Jordan Andrews 

Jordan Andrews didn't earn the moniker of "Ang Musical Dream Chaser ng London" for nothing. 

In 2024 alone, he has set a personal record of starring in six theater productions like "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" (The Sandbox Collective), "Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy" (Spacebar) "RENT" (9 Works Theatrical), and currently "Once on This Island" (9 Works Theatrical). 

On top of these are two more before the end of the year, including "Tabing Ilog The Musical Re-run."

Andrews isn't the usual artist whom most people may think of. His exposure to musical theater was at the very age of three. 

"I auditioned and was accepted into one of the best-performing arts schools in London and started full-time at the Barbara Speake Stage School. The school also had an agency that supplied most child actors to major productions in the UK," he shared. 

At four years old, he was part of a musical, his first, playing Tam in "Miss Saigon" West End. After that, he caught the theater bug and went into many other musicals, including "The King and I" (West End) and "The Royal Variety Performance" in the presence of the British Royal Family. 

In the Philippines, he was part of "West Side Story" (Stages) "Hairspray" (Atlantis), "Ang Huling El Bimbo: The Musical" (Full House), and "Tabing Ilog: The Musical" (Teatro Kapamilya).

A triple threat performer

Andrews has been with Star Magic for the longest time. 

His last project with Star Magic was "Tabing Ilog: The Musical" in collaboration with PETA and Teatro Kapamilya.

"I [first] was a part of Star Magic batch 15 that was launched in the mid- 2000s, but rejoined the talent pool full-time after my stint on Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10 Celebrity Edition (2021)," he said. 

Apart from hosting and doing events, Andrews wants to explore performing in all aspects.

"I adore hosting events. Also, I would love to venture into TV and film acting again as this is yet to be something I have to explore much of in the Philippines. And I always want to release music and perform, as a singer, on shows like 'ASAP' and more," he said. 

As an artist, from his early training in London until now, Andrews has been blessed that theater is always a home and a constant open door in his career. 

He takes pride in his skills in singing, dancing, and acting -- a triple threat, so to speak.

"I will continue to support the art of live theater because there is nothing like it. Plus there are so many shows that I still want to do," he said. 

Back in PH theater scene

This year, Andrews has back-to-back theater productions and it has kept him booked and busy. Apart from that, he's fortunate to do guestings on several shows on ABS-CBN and other networks.

What are the things he wants the world to know about him that haven't been shared in public? "Marunong na ako mag-Tagalog!" he said in jest.

"I have so much more to show in terms of what I can do with my acting, singing, even my dancing. I am also trying to be more active on social media and give my followers a personal insight into my life," he added. "I am hoping to do more and venture into more mainstream opportunities as we head into 2025."

Andrews' ultimate dream in the entertainment industry as a whole is to be someone who has a great reputation for being a hard worker and always professional.

"That is the training I have had since I was a child. Take as many opportunities as I can, and make sure I produce and protect the work and be the epitome of professionalism. I would love to do more acting projects and have my music reach more people," he said. 

His role as a storyteller in 'Once on This Island'

At the end of "Once on This Island," the storytellers tell the tale of Ti Moune and how a peasant girl proved that the power of love could bring together a socially divided island.

Even in the real world, stories teach lessons and remind the audience of those, and that's the one thing Andrews resonated with in his role.

Also, what he liked about the production is that it stretched what he could do as a performer: "I [really] get to dance in this musical! I love that!" 

"It has been a while since I have been able to do this much choreography and OoTI (Once on This Island) has such a free, expressive, almost tribal feel that I am enjoying!" he added. "I also really appreciate the music of this musical and the voices in this cast deliver them so well!"

Andrews' favorite musical will always be his first production, "Miss Saigon." Though very young back then at the age of four, he still felt the magic of theater. 

"I may not have all the clearest memories from those years but when I hear the music starting from the 'Overture,' I get this feeling and it brings me back to being there," he said. "And I can feel like I’m back at The Theatre Royal Dury Lane with the 'Miss Saigon' family."

As for his ultimate dream role, Andrews said it is Usnavi in "In The Heights."

"That is my number one theater goal from a long list of many roles I would love to play," he said. 

9 Works Theatrical's "Once on This Island" runs from September 6 to 29 at RCBC Plaza in Makati City.