Interview: Najee Musiq Rawls makes history as the first ever African American person to play Adam in BEETLEJUICE

Headshot: Tony Fox Photography

This year, twenty-three-year-old Najee Musiq Rawls from Mansfield, Ohio became the first ever African American to play the role of Adam Maitland in Beetlejuice: The Musical. He’s performed at the famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York, where he placed 1st two consecutive weeks in a row and has racked up an incredible sixty-three productions since his love for performing began.

Najee is a member of the Beetlejuice 2.0 Company aboard the Norwegian V!VA, as well as a lead vocalist in their inhouse production, ICONS. We caught up with Najee, who is currently sailing around the Caribbean, for a chat about what this accomplishment means to him.

Who were your inspirations growing up?

I had many inspirations growing up, but my ultimate inspiration was my mother. She endured a lot and conquered it all around the same age that I too had been through a lot, and it showed me that whatever obstacles you face in life, you can always still pursue your dreams and ambitions.

What made you want to be a performer?

Growing up, I wanted to be a veterinarian, but I always had a joy for music. I would watch Tyler Perry’s musical stage plays, and memorise the entire score and script. I began to allow music to be my outlet from the struggling life I was living inside. Being a performer allows me to be able to forget about my problems and share my gifts and talents with those in the world.

What drew you towards Beetlejuice as a show?

If I am being completely honest, I had never known the show, or the music. I simply had just taken a chance on faith. It was my birthday week, and I decided to take a trip to New York! There stood auditions for Beetlejuice, and after the first audition, I received a call back, which led to three more callbacks and eventually receiving the offer to play the role of Adam Maitland.

How was your audition process?

My audition process was quite amazing! I went in and sang two pieces from the show - ‘Ready Set, Not Yet’ and ‘Barbara 2.0’. I also was asked to read lines, which all went well. I was asked to return the following day for a callback. The callback was similar but I had time to dial into my character more, and it led to another callback. I attended the final auditions, and was asked to do a dance call, which scared me a bit because I am in no way shape or form a good dancer but for some reason, I must’ve been decent enough because our director (the amazing Catie Davis) saw me taking on this role, and I refuse to let anyone down who believed in me.

What does it mean to be the first African American to play Adam?

To be the first African American Adam means the world to me. Not many see it as a big thing but for me, it is everything. Growing up, life was always hard for me and still is in today’s world. Being African American, you are automatically profiled and typecasted. When I received the offer, I simply felt a rush of pride and joy because little 23-year-old Najee Musiq Rawls from a tiny town called Mansfield Ohio had made an accomplishment that many said he would never achieve.

You have back-to-back shows on the ship, what’s it like to tackle a show as full out as this?

For me, performing back-to-back is amazing! My voice hardly ever gets tired and I believe that it is because I take proper care of it and use special techniques to expand the longevity of my voice. I always say: “When I hear “places” I immediately dial in, and simply give the audience the best show they can get.”

What do you love most about playing Adam?

The character of Adam is a mirror image of my life. In this life of mine, I never feel like I get the chance to truly be me. So when I step onto stage, having so many similarities to this role, it’s almost as if I am showing the world who I truly am, and it also allows me to know that who I am is nothing to be ashamed of. Adam is a person who stays true to himself, he’s an optimist. Much like myself. He sees the positive in everything, even when the world around him seems to be crumbling. That is very much my demeanour and my personality.

What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?

The best advice I could give to my younger self would be to stay strong and positive, no matter what. To not ever allow anyone to degrade you, or make you feel like you’re not worthy enough to conquer anything you put your mind to. To know that you’re an amazing person and that not everyone will care for you, or like you. As long as you love yourself, then all that’s needed lies within you.

What are your hopes for the future?

My hopes for the future are to one day perform on Broadway in New York City for my career, as well as focus on my original material. I aspire to be a man of many talents. I have written tons of music, books, scripts, movies, and more. I plan to release them all and allow others to take the journey of my life through them.

What advice would you give to aspiring performers of colour?

Take that leap out of faith and make this world a better place for us. When you feel like you cannot do something because of the colour of your skin. Tell yourself instead of complaining about not being able to, because it hasn’t been done. Think about being the FIRST. Rise up and do it for you.

Najee is onboard the Norwegian V!VA with ‘Beetlejuice’ until 13 July this year, so if you’re in the mood for a vacation and a bit of musical theatre, get booking Besties, this production is not to be missed!