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    Actor Spotlight

    Former Dallas actor makes a grand theatrical debut in weepy musical tour

    Lindsey Wilson
    Feb 1, 2016 | 12:55 pm

    Even though he's now a New York City resident, John Campione can't seem to stay away from Texas. The Dallas actor starred in musicals at just about every theater before he left and has already returned to town once in Dallas Theater Center's Moonshine: That Hee Haw Musical.

    Now he's joining the national touring company of The Bridges of Madison Countyas Michael, the son of lonely housewife Francesca. Campione joins the tour in Houston at the Hobby Center on January 25, then stops at the Music Hall at Fair Park February 2-14 courtesy of Dallas Summer Musicals. He will then continue touring the country with the show.

    As he preps to make his grand entrance, Campione took the time to fill out our survey of serious, fun, and sometimes ridiculous questions.

    Name: John Campione

    Role in The Bridges of Madison County: Michael (Bud and Francesca's son)

    Previous work in the DFW area: Multiple roles/shows with Dallas Theater Center, Uptown Players, WaterTower Theatre, Theatre Three, Lyric Stage, Stage West, and others.

    Hometown: Mesquite, Texas

    Where you currently reside: NYC. Washington Heights to be specific.

    First theater role: Motel the tailor in Fiddler on the Roof, sporting the most awful, fake, glued-on red beard you ever saw (important note: I am most definitely not a redhead).

    First stage show you ever saw: The first show I recall was a junior college production of Camelot, and I remember thinking, "Well, that looks fun, maybe I'll try it."

    Moment you decided to pursue a career in theater: I had a recital to give at the end of my classical music degree in voice, and the pieces that seemed to resonate the most, both with me as well as with my audience, were the two theater selections. Something clicked in my head that opera was never going to be my strongest suit, and it was then I started to realize my passion for theater, acting, and digging into a character.

    Most challenging role you’ve played: Valentin in Kiss of the Spiderwoman. It was equally challenging dramatically and vocally, and sort of marks a turning point for me in terms of how I look at prep and character development. I learned a lot from that experience and would really love a crack at that role again in a few years.

    Special skills: I play guitar, piano, and a couple others with varying levels of skill. I like to write and arrange music from time to time, and I love anything physical (i.e., obstacle course racing, cycling, climbing, archery, and I just tried trapeze for the first time a few days ago and LOVED it!).

    Something you’re REALLY bad at: Keeping a straight face. Sometimes in the worst of situations.

    Current pop culture obsession: All these FANTASTIC Marvel films! And in theater, the new Hamilton musical.

    Last book you read:The Bridges of Madison County in prep for this tour. Currently reading Ron Chernow's fascinating, massive, and incredibly well researched biography of Alexander Hamilton (which inspired the show).

    Favorite movie(s): I'm so terrible at picking favorites. Favorite film I've seen most recently was Spotlight (Oscar nom this year).

    Favorite musician(s): Mumford and Sons, Jason Mraz, Brad Paisley, and Journey, just to name a few.

    Favorite song: "Back in Black," "Let It Be," "She's Got a Way," "Soldier" by Gavin DeGraw.

    Dream role: Guy in Once, Tom Joad, John Wilkes Booth in Assassins.

    Favorite play(s): A recent favorite read was Night Watch by Lucille Fletcher.

    Favorite musical(s): Company and Hello Dolly!

    Favorite actors/actresses: Oh these impossible choices ... Steve Carell, Jessica Chastain, Michael Fassbender.

    Favorite food: Tex-Mex.

    Must-see TV show(s):American Horror Story, The Walking Dead, Criminal Minds, How I Met Your Mother.

    Something most people don’t know about you: All 10 of my fingers are double jointed and I'm always happy to provide a demonstration.

    Place in the world you’d most like to visit: Italy.

    Pre-show warm-up: Various stretches from head to toe, quiet reading, and some pacing and emotional prep.

    Favorite part about your current role: The way he kind of whips onstage, says his bit, and gets out of there (very much like a typical 16-year-old).

    Most challenging part about your current project: With a longterm project like this one, I think the biggest challenge is always maintaining the quality and spontaneity of the work from start to finish, as well as staying healthy and consistent.

    Most embarrassing onstage mishap: I can't think of anything I've been embarrassed by ONstage. It's live theater: Things happen, actors adapt, and I think that's what makes it so great. My most embarrassing moment is when I have missed an entrance because of a lack of focus. There is no excuse for it and you only have yourself to blame for letting your colleagues down. It's also not something I ever look back and laugh about; it always bugs me.

