Andrew Durand
Joining us On The Couch today is Andrew Durand, the magnetic star of Broadway’s Dead Outlaw. Fresh off a TONY nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, Andrew is at the heart of a show that’s racked up an impressive seven TONY nods, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, Best Book, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for Jeb Brown, Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for Julie Knitel and Best Direction for David Cromer.
Read our full interview below, where Durand recalls booking War Horse (his Broadway debut in a Play) and Spring Awakening (his Broadway debut in a Musical). He really has done it all.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
I think my best asset is my mischievous nature. I believe it lends a lot to my creative process and collaborations. It also helps me find my people and create close and meaningful relationships in my life.
What was your proudest moment?
Personally: The birth of my niece.
Professionally: When I booked War Horse on Broadway. It was my first Broadway play. I had only done musicals/gone to a musical theater school, and I knew I was up against a lot of great non-musical theater actors. I think even my agents were surprised. That felt really good. I remember I happened to get the phone call while walking through Times Square. Then I proceeded to call my loved ones and tell them all from there. It is a wonderful memory I have as an actor in NYC.
What is your favorite drink?
Alcoholic: A margarita that is not too sweet.
Non Alcoholic: Grape Spindrift
What is your favorite food?
Tacos and Potato Chips. Separately lol.
What is your favorite condiment?
My gf Lisa’s homemade hot sauce!
What is your current obsession?
My show, Dead Outlaw!!!
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Alternating between salty and sweet snacks for fun and comfort when I’m not even hungry and it’s far too late at night to be doing such a thing.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
I’m so happy and grateful for what I have been able to achieve so far. I’m always happy when I am collaborating with great artists on a project I wholeheartedly believe in. At some point: I would love to be a series regular on a really cool and beloved series, playing a part that is really right for me.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Clothes that I buy and then don’t really like anymore a few months later.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
I could spend less time on my phone/social media.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Microplastics are pretty freaky.
What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Neither of my parents were procrastinators. They got stuff done. I’m the same.
What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Sometimes I sweat the small stuff.
What in the world most thrills you?
Performing a great show, with a great company of actors, in front of a great audience.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
I dislike when people start screaming the phrase “Let’s Gooooo!” when something good happens. Like, where are we going?
What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job?
Probably my Broadway debut in Spring Awakening. It was my first job out of college. It was the most popular show at the time. The original cast was so beloved by the fans. It was a really high-pressure situation. My first performance, I was super nervous when I turned around to sing the “Touch Me” solo. So nervous that I couldn’t really get my breath and I’m pretty sure I sang it terribly. Flat, sharp, anything but nailing it and on the pitch.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Kayaking through the mangrove tunnels at Weedon Island in St. Petersburg, Florida.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
An adventurous spirit
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Oh I love both!
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
If everyone I loved got everything they ever wished for.
What are your personal mottos?
“Slow down”
New York City is an inherently fast paced lifestyle. I’ll have plenty of time, yet still be speed walking to the train. Frantically doing dishes. Rushing to do anything. Lately, I’ve been telling myself to “slow down”. When I do, I breathe more. I look up at the sky. I’m more appreciative of this life, and the world around me. Always trying to slow down.