Broadway actor Roy Bean is a 1983 graduate of Broken Bow High School.
by Tawsha Brinkley-Davenport
Roy Bean is no stranger to being in the spotlight. He is a 1983 graduate of Broken Bow High School, and he has made a name for himself far beyond the borders of southeastern Oklahoma. He made it all the way to the bright stages of Broadway in New York City.
Since his time in Broken Bow, Bean has built an impressive career in theater. He has performed in the Broadway hit “Chicago the Musical,” captivating audiences with his stage presence and talented voice. His theatrical journey has also taken him across the country touring in several productions such as “Man of La Mancha,” and “Evita” and more.
Though his career has taken him far from where he was raised in Broken Bow, he often credits his Oklahoma upbringing and teachers at Broken Bow high school and his universities as the foundation for his success in the performing arts.
“I love singing. Singing changed everything for me. The wonderful Frankie Reasoner took me on as a vocal student in high school at Broken Bow, and she changed my life. Before her, only my chickens and dogs had to listen to me sing. I loved singing, but I never thought a little kid like me could have a career in that world.”
But one defining moment set his future on a completely different path when a professor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU) heard Bean sing.
“It was during an audition to be in a chamber choir everything changed. The audition was a fluke or fate, whatever you want to call it. But that exact moment led me to the life I have now. It all started when I saw an ad stating that being accepted into the chamber choir would earn a $100 voucher at the campus bookstore, which I needed books. Because of Mrs. Reasoner and Mrs. Annette Auld (vocal teacher) at Broken Bow, I knew I could sing well enough to try, at least. After that audition the professor started giving me free voice lessons, and my world completely changed,” said Bean.
His training at the time was in operatic training as a lyrical tenor. After graduating from SOSU, he went to the Oklahoma City University where he excelled.
“I received a great foundation at SOSU, but I loved my time at Oklahoma City University. You can come out of that school so well rounded and ready. They have everything to offer to prepare you for a career in the arts,” said Bean.
After graduating from OCU, he moved to Chicago to begin his operatic career. He pursued some auditions at the time. Because of his operatic training he really didn’t consider musical theater.
“I first came to New York City in 1993. I was living in Chicago and I auditioned for a National Tour of “Man of La Mancha,” that was holding auditions in Chicago. I was lucky enough to get cast in the role of the Padre. One of the best phone calls I ever received was when the producer called me. Rehearsals for the production were in New York City, and the company flew me to New York in late August of 1993. I remember vividly stepping out of the Port Authority and being enveloped by the sounds of New York City. I immediately felt at home. The city is magic,” said Bean.
One job led to another.
One of his first theater jobs was in the production of “The Fantasticks.”
“My first theater job was playing Matt in “The Fantasticks.” I still remember the day I got the phone call that I had been cast. It was a fantastic day, no pun intended. And I will never forget it. It was the beginning of my career as an actor. That was a tough decision for me to make, though, leaving behind a relatively safe career choice to pursue a career as an actor. I know that my parents were not too keen on it, lol,” said Bean.
Bean has been lucky enough to have many highlights in his career and looks forward to many more to come.
“One of my number one highlights would have to be getting cast in “Chicago the Musical,” on Broadway. But a close second is Padre in “Man of La Mancha,” that job changed my life. And strangely enough, my time in the ensemble of “the Wizard of Oz,” I had more fun doing that show than a person should be allowed. Still, I loved my time with “Chicago the Musical,” but getting to sing the score of “Evita” on a national tour was thrilling. That music is epic and a blast to sing. Singing the end of Act One’s finale, “A New Argentina,” for nine months was brilliant. But if I had to pick a favorite, it would be “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde”. I was part of this production from the workshop stage and so many wonderful memories were made,” said Bean.
He received his equity card for “Jekyll & Hyde,” at the North Shore Music Theater.
His favorite part he has ever played has been the Padre from “Man of La Mancha.”
“That role goes on such a journey, and you get to sing one of the most beautiful songs ever written. I love the music and that show changed my life,” said Bean.
Bean can’t express enough how much he loves the world of theater.
“Not to be repetitive, but I love it. I was very shy growing up. But the first time I stepped onto the stage I felt so free and alive. It is hard to explain. But once I step out onto it and the lights hit, it’s magic for me. It’s the place where I feel safest. I know that makes no sense, but it’s my weird truth,” said Bean.
But to many performers and others with careers in the “arts,” it makes perfect sense. They all feel that same certain connection which Bean describes.
Looking forward to the future
When asked what his goals are toward the future, Bean replied that he is working on screenwriting.
“I am on a bit of a hiatus from acting at the moment. I’ve gone back to school to study screenwriting, and I am focusing on that dream at the moment. That being said, I will never stop being an actor. It is deeply a part of who I am, but for the moment I am focusing on school and writing. I’ve been fortunate enough to achieve my goals. When I came to New York, I had a dream of performing in a Broadway show. I was lucky enough to land a role in “Chicago the Musical,” and spent a wonderful four years walking to work from my apartment on 51st Street to perform on a Broadway stage at the Shubert Theater. My latest goal is to sell one of my screenplays or to work with a writing team on a project,” said Bean.
Advice for students
Bean has some advice for those wanting to get into the theater business.
“First be ready to do the work. You have to be prepared to be the best you can be. In college, I practiced three hours during the week and even more on the weekends. And make sure you love it. You have to love being an actor so much that it almost consumes you. Bebe Neuwirth once said during one of the talkbacks we would do after our shows in New York: ‘If you think you would be happy doing something else, then go that route, because life is tough. If, however, being an actor is your only dream, then do the work and be ready when your opportunity arises.’
“You need to find a good school to train you. And that is the key, to find a place that will train you to be your best, one that you will feel will take care of you and nurture your talent. A place you feel seen, heard and safe to grow into your potential. I had received that at Oklahoma City University,” said Bean.
He tries to come back to Broken Bow at least once a year to visit family and friends.
“I like to stay at Lakeview Lodge and make it a little vacation for myself on that beautiful lake.
There is nothing nicer than having breakfast while looking over that gorgeous lake,” said Bean.
