Celebrity Travel: Go away with Shannon Lewis

Jae-Ha Kim, Tribune Content Agency on May 27, 2025

As a performer, Shannon Lewis has appeared in 10 Broadway musicals, including “Fosse,” over a career that spans 25 years. Now, the dancer has made her Broadway debut as a choreographer in the musical “Just in Time.” “It is a new musical based on the life and music of the great Bobby Darin, starring the magnificent talent Jonathan Groff,” Lewis said. “It is an immersive and unique theatrical event in a Broadway theater that has been transformed into a retro, cool nightclub environment. It has a huge dance element and my choreography is utilized in large production numbers and also movement that is woven all throughout the space performed by the entire cast. I’m so proud to be a part of it.”

A resident of New York City, Lewis stays in touch with fans on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/realshanlew/) and her website (https://www.shannonlewis.net/).

Q: Of course it's an honor to put on a production, but it just seems to hit differently when it's on Broadway. Can you please speak to that a bit?

A: Broadway has a long legacy connected to so many generations of groundbreaking talent.

New musicals are born on Broadway that have influence around the world. Also, the talents

involved at every level are literally the best of the best. I have a 30-year career that spans from performing, to now choreographing, these special shows. I’m so honored to be a part of the history and the future.

Q: What was your first Broadway performance and what was your role?

A: I played Vera in “Crazy for You” at the Shubert Theatre in New York City.

Q: When you worked in various cities, did you have the opportunity to explore any of those areas?

A: Yes, I love all of these wonderful places and I’ve spent extended time in all of them. I really

love getting to explore places with such rich culture and history like Montreal. The architecture, food and dining is spectacular. I love getting to explore any place I am lucky enough to travel to for work. The only challenge is [that] when I’m working, I rarely have an extended time to go and truly experience them. I’m grateful for any little break I have where I can take it in.

Q: How long did you live in Canada before moving to the United States?

A: I was born and raised in a suburb of Toronto. I was discovered there by a casting director and then, after a whirlwind audition process, I got my first Broadway show when I was still in my late teens. I moved to New York City for that job and have lived here ever since.

Q: What's the most important thing you've learned from your travels?

A:I have learned that we all have so much more in common than our differences.

Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?

A: I would pick fine dining. I love the experience of a great meal in a lovely space. Great conversation, great ambiance and then the presentation and the anticipation of each dish being served. I really enjoy that.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: I love going to Montauk for a few days, especially in the off season. I also love a New York City weekend staycation. The South Street Seaport and Battery Park are some favorites.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?

A: Oh, this is tough! Paris, New York City, Toronto, Tokyo and Amsterdam!

Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A: I have never been anywhere in Australia, and I’d love to go.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you're on the road?

A: I will always spring for a nice hotel room with a comfy bed. Sleeping well on the road is def a priority.

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(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and journalist. You can reach her at www.jaehakim.com, follow her on Instagram and X @goawaywithjae, or read more from her on Substack (jaehakim.substack.com).)