Andy Kelso on How Kinky Boots Changed His Life and the People, Songs & Cookies He'll Miss

In the corporate world, employees leaving a job are often asked to sit through an exit interview with HR about their time at the company. That concept doesn’t exist for Broadway performers, but we love checking in with stars as they finish up a successful run. Andy Kelso, who started as a featured performer and then moved on to the leading role of Charlie Price in the Tony-winning musical Kinky Boots, is leaving the show after a long road of (amazing!) life-changing events during the course of his run. The actor will play his final performance in the production on August 6. In his Broadway.com’s Exit Interview, Kelso reveals the highlights, milestones and cookies he adored during his five years with Kinky Boots.

How did you feel when you first got this job? How do you feel now that you’re leaving?
I was so excited and proud when I got this job—both when I was first cast in the reading of the show, and when I found out I was taking over Charlie Price. The creative team is FULL OUT, and I so desperately wanted to work with these people. Now that I am leaving, I am so happy to have learned from them and be able to call them my friends. Leaving is bittersweet. I am looking forward to new adventures and spending time with my family, but this role has been so fulfilling and this company is simply the best. I will miss them all.

What are three words you would use to describe your experience?
Completely life-changing.

What was the easiest thing about this job?
Because it’s on the other side of Eighth Ave, we don’t have to walk through Times Square to get to work! #winning

What was the hardest thing?
The amount of energy this role takes—both onstage and off. Also, the theater’s proximity to Schmackary’s.  

What was the highlight of your time at this job?
So many—both personally and professionally. Professionally, it was my first original Broadway cast, so all of the things that go with that: the cast recording, the opening night, the Tonys and getting to play Charlie. Personally, this show has seen three major milestones in my life: I got engaged on the stage, I got married about a year later, and my wife and I just had a beautiful baby boy. Pretty much the highlights have been EPIC.

Which skills do you think are required for future job applicants?
Endurance, leadership and humility. Also, juggling, tumbling and trapeze. 

What advice would you give to future employees in your job position?
This role is so much fun! There are so many different things you get to do, and it never gets boring. I guess I would just say to have a blast, pace yourself and stay in the moment.

How do you think you’ve grown?
I am so proud of how far I have come vocally with this show.  In the out of town tryout in Chicago, I was stressing out as an understudy—the Charlie songs had changed so much throughout rehearsal and previews. They ended up being the very top/out of my range. I thought for sure I’d never be able to get through the show as Charlie—let alone be able to do it eight times a week. It took a ton of work, but I finally got there and have discovered so much about my voice and abilities along the way.

Why are you leaving?
Including readings, this show has been in my life for over five years. It will always hold a very special place in my heart, and I love being a part of it. But everything must come to and end, and I am ready to move on to other adventures…not the least of which is spending more time with my wife and newborn son.

What will you miss the most?
It’s not every day that a role like this comes along. I will certainly miss playing these scenes and singing these songs. But hands down, the thing I will miss the most is seeing this entire company day in and day out. And Schmackary’s. I will miss being so close to Schmackary’s.