Forsyth Central Grad Performs in Musical at Fox Theatre

Former Cumming resident and 2001  graduate, Andy Dahn, makes his debut in the Theater of the Stars (TOTS) production of the King and I.

The Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, which opened on Broadway in 1951, is the first TOTS produced show for its 60th anniversary season and Dahn is part of the celebration.

The 29-year-old actor plays the part of the Interpreter, a character that appears on stage early in Act One. Dahn is also part of the male ensemble and is seen throughout the musical.

He tells Cumming Patch how he got the part.

"Theater of the Stars posted that they were auditioning here in Atlanta, an open call, so I got up real early and joined my friends in a line, waited a couple of ours, got my chance to sing for the director and choreographer," he said.

A few weeks later Dahn received a call that he was cast in the show.

While this is his debut on stage at the Fox Theatre, Dahn is no stranger to the performing arts. He considers himself an actor and singer and when asked does he dance, Dahn replied, "I move, I move."

Dahn also considers himself "a late bloomer in theater" when it comes to acting.

"I've always been a band kid through elementary school and middle school," he said. "And then did a little talent show in my sophomore year in high school."

What followed was auditioning and being cast in the school's spring musical.

"That's how it all began," Dahn said.

Andy received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the former Shorter College and his credits include, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), RENT (Atlanta premiere), and La Bohème (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Chorus) among others.

His upcoming engagements include Anything Goes (Atlanta Lyric Theatre), Handel's Messiah, and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Actor's Express).

Dahn, who now lives in Marietta with his wife, Heather, and their miniature Dachshund, also owns a private voice studio. He writes on his website, "I am not a singer who teaches. I am a teacher who happens to sing."

"Thanks to my family, friends and all my teachers and mentors (old and new) that helped me to where I am today," he said. "Special thanks to my wife Heather for all her unconditional love and support."

The King and I runs through Tuesday, Sept. 11 at the Fox Theatre.

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