Living the Broadway dream may seem far away for many Oklahomans, but Christopher Rice-Thomson’s journey proves that big dreams can begin at home. Rice-Thomson, a Broadway actor, director, choreographer and content creator, is a living example of how Oklahoma roots can quietly shape world-class artistry. Though his career now spans New York City, national tours and international stages, with his social media platform of nearly 130,000 followers, his story begins in Edmond, Oklahoma, surrounded by after-school theater classes, Disney soundtracks and a community that cultivated big dreams.

Rice-Thomson was first introduced to the arts not through a traditional theater, but within the walls of his family’s church, a setting that would quietly shape the foundation of his creative life. The church’s arts program earned a strong reputation for its technical dance and annual large-scale theatrical productions, offering young performers an unusual opportunity to perform at an early age. For Rice-Thomson, this environment became his first stage, where creativity, discipline and storytelling intersected in a way that felt both accessible and inspiring.

At home, that spark continued to grow. Rice-Thomson became captivated by Disney classics, singing along to every song and gravitating toward the emotional pull of music and movement. His parents quickly noticed the light that seemed to switch on whenever he sang or danced, a joy too evident to ignore. Recognizing his natural pull toward performance, they chose to nurture it, taking the first steps that would allow his passion to grow.

Rice-Thomson began dancing and acting classes, and what began as curiosity quickly turned into new found love. Age 10 became a pivotal moment in his story, when he attended a live production of Beauty and the Beast at Oklahoma City’s Civic Center Music Hall for his birthday. Sitting in the audience, watching performers bring a beloved story to life onstage, he had a realization that would define the rest of his life.

“That’s what I want to do,” he knew. He realized his love for the arts was far more than a hobby, but a way of living. 

From that moment forward, Rice-Thomson immersed himself in training. He took every acting and dance class available, determined to refine his craft. He attended Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s Thelma Gaylord Academy, the state’s premier musical theater training program, known for producing alumni who succeed on Broadway, television and beyond. Summers were spent performing in large productions at the Civic Center, gaining professional-level experience while still a student.

Homeschooled for much of his upbringing, Rice-Thomson was able to dedicate himself fully to singing, dancing and performing in local productions. That schedule, combined with Oklahoma’s tight-knit theater community, gave him both discipline and early opportunities to grow as an artist. As far away from Broadway as Oklahoma may seem, the opportunities to learn, perform and develop his craft felt limitless.

LEFT: Rice-Thomson on the stage for Broadway’s Hamilton. MIDDLE: Christopher Rice-Thomson walks the red carpet on Opening Night for Broadway’s The Great Gatsby

After high school, Rice-Thomson enrolled at the University of Oklahoma. He began studying drama, but soon realized musical theater was where his heart truly belonged. OU’s musical theater program is highly selective, accepting only a small number of students each year and providing rigorous training in voice, dance and acting, along with performance opportunities that prepare students for professional careers. He auditioned his freshman year but wasn’t accepted on his first attempt, a setback that only fueled his determination to refine his skills. He auditioned again at the end of his freshman year and earned a spot in the program.

From that point on, his four years at OU were filled with nonstop training, performances and learning, all while keeping up with his class schedule. He thrived in the program, ultimately graduating with distinction. “The training there was top notch,” he says. “Being the underdog really paid off for me.”

After college, Rice-Thomson began his career in New York City. “It was kind of New York or nowhere when it came time for my career,” he jokes. The summer after graduation, he made the move to the city. Though he had visited before, living there felt different ... but soon like home.

Early in his career, Rice-Thomson “crashed” a dance audition for West Side Story, performing among the last performers of the day—and against the odds, he was offered a role on the national tour. That opportunity launched him into a whirlwind career that took him across the United States, Canada and Japan, performing night after night while honing his craft. It was also on that first tour that he met his future husband, Clay Rice-Thomson, beginning a personal journey that would become as meaningful as his professional one. Fourteen years later, the couple are now parents to twin baby boys, just 7 months old, a family built from Broadway with shared adventures on stage and off.

Following West Side Story, Rice-Thomson joined the national tour of White Christmas, then landed a spot in the Broadway company of The Book of Mormon. He would spend four and a half years with the show in New York City, performing for audiences from all over the world, many of whom traveled thousands of miles to experience Broadway.

Next came Pretty Woman, followed by another major milestone where Rice-Thomson began touring with Hamilton—a true bucket-list achievement. “I’m glad to be doing what I love every night and sharing it with people who love it,” he says.

In recent years, his career has expanded beyond performing. Rice-Thomson now works extensively in Broadway marketing and social media, helping shape how shows connect with audiences online. He spearheaded the social media strategy for The Great Gatsby, which became the fastest-growing Broadway social media account since Hamilton.

His online presence has grown alongside that work. Rice-Thomson is regularly invited to red carpets and opening nights to help publicize Broadway productions. With a growing audience, he is committed to using his voice to empower others, advocate for meaningful causes and celebrate under-recognized artists.That instinct to lift others up rather comes naturally to him, a reflection of his Oklahoma roots.

Today, Rice-Thomson continues to work across Broadway and beyond, directing and choreographing projects in both Oklahoma and New York City. He brings everything he’s learned from Norman rehearsal rooms to Broadway stages into crafting compelling stories for audiences everywhere.

For young Oklahomans dreaming of a career in the arts, Rice-Thomson offers advice shaped by both the realities of the industry and the possibilities within it:

“New York may feel far away, but it can be an extension of your life in Oklahoma,” he says. “Oklahoma [City] is the biggest little city you’ll ever go to. There’s always someone from Oklahoma right around every corner.”

Most importantly, he encourages persistence. “Even if New York feels far away, if you trust your heart and can see it in your future, don’t let anything stop you. If you love it enough, keep going and you’ll find your path.”

Rice-Thomson’s journey is proof that extraordinary careers often grow from the roots of home. From Edmond to Broadway, Oklahoma didn’t just support him, it shaped him, giving him the foundation to thrive, one stage at a time.

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