Nick Rashad Burroughs Embraces His True Self and Finds a Path to Broadway

Think Alabama isn't a breeding ground for Broadway stars? Think again! This week, we're joined by the phenomenal Nick Rashad Burroughs, who defies expectations and proves that talent truly knows no geographical bounds. From his early life in a deeply religious family in Birmingham, Alabama, Nick's sports-focused journey took an unexpected turn with an accidental audition that led him away from sports and the idea of becoming a pastor. Nick also shares the raw and inspiring story of how he reconciled his artistic truth with his upbringing, the deeply personal challenges he faced coming out, and the profound significance of his mother witnessing him perform in drag on a Broadway stage. We dive deep into his remarkable career, from his Broadway debut in Kinky Boots right out of school, to navigating the massive spectacle of King Kong (and its critical reception), and the intense emotional demands of portraying Ike Turner in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. He even earned a Broadway World Award for his portrayal of Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar. This is a conversation about trusting your instincts and committing to your authentic self, creating an extraordinary life even when the path is completely unexpected and requires immense courage and creative risk. This is a story about guts, grit, and the incredible rewards of fully embracing who you are. --- Why I’ll Never Make It is an independent production of WINMI Media and Patrick Oliver Jones. To support the ongoing efforts of this podcast please subscribe⁠ or ⁠donate⁠. Thank you! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices