Charlotte to Broadway: ‘The Wiz’ sets stage for debut

Charlotte to Broadway: ‘The Wiz’ sets stage for debut

Charlotte, North Carolina – Phillip Johnson Richardson, a graduate of Northwest School of the Arts, is gearing up for his Broadway debut in “The Wiz” on March 26. Richardson, who initially shied away from the role of the Tin Man in a school production, has come full circle and will now take on the iconic character on the big stage.

Richardson’s journey into acting started at Piedmont Open IB, where he reluctantly turned down the role of the Tin Man in “The Wiz” and instead joined the ensemble. However, his passion for acting blossomed during his time at Northwest School of the Arts, where he was mentored by theater teacher Corey Mitchell, an award-winning mentor who played a pivotal role in Richardson’s development as an actor.

After graduating from the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music in 2018 with a degree in musical theater, Richardson landed his first role in the Chicago company of the popular musical “Hamilton.” Since then, he has expanded his portfolio with appearances in various TV shows and films, including “Chicago PD,” “Proven Innocent,” “The Last OG,” “Little Voice,” and “Sharper.”

Embracing New Horizons

Aside from his success in the acting world, Richardson has also ventured into music under the stage name Phil. His upcoming EP, Hurt People Squared, is set to debut in the summer and combines traditional hip-hop elements with alternative influences, reflecting his personal experiences and societal issues.

Reflecting on his journey, Richardson shared, “When I was a kid, I thought it would be cool to be a musician, but coming from Charlotte, nobody really did that. Chance the Rapper was a huge influence for me because he was the first person to independently release music, and it was a big thing in 2016.”

A Homecoming on Broadway

Returning to his roots in Charlotte, Richardson recently completed a six-month tour with “The Wiz” before the show’s Broadway debut. As he prepares to take on the role of the Tin Man, Richardson acknowledges the legacy of previous actors who portrayed the character but approaches the role with his unique touch.

“Honestly, the entire script is different,” Richardson noted. “So, hats off to everyone who played the role before me, but the way I approached it was just kind of like myself as the artist that I am today, the person, the human that I am today. And I think that was in the way that it’s been cast this way, too.”

A Bright Future Ahead

As Richardson embarks on this new chapter in his career, he is not only making his mark on Broadway but also paving the way for aspiring artists from his hometown of Charlotte. His dedication to his craft and his willingness to explore new avenues in music showcase a multi-talented individual ready to make waves in the entertainment industry.

With his Broadway debut just around the corner, Richardson’s portrayal of the Tin Man in “The Wiz” promises to be a standout performance that encapsulates his journey from a reluctant school actor to a seasoned professional ready to shine on the grand stage of Broadway.