'Believe in yourself' — Topeka native and Broadway star Antwayn Hopper to record album

Topeka native Antwayn Hopper has achieved many of his goals.

Hopper graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 2007 and in several big stage productions, including the Grammy-nominated, 2020 Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning show "A Strange Loop."

Now, the New York resident is setting his sights on more success in his career.

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Debut album and movie appearances is next for Hopper's career

Hopper plans to release a 17-track album titled "Something Cool" in the fall. It will be produced by Grammy and Tony award-winning producer Charlie Rosen.

Hopper will also make an appearance in the film "A Thousand and One," starring Teyana Taylor which opens March 31.

After friends began asking him questions like, "What is it you're after?" and "What makes you happy?" Hopper said he realized it was time to do more.

"I said, you know what, I've always wanted to have an album," he said. "Us actors didn't work through the pandemic. You really had to ask yourself: 'What are you doing with your life? What have you done this far? What is going to be the change today, so you matter tomorrow?"

Many saw Hopper as destined for greatness, including his parents, Lillian Hopper and William Hopper, still residents of the capital city.

Hopper attended Topeka's Bishop Elementary, where he choreographed his first musical. He then attended French Middle School, where he was active in performing arts, as well as at Helen Hocker Theater. He later attended Topeka West High School and joined Topeka West Singers and and eventually the Topeka West Players.

"I've always known that this is what he's going to do," said Lillian Hopper.

Hopper said she tried to teach her son authenticity, encouraging him to be himself and stay true to who he is as a person.

"He's very consistent and he's a perfectionist," she said. "Over the years, I've seen where he's more comfortable and lets it have his way for him."

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William Hopper said Antwayn has always been a go-getter.

"I've always supported him along the way, and I raised him to understand that you get out of it whatever you put into it," he said. "If you work hard, then you'll get the results. So, I'm really proud of his success."

Recording of Hopper's debut album "Something Cool" should begin in the summer and feature three original songs, as well as several classic musical covers.

Hopper said his goal is to share the message through his vocals "If you believe in yourself, you will achieve and love yourself."

"I also want to bridge the gap between all musical genres as much as I can," Hopper said. "I want to knock down all walls and be my own artist. I have a big sound vocally, and therefore, it's only natural to join forces with Charlie Rosen and his Broadway orchestra.

"I want to bring back yesteryear's nostalgia, with today's flair. It's hip. Get my album and you'll see and hear that we've got a lot of fun things lined up. It's going to be one for the books."

Antwayn Hopper celebrates being a Topeka native

When Hopper got involved with the Topeka Youth Players, he directed by Amy LaGrone Sander at Helen Hocker Theater. At Topeka West, Hopper was directed by now-retired Douglas P. Goheen, who he credited with helping develop his on-stage skills.

Goheen said he isn't surprised by Hopper's success, and he continues to support him in all his endeavors.

"I'm proud of him as a representative of our community," said Goheen.

Hopper's aspirations include creating an "Epoch Night on Broadway," a musical event he hopes would include such entertainment facilities as Topeka Performing Arts Center, the Topeka Symphony and more. He wants to celebrate where he began his career.

Vickie Brokke, president and CEO of the Topeka Civic Theatre, said Hopper's accomplishments should be something all Topekans are proud of.

"It's more than just the community theaters. We're a great and amazing arts community." Brokke said. "For students to be able to hear us tell stories about Antwayn and others that maybe even went to the same schools that they go to and grew up here in Topeka is exciting for them."

Hopper's idea for "Epoch Night on Broadway" stems from his appreciation of Nancy Epoch, his former music teacher at Topeka West who pushed him and made him believe in himself. Epoch died in January 2018. The show would benefit a deserving student who's leaving Kansas to study musical theater, he said.

Hopper has performed on Broadway in “Hair” and off-Broadway in “The Loophole,” “A Civil War Christmas” and “UnCivil War."

Glenda Washington, vice president of entrepreneurial and minority business development for Go Topeka, shared her appreciation for Hopper's hard work.

“Topeka is so proud of Antwayn Hopper and the mark he is making on Broadway and in the performing arts as a Black artist and musician," Washington said. "He is showing a future generation of children in Topeka, particularly Black and brown young people, that they can make it also if they work hard and pursue their dreams.”

Hopper is happy to share stories about Topeka.

"I'm always trying to get the name of Topeka out," he said. "I'm very proud to be from my community, and I always say none of it would be possible if not been for this community."

Keishera Lately is the business reporter for the Topeka Capital-Journal. She can be reached at klately@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @Lately_KT.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Topeka native and Broadway star Antwayn Hopper to record first album