Landry Beckley
Landry Beckley seems to be destined to be a performer. I’ve now seen Landry in three productions and can attest that he has all the elements needed for success. Whether he’s the wannabe thug TJ in Sister Act, L.A. one of Mama Rose’s newsboys in Gypsy, or in his current role as Ted Scheider in Disaster!, Landry is at home on the stage. His appealing stage presence and terrific voice make him a natural and, if you want to see his excellent, scene stealing comedy skills in action, get to the Runway Theatre in Grapevine through April 9th. Take a few moments to read about the very talented Landry Beckley.
When was your first time on stage?
I was eight years old when I did my first show called CinderellaROCK. It was a unique take on Cinderella in modern time with hip hop choreography that was written, directed, and produced by performer and influencer Todrick Hall. I played one of the mice named Thimble and I was the only male mouse in the show.
When did you know you wanted to be an actor?
I like to think I always wanted to be an actor all my life. I was always surrounded by the atmosphere with my mother, uncle and sister performing for years. Now I have my little brother doing productions in the metroplex as well. So, you could say it was inevitable. I mean it was either theatre or sports.
Who is your greatest mentor?
There are many individuals that have helped shape me to be the person I am and the person I want to be. However, one that stands out the most for me is God. I believe He has been with me through all the trials and tribulations and still gave me the comfort and assurance I needed throughout my life by teaching me Love, Self-Discipline and Perseverance. I hope I make Him proud by using my gifts to help make a difference in this world and touch the lives of others.
What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?
It’s hard to choose just one role I’ve thoroughly enjoyed throughout my career. My top three would have to be Ted Scheider(Disaster!), James Hennesey(Biloxi Blues), and TJ(Sister Act)
Do you have a dream role?
You can’t expect me to have just one singular dream role! Ha-ha! The ones that I can think of right off the bat are Seaweed from Hairspray, J. Pierpont Finch from How 2 Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Quasimodo from The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?
I would LOVE to do a show with my brother Brady Logan Beckley. I think it would be a fun experience for us and our family to see both me and him in the same show just having a blast!
What performances have you seen that impressed you?
One performance that really impressed me was Hello, Dolly! starring Bernadette Peters and Victor Garber. But it wasn’t just because of the cast, the costumes or even the choreography. I went on a night where one of the set changes didn’t work and they had to hold the show for a few minutes to make sure it was functional. Then Bernadette Peters walked out and said “We had a technical difficulty. But it is fixed. We are going to go back a couple minutes before and try it again!” It stuck with me because it showed that even Broadway productions have their mistakes and that not everything goes as planned during a show. It showed the perfectionist in me that “sometimes we mess up and that’s okay as long as you do your best and handle it in a calm manner.”
What are your career goals?
My goal is to continue performing whether it’s in the metroplex, touring, or on Broadway. I’m also open to film, TV and whatever may come my way in the future. As long as I can continue to do what I love by using my gifts bestowed upon me.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
My grandmother was a Playboy Bunny in the early 70s and sometimes reunites with her fellow bunnies.
