At just 24 years old, multihyphenate actor and singer Joshua Colley has already built an impressive career in entertainment. He first stepped into the spotlight as a child performer in Les Misérables back in 2014, and his trajectory has only continued upward since. What began as an early love for performing has developed into a career that moves seamlessly between Broadway, film, television, and music.

In recent years, Colley has become closely associated with Disney, most notably taking on the role of Captain Hook in Descendants: The Rise of Red. He has also performed in front of thousands across the country on the Descendants Arena Tour, embracing both the scale and responsibility that come with being part of a global franchise while continuing to shape his own artistic identity.

Now, he returns to Broadway in one of theatre’s most celebrated productions. From March 3, Colley steps into the role of Orpheus in Hadestown, bringing his own interpretation to the Tony Award-winning musical and marking another full-circle moment in his career.

In conversation with 1883 Magazine, Joshua Colley reflects on coming back to Broadway, the expectations that follow a Disney star, releasing new music, and navigating an industry he has grown up in with a clearer sense of who he is and what he wants to manifest next.

Joshua, thank you for speaking with 1883 Magazine. This month, you return to Broadway after more than a decade. How does it feel to step into the role of Orpheus in Hadestown, and what was the audition process like?

Stepping into the role of Orpheus is a dream come true. It’s a role I’ve wanted to play for as long as I can remember. I feel so lucky that I get the opportunity to do it! My audition process was actually fairly easy. I just had to send a video of me singing epic three to the producers and that was it! So grateful they made it easy for me. I’m so excited to be returning to Broadway with this show specifically. It’s such a special piece.

The last time you appeared on Broadway was in Les Misérables. What life lessons and experiences from the years since will you bring to this latest role? 

Well, when I was on Broadway last, I was just a kid, so it’s taken a lot of discovery to figure out who I am as an adult performer on stage. I just got the chance to do the Descendants Zombies worlds collide Arena tour, which was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before, but it was the perfect experience to have right before coming back to Broadway because I got to exercise what it’s like to perform on stage again. There’s nothing like having a live audience to react to. This whole thing feels very full circle.

It was only two years ago that you worked with Disney on Descendants: The Rise of Red,  the Descendants arena tour and before that, you appeared in The Little Mermaid concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Given your connection to Disney and its global audience, do you feel a greater sense of responsibility in how you use the platform you’ve built over the years?

Of course! I was the biggest Disney fan growing up. I remember watching High School Musical over and over again. So when I got the opportunity to be a part of the Disney family, especially in a role like Captain Hook whom I’d gone as for Halloween when I was 4, I knew how many kids would grow up watching me just like I watched the actors that came before me.

I’m always hoping to inspire people to pursue their dreams because I’m a perfect example that the dreams you have as a kid really can become a reality. I’m also encouraging people who have found me through the movies to explore live theatre, because there is nothing more inspiring than that.

Your latest film, Brian, premieres at South by Southwest on March 14. What interested you in the project, and what was it like working with Karate Kid Legend’s Ben Wang?

Brian was such an incredible and collaborative experience. Ben is so beyond talented, and working with him was such a treat. He’s the most fun to improvise with, and he shines in this film as usual.

My role in Brian was so fun to do because they really let me play and be in the moment with every take. And so proud that it’s premiering at SXSW. I hope everyone loves it as much as I do! 

What can you tell us about your music career at this stage – how would you like to evolve as a solo artist, and are you working on any new music at the moment?

I’ve been hard at work on my original music and I cannot wait to share what’s been going on behind the scenes soon! I’ve been collaborating with some of my favorite artists such as Jules Brave and David Francisco.

My music is very personal and gives an inside look at some of my personal experiences. I’m hoping people will relate to it and find comfort in it, as I have. Keep your eyes peeled because the music era is quickly approaching.

What artists do you have on rotation at the moment, and what films are you personally excited to watch in the coming months?

I’m always listening to Ryan Beatty, who is one of my favourite artists. As well as Yebba, Leith Ross, and Jules Brave, of course. And as far as films go, I have so many on my must-watch list. So many of my friends are killing it in the film world, so catch me at the AMC every day. I’m really excited to see my best friend, Avantika, in Pretty Lethal, coming soon. 

Navigating the showbiz industry can be tough. What are some of the things you wish you’d known when you were first starting out?

I think something everyone should know is your path is your path and everything you do is leading you in the right direction. Every rejection leads closer to where you’re meant to land. It may be hard to see in the moment but it all makes sense in hindsight so enjoy the journey.

Performing in front of a live audience must be an incredible adrenaline rush. How would you describe the differences between working on a film set and performing in a theatre? Do you find yourself leaning more toward one than the other?

I’m honestly so in love with both, it’s like picking my favourite child. They’re both so incredible for different reasons. It’s so wonderful that when you do a movie, it lasts forever, so I can look back at it anytime I want. And on the flip side, live theatre is only for the moment you’re in it, and that’s what makes it special. Movie musical it is! 

Finally, what would you like to manifest for yourself this year and why?

I want to manifest more dreams coming true. More music, more experiences, and more artistic expression.

I feel so lucky with where my path has taken me so far. It’s all so unpredictable, and that’s what’s so exciting. Not knowing is the fun part. I can’t wait to see what adventure is next.

To book tickets for Hadestown, visit hadestown.com.

Interview Cameron Poole
Photography Gustavo Chams
Stylist Kara Erwin
MUA Gabriel Barse
Photography Assistant Elijah Berkowitz
Retouching Helena Colliny at Fernanda Sá
Thanks to Tempo Times Square by Hilton