Kelly Ripa recently shared her experiences surrounding her son Joaquin Consuelos’ first preview performance on Broadway during a segment of her talk show, “Live with Kelly and Mark.” Ripa explained that her son specifically requested she refrain from attending the initial performance of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” which began previews ahead of its official opening on April 9.
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In the episode aired on 9 March, Ripa recounted how she had expressed her desire to see her son perform. However, Joaquin, who is 23, insisted that she wait until opening night. “I was not permitted to come,” she said, indicating her respect for his wishes. The mother-son dynamic took a light-hearted turn as Ripa conveyed Joaquin’s reasoning: “He said, ‘It’s previews. Just wait ’til opening night,” to which she playfully objected.
Given the circumstances, Ripa opted to leave New York City while her husband, Mark Consuelos, was busy with rehearsals for his own Broadway debut in the revival of Noël Coward’s “Fallen Angels.” “I thought, ‘Well, since I can’t go to first preview, I’m going to get out of town,'” she explained. Her intention was to support her son while also allowing the family some breathing space amidst their busy rehearsal schedules.
Unexpectedly, Mark decided to attend Joaquin’s preview after discussing the event with his co-stars, who encouraged him to witness the historic moment. Ripa amusingly pointed out that this was the very sentiment she had expressed.
Mark acquired a ticket at the last minute and made a plan to surprise Joaquin post-performance. He recalled telling his son, “Alright man, how about I meet you afterwards and we’ll go out? It’s your first time, we’ll go out and I’ll take you out for a drink or something.” In a sense of fatherly resourcefulness, he combined the outing with Joaquin’s request for dinner by bringing a doggy bag to the theatre.
Despite the unconventional approach, Mark expressed profound pride in his son’s performance. “He’s amazing,” he declared, beaming with joy. Describing the three-hour play, which features acclaimed actors Nathan Lane and Laurie Metcalf, Mark admitted he was utterly captivated. “I did not blink,” he said, adding that he watched the performance with a smile and even shed a few tears along the way. Audience members were equally touched, with a nearby patron congratulating him as Joaquin took his first curtain call.
Joaquin even signed Mark’s Playbill after the show, igniting a humorous moment when Ripa jokingly critiqued her son’s signature. “That’s his autograph?” she exclaimed. “We gotta work on that.”
However, Ripa’s anticipation did not end there. She announced plans to attend Joaquin’s performance later in the week, mentioning that her son had relented and invited her to join him. “I can’t wait,” she said, clearly excited to support him.
As both families take significant steps in their Broadway journeys, the atmosphere surrounding “Death of a Salesman” is palpable. Mark joined in urging audiences to witness the play, stating, “If you’re in New York, please go see this play.”
Scheduled to open officially on April 9 at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City, “Death of a Salesman” is already generating significant buzz, with a closing date currently set for June 14. Directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantello, the production boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring talents such as Christopher Abbott, Ben Ahlers, K. Todd Freeman, and more.
Simultaneously, Mark is preparing for his own Broadway debut, with previews of “Fallen Angels” beginning on 27 March. This production, directed by Scott Ellis, also features well-known actors including Tracee Chimo and Christopher Fitzgerald. The show is slated to open on 19 April and will run through 7 June.
Tickets for both “Death of a Salesman” and “Fallen Angels” are now on sale, marking an exciting time for the Consuelos family as they embark on their Broadway adventures together.