Jon Rua

Jon Rua (born Jonathan Rua August 14, 1983) is an American actor, singer, and choreographer, best known for starring in Broadway musicals such as "Hamilton",^[1] "In the Heights", and "Hands on a Hardbody". Rua is also a creative consultant for "Spongebob the Musical". He is the choreographer for the 2016 Muny production of "Aida". He currently lives in New York City, where he teaches at the Broadway Dance Center, spreading his movement "TheGrit."^[2]

Early life

Rua was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey and grew up in Linden, New Jersey. Rua's parents Maria Nohelia Castañeda Cano and Elibanier 'Marco' Rua both immigrated from Colombia. Growing up, Jon attended Linden High School where he participated as a member of the Marching Band, Musical Theatre Program and Madrigals. Rua had his first exposure to singing, acting and dancing in the Linden High Theatre. After graduating from Linden High School in 2001 he continued onto college at Rutgers University. Rua graduated with a B.A. in Communication and Public Relations. His Elizabeth and Linden roots taught him that if anything was to happen he had to make it happen.^[3]

Career

Actor

Jon Rua has crossed platforms, appearing in Film, television, and Broadway. In addition to acting, he is often credited as a choreographer for the same role in various productions. Rua's artistic experience and his transition from his dancing and choreography experience as a performer, into a more solid presence as an actor.^[4] As an actor, he has often had to learn more than one part, being an understudy to Sonny, Usnavi and Graffiti Pete's roles in In the Heights, as well as the understudy for Hamilton in addition to playing Charles Lee.^[5] In 2016 he played the role of Ricky in "Confessions" the 9th episode of the 7th season of the CBS police procedural drama Blue Bloods.^[6]

Choreographer

Rua is a contributing choreographer for such projects: Hamilton, On Your Feet, Flashdance, Hands on a Hardbody, Bring It On: The Musical, In the Heights, Insanity and NYCC's The Wiz. In 2014 Jon Rua was a finalist for the Capezio Award for Choreographic Excellence.^[7]

Dancer

Rua started dancing socially in highschool and continued doing social dancing throughout college, where he attended a class and felt more and more attracted to dancing, but his passion was interrupted several times during that period, specially when he went backpacking in Europe for 12 weeks. At his return, Rua started teaching dancing to a younger public, in order to make some money on the side. Later, despite having a job offer with Ameriprise Financial, he decided to audition for a Dance company, even though it would be an unpaid commitment. This allowed him to continue his training, mainy through observation, watching iconic dancers in the underground scene. Eventually, he auditioned for paid jobs as a dancer and became a Professional one. After doing live performance, music video clips work and dancing for concerts, he started his transition into Musical Theatre, being more and more involved with acting.^[8]

Awards and recognitions

• Rua was nominated for the 2016 Astaire Awards for Outstanding Ensemble in a Broadway Show along with Carleigh Bettiol, Ariana Debose, Sydney James Harcourt, Sasha Hutchings, Thayne Jasperson, Emmy Raver-Lampman, Austin Smith, Seth Stewart, Betsy Struxness, and Ephraim Sykes for Hamilton.^[9]
• Rua's choreography skills made him a finalist for the Capezio Award for Choreographic Excellence, in 2014.
• Rua was nominated at the 2011 Craig Noel Awards in San Diego for "Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play, Male" for his performance in "Somewhere" (Old Globe)

On July 8, 2016, Jon Rua was presented a ceremonial plate by Elizabeth, New Jersey Mayor Christian Bollwage and Union County Manager Al Faella to honor Jon Rua for his artistic achievements as a local native. This honor was bestowed to Jon Rua during his appearance in the Young Immigrant Hamilton Tour in Elizabeth, part of the annual "CelebrateHAMILTON" program.^[10][11]

References