In April 2014, Trey Curtis took the lead role in UT’s production of “In the Heights” as a freshman. This January, Curtis took on the titular role in the hit Broadway show “Hamilton” after having played many roles in the production’s tours all over the country and internationally. Curtis is joined onstage by his best friend and fellow UT alumnus J. Quinton Johnson as Hercules Mulligan and James Madison, respectively. The Daily Texan spoke with Curtis about his journey to Broadway and his experience at UT.
DT: What was it like having a star role in “In The Heights” your freshman year at UT?
TC: I auditioned for “In the Heights,” which was my favorite musical, … so auditioning for it was already a dream come true. … I was cast in the ensemble first. … Then, they had a re-audition process because they wanted (the cast) to be all students instead of hiring outside actors in the Austin theatre community. They let me audition for Usnavi which is the lead role. … After coming home to Houston (for winter break) — I’ll never forget this — I woke up from a nap because my phone was going off. … And so I got on Facebook and saw a post on my wall from J. Quinton Johnson, who’s my best friend and is also in “Hamilton” with me. He was cast as Benny in our production of “In the Heights,” and he wrote on my wall: ‘I know this seems like it’s a lot of pressure, but you’re not alone. The weight is not all on your back. We got you, you can do this.’ And I was like, ‘What is he talking about?’ So, I went to the theatre and dance Facebook page where they posted the cast list, and (I saw my name next to Usnavi on the list). I couldn’t believe it.
DT: How did you meet your best friend and castmate J. Quinton Johnson?
TC: We became close, best friends, during the “In the Heights” process and have never broken apart since. My debut on Broadway last year was with Quinton. I was Hamilton, and he was playing Washington. It was the first time we performed together since “In the Heights.” I lean on him every day and I trust him with my entire being when I’m on stage with him and off-stage with him. He makes me feel safe and comfortable, and he also makes it a little scary too because he pushes me. It’s amazing being in a show with him, and I’m cherishing every moment we get to have on stage.
DT: Having started with “In the Heights,” what’s it like to have your Broadway debut with a different Lin-Manuel Miranda production?
TC: In 2008 when “In the Heights” came out, I remember watching the Tony awards seeing Lin-Manuel accept his Tony and freestyle (rap) his entire acceptance speech. I immediately knew that what he was doing I have to be a part of. … I created a mixtape in college called “15 Revival” where I’d take musical theater songs and I’d flip them and create my own beat to them and rap or sing over the new creations. I had one sample from the “In the Heights” song “Blackout,” and I made a beat to it and so my boyQuinton and I made this Vine, and (Lin-Manuel Miranda) retweeted it! We felt like we were on top of the world and fast forward. … Being in the role now was a full circle moment all the way from “In the Heights” when hip hop and musical theater was a part of my life since 2008.