    Career you’d have if you weren’t in theater: Stunt driver.

    Favorite post-show spot: The Old Monk! Nice to be back in Dallas so I can have some more of those fries. Also, Whataburger is never more life-changing than at midnight after a two-show day...

    Favorite thing about Dallas-Forth Worth: The friends I've made here over the years.

    Most memorable theater moment: I consider myself lucky that there have been too many to count in the last few years, but the first that comes to mind is performing "Don't Rain on My Parade," as part of Broadway Our Way at Uptown Players. Singing that song and the audience response was as thrilling and empowering as any single moment I have ever experienced onstage.

    Actor John Campione.

    John Campione
      
    Photo courtesy of John Campione
    Actor John Campione.
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    Football for Footlights

    Dallas Cowboys player debuts on Broadway before heading to Texas

    Lindsey Wilson
    Jun 16, 2025 | 1:57 pm
    Solomon Thomas MJ The Musical
    Photo by Andy Henderson
    Solomon Thomas onstage at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York City.

    Before he hits the field for the Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 season, NFL veteran Solomon Thomas took a final bow in New York City — not at MetLife Stadium, but on Broadway.

    Earlier this year, Thomas signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Cowboys after three seasons with the New York Jets. But before heading to Oxnard, California, for training camp with the 'Boys in July, he gave the Big Apple a dramatic farewell befitting a true Broadway fan.

    On June 13, Thomas made his Broadway debut in MJ the Musical, appearing for one night only in a special cameo role. The hit show, which celebrates the life and career of Michael Jackson, has long been a favorite of Thomas', who’s seen it six times.

    “I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my time in New York than by making my Broadway debut!” Thomas shared in a statement ahead of the performance. “I am so grateful to MJ for making this dream come true and for the support over the past few years. It’s truly an honor to be able to witness the greatness of these performers. I hope to see everyone at the Neil Simon Theatre on June 13!”

    Solomon Thomas outside MJ The MusicalSolomon Thomas outside "MJ The Musical" at the Neil Simon Theatre.Photo by Andy Henderson

    Thomas famously brought nearly a dozen teammates to see MJ, a moment featured in an episode of HBO’s Hard Knocks. He has also served as a CBS theater correspondent and presented at the 2024 Tony Awards.

    Thomas' special cameo is reminiscent of when Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made her Broadway debut in late 2024 with a walk-on role in the hit jukebox musical & Juliet at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.

    “Solly has been such a great supporter and friend of Broadway and our show,” said MJ producer Lia Vollack in the statement. “We couldn’t think of a better way to thank him for his time in New York: giving him his Broadway debut!”

    MJ the Musical opened in 2021 and focuses on the creative process behind Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. With a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage and direction and choreography by Tony Award winner Christopher Wheeldon, the show blends dazzling spectacle with emotional depth. It earned four 2022 Tony Awards, including Best Choreography, Lighting Design, and Sound Design in a Musical.

    The current Broadway cast stars Elijah Rhea Johnson, who made his Broadway debut in the show in April 2023. Johnson was involved in the development of the role as “Middle Michael” and succeeded original star Myles Frost, who made history in 2022 as the youngest performer ever to win the Tony for Best Leading Actor in a Musical.

    The national tour of MJ recently stopped at Fort Worth’s Bass Hall in May as part of the 2024–25 Broadway at the Bass season. Other productions are currently running in London, Hamburg, and Sydney.

    Solomon Thomas MJ The MusicalThomas in his Broadway dressing room.Photo by Andy Henderson

    Solomon Thomas MJ The Musical
      

    Photo by Andy Henderson

    Solomon Thomas onstage at the Neil Simon Theatre in New York City.

    While Thomas is known now for both football and footlights, his off-the-field work continues to make a difference. He co-founded the nonprofit The Defensive Line with his parents in honor of his sister Ella, who died by suicide in 2018. Now in his ninth NFL season, the three-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee works to end the epidemic of youth suicide, especially among young people of color, by promoting open, honest conversations around mental health.

    As Thomas trades curtain calls for play calls, there’s no doubt he’ll bring the same heart and presence to the Cowboys locker room that he brought to the Broadway stage. And here's hoping the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders don't mind sharing the spotlight with Broadway's newest star.

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