This article needs to beupdated.(December 2024) |
Jon Rua(born Jonathan Rua) is an American actor, singer, and choreographer, best known for his roles in Broadway musicals such asHamilton,[2]In the Heights,The SpongeBob Musical,andHands on a Hardbody.
Jon Rua | |
|---|---|
 Rua in 2015 | |
| Born | |
| Alma mater | Rutgers University |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Movement | T.H.E. Grit (Trigger Human Emotion)[1] |
Rua was the choreographer for the 2016Munyproduction ofAidainSt. Louis,and a creative consultant for the 2016 musicalSpongeBob SquarePants,joining its Broadway cast in 2017.
Early life
editRua was born inElizabeth, New Jerseyand grew up in nearbyLinden.[3]His parents, Maria Nohelia Castañeda Cano and Elibanier "Marco" Rua, were both immigrants from Colombia.
Rua graduated in 2001 fromLinden High School,where he participated in the musical theatre program and began dancing socially.[4]He received a B.A. in Communication and Public Relations fromRutgers University.During Rua's college years, he attended his first dance class, and later started teaching dancing to younger students.
Career
editAfter college, Rua joined a dance company as an unpaid commitment, and eventually became a professional dancer doing live performance, music video work, and dancing for concerts. He then transitioned into musical theatre and acting.[5]
Rua made his Broadway debut in 2008 as a swing inLin-Manuel Miranda's musicalIn the Heights,later becoming the replacement for Sonny and Graffiti Pete.[6]He stepped into the leading role of Usnavi several times as understudy.[6]
As an original Broadway cast member ofHamiltonin 2015, Rua originated the role ofCharles Leeand performed in the ensemble. On December 20, 2015, Rua became the third performer to take on the title role of Alexander Hamilton on Broadway, as Miranda's understudy.[6]Rua leftHamiltonon June 29, 2016,[7]and briefly returned in February 2017 as an alternate for Jevon McFerrin in the title role, afterJavier Muñoztook temporary leave due to injury.[8]
Rua has been a contributing choreographer for such projects asHamilton,On Your Feet!,Flashdance,Hands on a Hardbody,Bring It On: The Musical,In the Heights,Insanityand NYCC'sThe Wiz.He has also been credited as a choreographer in productions in which he appeared as an actor.[9]In 2014, Rua was a finalist for theCapezio Awardfor Choreographic Excellence.[10]
His television credits include the role of Ricky in"Confessions",a 2016 episode of theCBSpolice procedural dramaBlue Bloods.He also appeared in the televised version of theSpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical,which is currently on theParamount+streaming app.
Upcoming Projects
editRua is an associate choreographer forBoop! The Musical,[11]which is expected to start performances on March 11, 2025, and then officially open on April 5th.[12]
Educator / Movement Director
editRua lives in New York City, where he teaches at the Broadway Dance Center.[citation needed] Outside of the Broadway Dance Center, Rua teaches dancers of all levels through workshops. Most recently Rua put on a dance workshop in 2021 as a Movement Director on the SS Neverender, a cruise for the band Coheed & Cambria, to the song In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth 3.[citation needed]Rua also led an advanced hip hop workshop at BroadwayCon in 2016.[citation needed]
Other Choreographer / Assisting / Teaching Credits
- Hamilton as Assistant to the Choreographer
- Hands on a Hardbody as Assistant to the Choreographer
- FlashDance as Assistant to the Choreographer
- Bring It On The Musical as Assistant to the Choreographer
- The Wiz-NYCC as Assistant to the Choreographer
- In The Heights as Assistant to the Choreographer
- Insanity as Assistant to the Choreographer
- International Seminar of Dance as Assistant to the Choreographer as HipHop Instructor/Choreographer
- Genctur Youth Camp as Dance Instructor in Istanbul, Turkey
Awards and recognitions
editIn 2016, Rua was nominated for anAstaire Awardfor Outstanding Ensemble in a Broadway Show forHamilton.[13]
Rua received a ceremonial plate for artistic achievements as a local native, presented by the mayor of Elizabeth, New Jersey during a July 8, 2016 appearance in the "Young Immigrant Hamilton Tour," part of the city's annual "CelebrateHAMILTON" program.[14][15]
Other awards:
- 2014 finalist for theCapezio Awardfor Choreographic Excellence
- 2011 nominee for theCraig Noel Awardfor "Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play, Male" inSomewhere(Old Globe)
- 2019 nominee Chita Rivera Awards for Film Nominations as Assistance Choreographer in "Isn't it Romantic"
- 2018 nominee Fred Astaire Awards for Outstanding Ensemble in "Spongebob SquarePants"
- 2016 nominee Fred Astaire Awards for Outstanding Ensemble in "Hamilton"
- 2016 Winner Tony Awards for Best Musical Theater Album for "Hamilton"
- 2014 nominee Capezio A.C.E. Awards for Choreographic Excellence
- 2011 nominee Craig Noel Awards for Excellence in Theatre Nomination for Leading Actor
Personal life
editRua lives in New York City, where he teaches at theBroadway Dance Center.[16]
In 2021 Rua was a guest on the SS Neverender, a cruise for the band Coheed & Cambria, where he led choreography lessons for the cruise attendees to the song In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth 3.
