It’s not often that a performer bursts onto the New York theatre scene and captures the hearts and attention of the industry so quickly. But Joy Woods has done just that. At 19, Woods made her professional debut as a part of the original revival cast of Off-Broadway’s Little Shop of Horrors. Then, she went on to play Katharine Howard in SIX on Broadway and originate the role of “Middle Allie” in The Notebook musical both in Chicago and on Broadway. Now, at just 24 years old, Woods takes on her biggest role yet: Louise, opposite six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald as Momma Rose in the eagerly awaited revival of Gypsy at the Majestic Theatre.
Before meeting her, it would be easy to assume that Woods’ personality would mirror her professional success: larger-than-life B.B.E. (big Broadway energy). However, she is calm, gentle—not timid, but grounded. Not an “old soul,” but a young woman still navigating her place in the spotlight. “It’s been a learning experience,” she says happily, “that’s for sure!”
The youngest of six siblings, Woods was raised in Chicago. Her parents surrounded the family with music at an early age. “My mom was a dancer, and we spent a lot of time in church.” Woods’ siblings were musicians whose tastes greatly inspired and influenced her. “I got to inherit my older siblings’ mp3 players, and I just had this constant influx of sound, music, and art. It just became a part of the house and a part of the Woods’ culture.” That culture laid the foundation for her interest in performing...READ MORE