Ep366 - Grey Henson: Playing with the Freedom in the Framework

Tony-nominated actor Grey Henson joins Alan for an engaging conversation about his journey through the world of Broadway comedy. Grey reflects on his rise from a Georgia-born performer with a background in ballet to a Tony-nominated role as Damian Hubbard in Mean Girls: The Musical. He opens up about the challenges of transitioning into comedic roles, including his current portrayal of Buddy the Elf in Elf: The Musical on Broadway. Grey shares the importance of embracing your unique qualities and how his comedic style evolved through his experiences in high school theater, college at Carnegie Mellon, and professional work.

Throughout the episode, Grey discusses the impact of comedy on his career and the importance of balancing preparation with spontaneity. He talks about his time in Shucked, a show that required him to be constantly aware of the audience's reactions and how that shaped his performance. The conversation also touches on his thoughts on comedy in general—how it should feel effortless and truthful rather than forced—and how he brings that mentality into every role, from Mean Girls to Elf. Grey also dives into the reality of performing eight shows a week, the pressures of portraying iconic characters, and how the key to a long career in theater is remaining grounded and generous to your scene partners.

Grey Henson is a Tony-nominated actor best known for his comedic roles on Broadway. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon’s prestigious School of Drama, Grey first made a name for himself as Elder McKinley in the Book of Mormon first national tour before joining the Broadway company. He later earned a Tony Award nomination for his standout performance as Damian Hubbard in Mean Girls: The Musical. Grey has also appeared in Shucked, playing Storyteller Two, and most recently, he’s been bringing holiday cheer as Buddy the Elf in Elf: The Musical on Broadway.

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• Instagram: @greyhenson

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