Performance credits
editTheatrical performances
editBroadway
edit| Title | Role | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical | Patchy the Pirate and Ensemble (2017–2018)[17] | Palace Theatre | Actor, Assistant Choreographer |
| Hamilton | Charles Leeand Ensemble (2015-2016);Alexander Hamilton(s/b 2017; u/s 2015–2016) |
Thomas Kail,Andy Blankenbuehler | Actor, Choreographer |
| Hands on a Hardbody | Jesus Peña | Neil Pepe, Sergio Trujillo | Actor, Choreographer |
| In the Heights | Graffiti Pete
Sonny, Usnavi (u/s) |
Thomas Kail, Andy Blankenbuehler | Actor, Choreographer |
Off-Broadway
edit| Title | Role | Details | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kung Fu | Matthew, Barry, Fung Fung, etc. | Signature Theatre, Leigh Silverman | Actor | |
| The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity | Mace (understudy) | Second Stage Theatre, Eddie Torres | Actor | |
| Damn Yankees | Ensemble | New York City Center, John Rando | Encores!, Summer Star Series | Actor |
| The Hombres(2022) | New York City Center, John Rando | Two River Theater/Annie Tippe | Actor | |
| Hamilton | Charles Lee/ Ensemble | New York City Center, John Rando | Public Theatre/Thomas Kail | Actor |
| In The Heights | Sonny/Graffiti Pete; u/s Usnavi | Tommy Kail/A. Blankenbuehler | Actor |
Regional
edit| Title | Role | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aida | Choreographer | The Muny | Choreographer |
| Hands on a Hardbody | Jesus Peña | La Jolla Playhouse, Neil Pepe | Actor, Choreographer |
| Somewhere | Alejandro Candelaria | The Old Globe, Giovanna Sardelli | Actor (Craig NoelLeading Actor Nominee) |
| Bring It On: The Musical | Twig | Universal Studios and Beacon Pictures, Andy Blankenbuehler | Actor, Choreographer |
| West Side Story | Chino | The Muny, Gordon Greenberg | Actor |
| Pirates | Samuel | The Muny, Gordon Greenberg | Actor |
| Hands on a Harbody | Jesus Pena | La Jolla Playhouse | Actor |
Readings and workshops
edit| Title | Role | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Mike | Tito | Brian Yorkey, Tom Kitt |
| American Pop | As cast | New York Stage & Film, Michael Friedman |
| The Solid Sand Below | Flores | Atlantic Theatre Company, Martin Zimmerman |
| Queen of the Stardust Ballroom | Fernando | Jerry Mitchell, Marvin Hamlisch |
| Queen of the Stardust Ballroom | Fernando | Jerry Mitchell, Marvin Hamlisch |
| Eighty Sixed | Richard | Sam Salmond, Jeremy King |
| Ever After | Gustave | Dir. Susan V. Booth |
| Bread and Roses | Ruben | NYMF FESTIVAL 2016 |
| Hamilton | As Cast, Jefferson/Burr | Public Theater/Dir. Tommy Kail |
| Hands on a Hardbody | Jesus | Neil Pepe, Doug Wright |
| Kingdom | Andres | Public Theater |
| Fly | Lotty | Jeffrey Seller, Bill Sherman |
| Paperdolls | Jiorgio | Sundance Theater, Mark Brokaw |
| Stuck Elevator/Like Water for Chocolate | Principal | Sundance Theater Lab |
| Bare | Lucas | Stafford Arima, Lynne Shanke |
| Paperdolls | Jiorgio | Mark Brokaw, Phillip Himberg |
Film
edit| Title | Role | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall to Rise | Magic | Directed by Jayce Bartok | Actor |
| Hamilton | Charles Lee/ Ensemble | Directed byThomas Kail | Actor |
| First Reformed | Repairman | Directed byPaul Schrader | Actor |
| The Things We Do They Don't Understand | Eduardo | Directed byAshley Michel Hoban | Actor |
| Isn't It Romantic | Dancer | Directed byTodd Strauss-Schulson | Dancer |
| In the Heights | Background vocals | Directed byJon M. Chu | |
| Smile 2 | Anton | Directed byParker Finn | Actor |
Television
edit| Title | Role | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blacklist | Guest-Star | NBC/Dir. Bill Roe | Actor |
| Blue Bloods | Guest-Star | CBS/Dir. Alex Zakrzewski | Actor |
