The new musical Mexodus opened to rave reviews in New York City last year and won a bunch of awards during its Off-Broadway run. Now, the show is heading directly to Los Angeles after wrapping up its N.Y. production.
Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson not only star in the show, they also wrote it together.
In Mexodus, history meets hip-hop in this groundbreaking theatrical experience that explores the often-untold stories of enslaved people in the United States who sought freedom in Mexico, rather than looking north. Celebrated playwrights, actors, and musicians Quijada and Robinson tell a unique story of the Underground Railroad that led south taking 4,000 to 10,000 enslaved people to seek freedom in Mexico.
Mexodus won the awards for Outstanding Musical from the Lucille Lortel Awards, Outstanding Production of a Musical from the Drama League Awards (beating out all of 2026’s new Broadway musicals), and Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical from the Outer Critics Circle Awards.
We caught up with Brian and Nygel to learn more about them ahead of Mexodus‘ run at the Pasadena Playhouse in California. The show is running now through August 2!
10 Fun Facts about Brian Quijada
- I originally went to school to become a high school English teacher. My parents never supported my life in the arts so that was my way of picking a financially stable job. Halfway through college I switched majors to theatre because I got a scholarship.
- The first musical I ever saw was Cabaret. Still my favorite musical. I think it’s perfect.
- I won best dancer in my high school yearbook.
- I was born on 11/11/1988. My Chinese eye doctor says I’m lucky because of the numerology of my birthday. But my eyesight sucks.
- I am self taught on every musical instrument I know how to play.
- Spanish was my first language. English wasn’t allowed to be spoken in the house. Though once frustrating, I’m very grateful for that now.
- I’m painfully extroverted. I hate being alone. I suffer from FOMO and love being around people. Small talk is my favorite.
- I scored so poorly in my ACT scores. First couple years in college I had awful grades. And even so, I taught at Harvard University.
- I’m an incredible driver. I know a lot of people believe that and aren’t, but I am. I come from a family of truck drivers. My father and brothers were at one point, all drivers.
- My dog is named after a 90s action star, Jean Claude Van Damme.
10 Fun Facts about Nygel D. Robinson
- I’m from a small town in NC that I guarantee you’ve never heard of. It’s called LaGrange.
- My family has been in that same town for since (at least) the 1830’s.
- Whitney Houston visited my grandmas house back in the early 80’s.
- My late uncle Norris did her (and many other celebs) hair in D.C.
- My late great aunt Sophia Bryant was one of the first civil rights organizers in our hometown.
- I share a birthday with this really awesome and beautiful woman named Doretha Branch. She turned 100 on July 5th. Her and her husband were prominent black business owners in our town. Did I mention she was awesome?
- I work out like 5-6 times a week.
- I eat like a caveman. Ground turkey, sweet potatoes, greens, mode ground turkey, more sweet potatoes, more greens, and occasionally cookies. I love cookies.
- Stevie Wonder’s biggest fan is me.
- I come from a family that supports the craziness that I attempt and every success I’ve ever had, and will have, is a result of that support and love they’ve shown me.
Get tickets now to see Mexodus in Pasadena!
The post ‘Mexodus’ Stars Brian Quijada & Nygel D. Robinson Bring the Show to L.A. After Acclaimed N.Y. Run: Meet Them with 10 Fun Facts Each (Exclusive) appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News and Gossip | Entertainment.