“The Book of Mormon” star Cody Jamison Strand.
Corinne Louie
Originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Cody Jamison Strand stars as Elder Cunningham in the Broadway hit The Book of Mormon, a gig he has had for more than ten years. Cody has also been on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Dickinson. I caught up with him recently about his New York loves.
Where do you live in New York?
I actually live in New Jersey! Union City. Just across the river. I love it. Easy to get to, quiet, chill, lots of families and dog parks. It is really nice to be able to leave the city I am not going to lie.
What is your favorite neighborhood in NYC and why?
My favorite is probably Soho for the shopping. Lots of boutiques, including my personal favorite 3NY that has some truly remarkable pieces that I really have not seen anywhere else.
Can you share some of your favorite spots in a Theater District and what makes them so great?
I will be honest, because I work there, I don’t tend to spend a lot of time in the area, aside from the weekends when I have two shows. However, I am a huge fan of the coffee shop Ground Central and will usually stop there in between shows and get a coffee and if they have the olive oil chocolate chip cookies, I will absolutely treat myself.
The best place for a pre-or post-theater meal and why. What are the dishes to order?
Bad Roman. It is pricey but the food is so worth it. Get a reservation, bring friends, order everything.
Best Theater District watering hole and the drink to get?
Dutch Fred’s is my go-to for an after-show cocktail. They make a white negroni that is to die for. Also, I’m a huge fan of Sir Henry’s. Both have great cocktails and great food. Last time I went to Sir Henry’s they were serving a birria french fry situation that got me entirely together.
Insider tips for enjoying a Broadway show. Anything to make the experience better?
For me, the trick is to go alone. I love seeing a show by myself. I don’t have to worry about whether or not the people I’m with are enjoying it as much as me. I can just lose myself in the moment.
The New York City theater you love to go to and why?
Honestly my favorite is probably New World Stages. It is crazy to go down the escalator and suddenly you’re in this big place with so many small venues showing all kinds of different shows. I think it’s so fun. They will have new work festivals there as well that can be truly inspiring.
What other Broadway shows are on your radar right now?
My favorite at the moment is probably Maybe Happy Ending. I laughed; I cried. It is so unbearably cute. Also, I desperately want the CATS revival, The Jellicle Ball, that played at PAC NYC to transfer to Broadway so the show, cast, creatives, crew can get all their flowers. And selfishly so I can see it again. Truly an astounding achievement.
Share your insider New York gems.
My favorite restaurant in NYC that is fairly close is called Chili on 37th and 5th. I shout them out all the time. The pork dumplings in chili oil are truly a religious experience. Tea smoked duck fried rice. They even had a clay pot spicy fish that is my new favorite on their menu. Spicy. Flavorful. Delicious.
Can you share your favorite theaters around the world and why?
I love the Prince of Wales theatre in London, where I was lucky enough to perform in with The Book of Mormon for a year. That entire area of the city is so vibrant and filled with energy. And theaters everywhere!
My favorite moment in The Book of Mormon is…
It’s the song “Baptize Me” and it always has been and it always will be.
My biggest takeaway from The Book of Mormon is….
It is still my first job out of college. If you would have told me back in 2012 that I would not only be joining one of the biggest hit shows of all time as one of the lead roles but also that I would be on this wild ride for over a decade I would have laughed in your face. I grew up in South Dakota, like, that kind of dream seemed so out there and unattainable at the time. Like, a chubby little oddball from the country starring on Broadway. Crazy. What I’m trying to say is, no dream is too big.
My biggest challenge as a performer is…
Eight shows a week is no joke. And it’s not exactly something that you can train for. And I would say Mormon is physically on the easier side compared to some of these other shows on Broadway and it still kicks my ass. There is a learning curve as far as how much of yourself you can give and save each night to be able to do the show tomorrow and the next day. It takes a lot of energy to be a psycho for two and half hours.
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