Juson Williams as Louis Armstrong
Introduction to Juson Williams. 1:04 min. Interview: Raymond Elman. Editing & Production: Angel Alvarez. Recorded: 3/8/2020, Colony Theatre, Miami Beach.
JUSON WILLIAMS is a four time Audelco Award Winner, as well as an International Theatre Festival Award Winner. Some New York credits include: The Color Purple, Scottsboro Boys, Jesus Christ Superstar, Smokey Joe’s Cafe, Fortress of Solitude and Stormy Weather. More than an actor, Williams is a Director/Choreographer whose credits stretch here and abroad. He is the proud Founder and Owner of JW’s Inspirational Singers, his choir, which has sung with artists such as Sam Smith on The 60th Annual Grammy’s, Shania Twain on the Today Show and Pentatonix at the Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting. Williams has worked with Gladys Knight, Mariah Carey, Michael Bolton, and Ashanti. Williams is working on his Sophomore Solo Album entitled “Jus’ On Time” Part 2.
The videos below are organized by topic and run between 43 seconds and 7 minutes. Click on any video. You must be connected to the Internet to view the videos.
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 1:53 min.
What is your first awareness of art of any discipline?
CREATIVE FLEXIBILITY: 3:18 min.
Among all your performance skills and talents, is there one you prefer?
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 5:28 min.
Describe the arc of your professional career.
VALUES FIRST-RATE EDUCATION: 8:51 min.
Inspicio published a video interview with Alberto Carvalho, Miami-Dade County Superintendent of Schools, who said, “Education without arts education is malpractice.”
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 7:13 min.
How did you become aware of “A Wonderful World,” and what was the path that led you to the central role?
CREATIVE FLEXIBILITY: 0:01 min.
When did you first realize that you could portray Louis Armstrong?
EMPATHY: 0:40 min.
What kind of research did you do to prepare for the role of Louis Armstrong?
UNDERSTANDS THE AUDIENCE’S PERSPECTIVE: 6:59 min.
One of the Louis Armstrong signatures I remember is that he held a handkerchief around his trumpet and used it to mop his brow. I don’t remember seeing you use the handkerchief much in the play.
COMMUNITY VALUES: 10:09 sec.
There is so much talent in your cast. The women who portray Louis’ four wives are amazing.
RESILIENCE: 1:38 min.
How do you think “A Wonderful World” resonates with today’s audience — especially with young people?
PERSEVERANCE FURTHERS, INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 7:34 sec.
What does it feel like to be part of a musical play that has the potential to become a mega-hit like “Hamilton”?
INSIGHT & INSPIRATION: 1:15 sec.
How physically difficult is it for you to change your vocal registry to match Louis Armstrong’s raspy voice during the course of the play?
CREATES A UNIQUE PERSONAL BRAND: 4:57 min.
Should the audience be “warned” that you are not presenting Louis Armstrong as they have known him for decades?
