Meet Broadway Wiz Bright Star, Jacob Rivera-Sanchez from Fort Worth, Texas!
You may recognize Jacob as NewYork.com’s Ultimate Broadway Fan! His favorite performer is Danny Burstein, and he loves making new friends while stage-dooring.
On average, how many Broadway or Off-Broadway shows do you see a year?
5-6 in NY
How many local shows or community theater shows do you see a year?
Too many to count!
Favorite Broadway show:
Follies
All-time favorite performer:
Danny Burstein
Songs you like to belt in the shower:
“You Could Drive A Person Crazy” (all 3 parts! haha.)
Favorite piece of theater memorabilia you own:
A copy of the A Little Night Music revival cast album signed by the entire company and Mr. Sondheim!
Most memorable performance you’ve ever seen:
It was recent, but I will remember Danny’s performance in Fiddler. Some may find it difficult to bring nuance to a role in a big Broadway show in a big Broadway house, but he knows how to do that and make it seem bigger than life. It’s everything I’ve aspired to do.
I also will never forget the first show I saw in NY which was the 2013 revival of The Last Five Years. Truly mesmerizing and captivating. Betsy Wolfe is one of my favorites and to finally see her, and playing that role, was a delight.
Best interaction you have had with another theater fan:
I had seen the final preview of the recent She Loves Me revival and got to stage door and meet everyone except Laura [Benanti] ’cause she had been sick. The next day, I decided to hang out at the theatre’s opening night to check out the red carpet arrivals and such, and hopefully see Laura afterwards because I had always wanted to meet her. I stayed and hung out with 3 amazing people (who I now call friends) all throughout the night until the show ended. I saw Laura inside and they encouraged me to say hello to her and ask her to sign my window card, which she did.
Why do you love theater?
It’s a great and entertaining opportunity to just escape yourself for a little bit… and that goes both ways whether you’re in or a part of a show or simply watching.
Dream roles?
Regardless of age: “Phantom” in Phantom of the Opera, “Buddy” in Follies, either of the male roles in The Apple Tree, “Jamie” in The Last Five Years, “Munkustrap”, “Rum Tum Tugger”, “Mungojerrie”, or “Mistoffelees” in Cats, “Che” in Evita, here’s a whole dang list! hahaha. https://li.st/l/1d1OLxYKdHsyarZMV8CKmk
Best stagedoor or backstage experience?
Every experience is the best because not many other entertainment mediums allow for fan interaction as much as being at a stage door. Even when security says some people have left and I have the courage to stand out there a little longer and (eventually) some people still trickle out, those moments mean a lot; that’s how I got to meet Ramin, Leslie after I saw Hamilton, Laura after She Loves Me, Idina after If/Then… Also, I’ve been lucky enough to stand on the stages of the Marquis, Circle in the Square, the American Airlines and the Jacobs (how apropos!) and it may seem like no big deal to some people, but it’s really incredible to be in that sanctuary where literal magic and disappearing acts happen; it’s theatre, it’s never the same and it’s never permanent.
Favorite spots in NYC:
Junior’s, Shubert Alley, Drama Book Shop, Schmackary’s, Stardust, 54 Below, Pearl Studios, Nola Studios
If you could sing a duet or perform a scene with any Broadway star, who would it be?
I would love to duet with any of Broadway’s leading ladies, I would love to do a scene with Danny as my partner, but I would love to sing one of Sondheim’s songs with him in the room.
Did you ever fangirl when you met an actor/performer?:
I don’t to their faces… just after the fact when we’ve taken a photo or I’ve gotten their signature.
Favorite thing about Broadway Wiz?
The Tips and Tricks and the compiled source for lottery and rush info!
What would your super power be?
Going back in time/teleportation… so I can catch shows I never got to see.
Besides theater, what are some of your other passions or hobbies?
I love drawing and I’m into graphic design and social media. I’ve done promo work here and there for the local touring theatres in my area, plus I just love telling people about shows and especially interacting with students about rush or discounts. Most students don’t know about them (myself included when I was their age or younger) and miss out on seeing great shows.
Where can we stalk you online?
My website is at www.jacobriverasanchez.com and I have a sidebar with links to all my social media accounts! 🙂 Hit me up if you have questions about anything or just wanna talk theatre!
Anything else you would like to share? Funny stories, weird facts about yourself, cool talents?
I have won several Broadway-related contests (there’s more info on my site about them) but my favorite is being named NewYork.com’s Ultimate Broadway Fan!
Your logo could be here! Email hello@broadwaywiz.com to learn more about sponsorships and advertising opportunities on our site.