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Alan Mingo, Jr., who made his Broadway debut as Tom Collins during the original run of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Rent, is currently starring in the title role of the North American tour of The Wiz.

The actor shared the role with Wayne Brady when the revival of the 1975 musical played a limited engagement on Broadway last year. He also played the Wiz in the show's pre-Broadway tour. The current tour, which is now playing Las Vegas' Smith Center, also features Dana Cimone as Dorothy, Sheherazade as Glinda, Kyla Jade as Aunt Em and Evilene, D. Jerome as the Tinman, Mykal Kilgore as the Lion, and Elijah Ahmad Lewis as the Scarecrow. Click for the current itinerary.

Mingo, Jr. is perhaps best known for playing Lola in both the Canadian and Broadway productions of the Tony-winning Kinky Boots, winning Toronto's Dora Mavor Moore Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. He was also seen on Broadway as Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, and his additional touring credits include Donkey in Shrek the Musical, Seaweed in Hairspray, and Simba in
The Lion King.

Television audiences may know Mingo, Jr. from his work in Doom Patrol, The Deuce, Tales of the City, Ray Donovan, Jessica Jones, Frasier, and Law & Order. He also plays Maxi in the newly released film I'm Not Gay: A Musical, which is available on all major streaming platforms.

In the interview below for the °ëµºÌåÓý series How Did I Get Here—spotlighting not only actors, but directors, designers, musicians, and others who work on and off the stage to create the magic that is live theatre—Mingo, Jr. shares why he enjoys touring in a show and how he copes with disappointment in the business.

Where did you train/study?
Alan Mingo, Jr.: My training began in high school, much like many young people, joining my school’s drama club, chamber ensemble, and taking private vocal lessons. From there I was awarded both the Maryland Distinguished Scholarship (for Vocal Excellence) from the state and the CAPA (Creative and Performing Arts) Scholarship from UMD. I chose to study at UMD (College Park) with a B.A. in Drama. Directly from my undergraduate degree, I wanted to go for my masters. I decided to attend the University of California, Irvine, where I received my M.F.A. in Acting.

Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
There have been several teachers who were impactful, but the first person that comes to mind is Michael D’Anna, my high school drama teacher. He introduced me to acting and convinced me that this is something I could do professionally. He would coach my audition material for scholarships and instilled in me the importance of going to college.

Do you have a favorite moment in the show for the Wiz? What makes that particular part special?
My favorite moment in The Wiz is when Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tinman, and the Lion finally meet the Wiz at the beginning of Act 2. I love our interactions in this scene—playing off my fellow actors is so much fun. The challenge of shifting between intimidation and charming persuasion to get them to do his bidding always gives me a thrill.

You played the role in the pre-Broadway tour and also on Broadway. Can you share a favorite reaction from one of the younger audience members?
One of my favorite moments was meeting a young audience member at the stage door. After signing his °ëµºÌåÓý, he shouted, "You are very funny! But you are not nice?" I chuckled and asked, "What made me not nice?" He quickly replied, "You weren’t nice to Dorothy." I laughed and said, "You’re right—that wasn’t very nice of the Wiz!" I was amazed that, at only seven years old, he wasn’t afraid of my character and had the confidence to call out what he felt was wrong. His honesty and boldness made my night.

What are the challenges/rewards of touring in a musical?
One of the challenges of touring in a musical is finding the proper rest in an eight-shows-a-week schedule. Depending on how fast your tour moves, your one day off a week many times are spent traveling to your next city.

The rewards of touring is that you get to have “Opening Night� in every city. You also get to travel to many wonderful cities in our country and meet the locals who love to share with you special restaurants and “hotspots� that make their city special.

Excluding The Wiz, do you have a favorite theatrical experience that you have been a part of?
Kinky Boots has been my favorite theatrical experience. Not only was it a wonderful challenge, but it also fed me artistically and allowed me to showcase a broader range.

Do you have a dream stage role or stage acting partner?
Wayne Brady. We've now done two shows together, but never at the same time. He’s incredibly talented, and I would love the opportunity to share the stage with him directly.

What do you consider your big break?
Getting cast in Rent. It was my Broadway debut.

What is the most memorable day job you ever had?
I worked as a receptionist at a small auction house in Maryland. One day, the auctioneer was running very late, and since the owner knew I had acting experience, they asked me to start the auction until he arrived. It was both stressful and exhilarating—I could barely pronounce the names of the fine art pieces I was auctioning and had to make sure I didn’t accidentally sell a $7,000 painting for $70! It was the ultimate adrenaline rush.

Tell me about a job/opportunity you really wanted but didn’t get. How did you get over that disappointment?
I was up for the role of Uncle Clifford on the TV show P-Valley. I really wanted it and felt I gave a great audition, but ultimately, I didn’t get it. Disappointment is common in our business, but I remind myself that beyond giving my best, the final decision is out of my control. Casting involves so many factors—vision, chemistry, timing—that have nothing to do with my talent or effort. Instead of dwelling on the loss, I focus on improving, staying ready for the next opportunity, and trusting that the right role will come at the right time.

What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Patience. This profession will throw a lot at you, and it’s easy to want to do everything all at once. When I was younger, as soon as I got a show, I was already looking for the next one. I would tell my younger self to slow down, relax, and truly enjoy the opportunity right in front of me—right now, today.

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Photos: Dana Cimone, Mykal Kilgore, More in Rehearsal for The Wiz North American Tour

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