| The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage | Krabby Patty | Nickelodeon | Actor |
| Law & Order:"Bailout" | Co-Star | NBC Universal, Dir. Jean De Segonzac | Actor |
| Celebrity Wife Swap | Self | ABC Network | Choreographer |
| Marcy Placefeat. Don Omar | Co-Star | Orfanato Music Group, Chor. Bam Bam | Actor |
| Verizon Commercial | Security Guard | National Television | Actor |
Stage and concerts
edit| Title | Role | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phish | Choreographer, Dancer | Fall Tour 2013, Atlantic City | Dancer |
| Mariah Carey | Dancer | NBC Universal, Chor. Bam Bam | Dancer |
| Soulja Boy | Dancer | Chor. Mark Martinez, YouTube NYC | Dancer |
Commercials and music videos
edit| Title | Role | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hands on a Hardbody | Jesus Peña | LSerino, Coyne Productions | Actor, Commercial |
| Bring It On: The Musical | Twig | Universal Studios and Beacon Pictures | Commercial |
| Marcy Placefeat. Don Omar | Dancer, Featured Actor | Orfanato Music Group, Chor. Bam Bam | Music Video |
| Target Industrial | Principal Dancer, Actor | Dir: Vivian Rosenthal | Industrial |
| In the Heights | Dancer | Bunker Prod. Co., Warren Fischer | Broadway Commercial |
| Old Flames | Choreographer, Dancer | Roadrunner Records, Coheed and Cambria | Music Video |
References
edit- ^"Triggering human emotion with Jon Rua".The Pickwyck.May 8, 2016.
- ^Henry, Sally."Humanizing the $10 Founding Father: Understudy Jon Rua Talks Being Born to Play HAMILTON".Broadway World.RetrievedFebruary 28,2016.
- ^Iati, Marisa (July 13, 2016)."Hamiltonstar talks Broadway and his N.J. roots ".NJ.NJ Advance Media.RetrievedAugust 29,2017.
Rua chatted with a full house in Elizabeth last week about how his childhood in Union County inspires and shapes his push to create theater, music and dance that strike audience members at their core. Rua, now 32, was born in Elizabeth and grew up in Linden.
- ^Ross, Ruth (July 8, 2013)."Linden isIn The Heightswith Mystic Vision Players ".NJ Arts Maven.RetrievedAugust 29,2017.
Jon Rua, who recently originated the role of Jesus Peña on Broadway inHands on a Hardbody,graduated from Linden High School in 2001 and went on to appear in the ensemble of the premiere off-Broadway production ofIn The Heights.
- ^"Jon Rua".Dancers of New York.November 6, 2015.
- ^abcKojic, Yvette (October 6, 2016)."TheHamilton–HeightsConnection, and the Actors Who Have Done Both ".Playbill.Archivedfrom the original on November 2, 2017.
- ^"Jon Rua Theatre Credits".Broadway World.
- ^"Listings –Blue Bloods– Episode Title: (#BB709) "Confessions"".The Futon Critic.November 18, 2016.
- ^Rua, Jon."Biography".jonrua.net.Archived fromthe originalon July 27, 2016.RetrievedAugust 2,2016.
- ^Searle, Deborah (October 8, 2014)."Jon Rua is making his own rules".danceinforma.Dance Informa.
- ^Culwell-Block, Logan (January 13, 2025)."Boop! The MusicalFinds Full Broadway Cast ".Playbill.RetrievedFebruary 13,2025.
- ^Culwell-Block, Logan (July 17, 2024)."Boop! The Betty Boop MusicalDates Broadway Bow ".Playbill.RetrievedFebruary 13,2025.
- ^"2016 Fred and Adele Astaire Awards Nominees".theastaireawards.Archived fromthe originalon August 25, 2016.RetrievedAugust 2,2016.
- ^""Young Immigrant Hamilton Tour" July 7-8, 2016 ".goelizabethnj.Elizabeth Destination Marketing Organisation.
- ^Sullivan, Fran."Hamilton Performer Jon Rua Visits Snyder Academy as Part of Founding Father's Celebration".tapinto.net.
- ^"Jon Rua – Biography".IMDb.Internet Movie Database.
- ^Salamone, Gina (November 30, 2017)."Playing a giant Krabby Patty in 'SpongeBob SquarePants' musical can leave you feeling fried".New York Daily News.Archivedfrom the original on December 22, 2017.