, 2025

The presenters have been revealed for the Drama Desk Awards, taking place on Sunday, June 1 at NYU Skirball. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!
Photos: Inside The 2025 Drama League Awards
by Bruce Glikas - May 19, 2025

The best of Broadway gathered at the at the Ziegfeld Ballroom on May 16 to celebrate the 91st Annual Drama League Awards. Check out photos from the event here!
2025 Drama League Awards Winners- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - May 16, 2025

The best of Broadway is gathered at the at the Ziegfeld Ballroom to celebrate the 91st Annual Drama League Awards. BroadwayWorld is bringing you live updates from inside the ceremony. Check back to find out who wins!
MTI Acquires Licensing Rights to A BEAUTIFUL NOISE
by Nicole Rosky - May 15, 2025

Theatrical licensor Music Theatre International announced the acquisition of A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical. We have all of the details here!
Photos: Broadway at the Met Gala " Audra McDonald, Nicole Scherzinger & More
by Michael Major - May 6, 2025

Broadway's best spent their night off the Met Gala last night. With Audra McDonald as part of the event's host committee, the guest list also included stars from Sunset Boulevard, Oh Mary, The Last Five Years, Chicago, and more. See photos!
A Recent History of Biographical Jukebox Musicals on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - May 3, 2025

Bobby Darin's story is hitting Broadway with the new musical Just In Time, starring Jonathan Groff. We're taking a look back on some of the recent jukebox musicals that told the story of iconic solo artists.
Review: Fly North Theatrical's LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE at Greenfinch Theater and Dive
by James Lindhorst - Apr 26, 2025

Fly North Theatricals Little Miss Sunshine has a lot of laughs thanks to Healy’s creative direction and the breakout performances from young talented actors.
2025 Drama League Awards Nominations- The Full List
by Nicole Rosky - Apr 22, 2025

The Drama League announced the 2025 Drama League Awards Nominees for Outstanding Production of a Play, Outstanding Revival of a Play, Outstanding Production of a Musical, Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Direction of a Play, Outstanding Direction of a Musical, and the much-coveted Distinguished Performance Award. We have the full list of nominees here!
AT THIS PERFORMANCE... Returns To The Green Room 42 This Month
by Stephi Wild - Mar 4, 2025

AT THIS PERFORMANCE… will return to The Green Room 42 featuring Standbys, Understudies and Alternates from GYPSY; MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL; & JULIET; OH, MARY!; HADESTOWN; and more.
Comprehensive Guide to Broadway Actors in CBS's Hit Series ELSBETH
by Josh Sharpe - Feb 24, 2025

With more than twenty episodes having aired so far across its two seasons, BroadwayWorld has put together an exhaustive list of all the Broadway stars we could find who have appeared in CBS' Elsbeth.
Review: A Dazzling, Sparkling, Spectacle, Makes A BEAUTIFUL NOISE at Straz Center
by Drew Eberhard - Feb 14, 2025

A Beautiful Noise is a Jukebox musical centered around Neil Diamond’s life, times, and music. It celebrated its Opening Night on Broadway at the Broadhurst Theatre on December 4, 2022. Garnering much acclaim, the musical grossed more than $1 million at the Box Office leading up to its official opening night performance.
Broadway-Aimed BULL DURHAM To Play Paper Mill Playhouse In Fall 2025
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 22, 2025

The musical adaptation of the film Bull Durham is set to make its Paper Mill Playhouse debut in Fall 2025. According to recent Equity casting notices, the show will play a one-month run at the venue from October 2 - November 2, 2025.
Which Broadway Shows Have Mega-Mixes?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Jan 5, 2025

The term “megamix” became widely known on Broadway with that game-changing jukebox musical Mamma Mia! in 2001. The British import, featuring the tunes of ABBA set within a new story, concluded with a multi-song medley after the curtain call that encouraged the audience to sing and dance along.
Twelve Days of Christmas: Will Swenson
by Nicole Rosky - Dec 24, 2024

The holidays are upon us and BroadwayWorld is continuing our favorite annual tradition of celebrating the holiday season with a Twelve Days of Christmas countdown. Day 12 features Will Swenson.
Interview: Britani Bateman Heard 'Bravo' on Broadway Before REAL HOUSEWIVES OF SALT LAKE CITY
by Michael Major - Dec 18, 2024

Long before Britani Bateman was seen on the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, she was doing musical theatre like Miss Saigon, Little Mermaid, and more. Read the interview now where she talks Broadway, Bronwyn Newport's allegations, and more.
AT THIS PERFORMANCE... Returns to the Green Room 42
by Stephi Wild - Dec 2, 2024

Stephen DeAngelis will continue his ongoing salute to Broadway and Off-Broadway Standbys, Understudies and Alternates with the next edition in his monthly residency of AT THIS PERFORMANCE… 
Meet the Cast of GYPSY, Now on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Nov 21, 2024

GYPSY is coming back to Broadway, starring Audra McDonald! The production begins previews at Broadway’s newly renovated Majestic Theatre. Meet the cast of GYPSY here!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Will Swenson been in?

Will Swenson has appeared on Broadway in 9 shows.

How many West End shows has Will Swenson been in?

Will Swenson has appeared on London's West End in 1 shows.

What was Will Swenson's first West End show?

Will Swenson's first West End show was Hair which opened in 2010

What awards has Will Swenson been nominated for?

Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for A Beautiful Noise, Distinguished Performance Awards (Drama League Awards) for Assassins, Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Assassins, Performance Award (Obie Awards) for Jerry Springer: The Opera, Outstanding Actor in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hair and Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hair.

What awards has Will Swenson won?

Will Swenson won the Performance Award at the Obie Awards for his role in Jerry Springer: The Opera.

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