Anthony Wayne Crosses the Line

Last week, I had the pleasure of chatting with the talented Anthony Wayne.  Wayne recently concluded his cross country tour with the hit Broadway Play, The Color Purple.  While Anthony is happy to be home, he misses the stage and can't wait to perform for audiences this coming Monday.  Be sure to support Anthony.  Read on.

Where were you born and raised?  I was Born in Richmond, Virginia and raised in Norfolk, Virginia.

When were you first hit with the talent bug?  I felt the bug to perform when I was 5 Years old dancing and singing in a children's theatre troupe called "CenterStage, Inc." in Norfolk. It was Started by a 1960's Blues Singer named Margie Day-Walker.  At that time it was a summer program for kids and I was introduced to tap, ballet, and jazz dancing while singing and doing vocal work.  I didn't know that something that was meant to be a place to release my energy would be the foundation for something I would make a living at in the future.

What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?  I would say my greatest accomplishment is knowing that people have been inspired and encouraged to be better people and take themselves (or careers) to the next level either from seeing the work I've done or by something I've said to them.  That allows me the satisfaction to know the gift of encouragement and enlightenment will be passed on in all I touch.

What would you like to accomplish this year?  This year, I would definitely love to have my broadway debut, continue to excel in my career, continue to touch and inspire many (young and old) and be happy in love.

What can audiences expect from "Crossing The Line"?  Audiences can expect a great evening of intimate details of my life that I've dealt with that many can relate to with songs threaded throughout.  There will be songs people will enjoy and a endearing moments that will be shared.  I'm looking forward to sharing my voice with New York audiences.  It's so great to have the chance to do something different. Being seen as a dancer all the time, it's a blessing to have the chance to share my other talents with people.  I'm truly excited.

Where have you traveled?  I've been to South Korea, Every province in Canada, Japan and perhaps every state in America.

Which play did you enjoy being in most, The Color Purple or A Chorus Line?  Well, that's hard to say.  "The Color Purple" changed my life.  That was the first time I was able to do something and create something new, real and exciting for an original broadway national tour.  It was such a blessing and a little overwhelming.  "A Chorus Line" was definitely a dream come true.  It was the first time I was able to be a lead in a broadway revival tour.  It was such a breath of life to be able to sing, dance and act in such a great role.  The cast was amazing and I'm glad I was a part of that experience.  In both shows, I was able to work with the original production team, so if I really had to pick,...I couldn't.  lol. In "TCP", I learned how to be strong in my individuality  as a man and in "ACL" I learned how become a stronger leader while enjoying the humbleness of it all.  I am just grateful to God for both experiences.  Now, it's time to create and go above and beyond....for 2010 and many years to come.