Our “10 Questions” blog series takes you behind the scenes with the incredible performers who bring Broadway to Springfield. Each installment gives you a quick, personal look at a touring cast member’s life on the road, including their journey with the show, favorite moments, and what it’s like performing for audiences across the country.

This time, we’re catching up with Rico Velazquez, Swing and understudy for Andre in MRS. DOUBTFIRE. The laugh-out-loud musical comedy will take the stage at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts October 21–23 as part of the 2025–2026 Great Southern Bank Broadway Season. Let’s get to know Rico!

RICO VELAZQUEZ (Swing, u/s Andre) is ecstatic to be a part of such a wonderful cast! Credits: “America’s Got Talent” (Season 12 finalist—Diavolo), The SpongeBob Musical (first national), Beautiful (Drury Lane). A special thank you to God, family, friends and BMG! @ricovelazquez.

MRS. DOUBTFIRE is such a beloved story — what was your first connection to it (the movie, the musical, or both)?
Mrs. Doubtfire is such an iconic film. So much so that you have no choice but to remember the exact moment you came into contact with such a classic. I remember I was seven years old and my dad had taken me to Blockbuster (for the younger generations, it was our version of Netflix haha). I remember watching it and having no idea what was going on. However, during the specific scene when Mrs. Doubtfire was making dinner and set her blouse on fire, I remember laughing until I cried. I have such a fond memory of asking my dad to rewind and rewind and rewind again. It was the funniest thing I had ever seen. I remember from that moment on wanting to make people laugh and spread that joy through comedy like Robin Williams did so flawlessly.

What excites you most about performing in this show every night?
The thing that excites me the most about performing in this show is the variety. As performers, we train in so many different disciplines to hone our craft and excel at what we do. Mrs. Doubtfire challenges me vocally, physically, and mentally. As performers, getting the chance to use so much of our skillsets is so thrilling!

What’s the most challenging part of performing in MRS. DOUBTFIRE?
The most challenging part of performing in Mrs. Doubtfire is learning so many different roles. My job title is Swing. A swing’s job is to know everyone’s different parts. So for example, if someone gets sick and can’t perform, we as swings get the opportunity to step in and perform. That way, the show can continue as smoothly as possible. It’s very difficult having to learn so many different musical notes, choreography steps, etc.

Touring means lots of hotels and travel days — what’s your go-to way to make a new city feel like home?
My go-to way to make a city feel like home is to (if the weather allows) get outside and find a trail, park, or path. I really love being outdoors. There are so many wonderful parks, trails, or even museums in each city. It’s a great way to meet the locals and just find out more about the city. I usually always find out something about the city to fall in love with!

Do you have any backstage rituals or pre-show routines that help you get into character and ready for the performance?
I carry my hand-held massager with me EVERYWHERE I go. So I will go over my entire body with the massager to relax as well as warm up my muscles! It is so calming. I even started helping other cast members with tight or sore shoulders, backs, etc…Pretty soon I’m going to start charging by the hour!

If you could swap roles with another character in the show for a night, who would it be and why?
I think if I could swap roles with anyone in the show, it would be with Stuart! I’ve always loved doing accents, and he is just a fun character!

What has surprised you most about audiences’ reactions to MRS. DOUBTFIRE?
What has surprised me most about audiences’ reaction during the show is how invested everyone seems. Being a swing, I get the opportunity to watch the show from the audience. So it just amazes me every night the emotional rollercoaster the audience goes on. I also am so surprised every night how much everyone is on Daniel’s side. He just wants to be with his kids and will do anything to do it.

If you weren’t an actor, what profession would you pursue?
If I weren’t an actor, I would absolutely be in the fitness industry. I’ve always had a love for health and wellness. I am also a certified personal trainer, so I’ve slowly been introducing myself into the fitness world. The world of performing goes so hand-in-hand with wellness. We need to make sure our bodies and voices are performing at the highest level, so I want to make sure I have the knowledge to take care of myself on the road.

If you could give advice to young performers dreaming of being on a Broadway national tour, what would you tell them?

I would tell any young performer to find what makes them unique and run with that! We as performers are tasked with the job to bring different characters to life. Oftentimes, we lose ourselves in the process. We lose the thing that makes us special. I’ve found it to be so important to figure out how I as a performer can make this character unique to me. My personality, my style of acting and performing, etc…That’s the beauty of what we do. There will never be anyone like you, so why not share that with the world? I also strongly encourage any young performer to NEVER GIVE UP. Your dreams are worth fighting for, even when times get rough. You just have to keep the end goal in mind and celebrate the small victories.

What is your dream role?

My dream role would absolutely be Seaweed J. Stubbs in Hairspray! I’ve always loved that show and remember seeing myself in Seaweed. Representation matters so much, especially at a young age. He was one of the first characters of color that I saw on stage. I really felt that I could do what he was doing, I can be up there, he looks like me.

Thanks to Rico for sharing a glimpse into life on the road with Mrs. Doubtfire! We can’t wait to see him and the rest of the cast bring this hilarious and heartfelt story to life in Springfield next week.

MRS. DOUBTFIRE plays October 21–23 at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts as part of the 2025-2026 Great Southern Bank Broadway Season. For tickets and details, visit HammonsHall.com/Doubtfire.