Before he even graduates from Elon University, Campy Rodriguez is already part of one of Disney’s most popular stories as he performs in the ensemble of “Aladdin” on Broadway. But unlike the story’s main character, Rodriguez’s dreams are less magical and more hard work.
Getting to Broadway before even graduating from college would be a wish granted by a magic genie for some, and for Campy Rodriguez ’26, that wish has come true.
“It is still unbelievable that I get to essentially do this every day,” he said. “It’s been a dream of mine as long as I can remember.”
The business of show biz
Originally from Brownsville, Texas, Rodriguez stars in the ensemble of “Aladdin” on Broadway and is also an understudy for the lead character. But Rodriguez’s path to Broadway isn’t the result of magical intervention, but rather hard work and determination, fostered through Elon’s Performing Arts program.
“I had no idea what I was doing before I was in college, and Elon gave me more confidence in myself as a singer, actor and dancer,” said Rodriguez, who is a music theatre major.
In June, The Hollywood Reporter named Elon one of the “25 Best Drama Schools of 2025,” and Elon’s prominence in the theatre world is one of the reasons Rodriguez chose the university.
“What’s great about Elon is they really encourage not just focusing on the artistic aspect, but making sure you branch out,” said Rodriguez, who was also a Leadership Fellow. “I fell in love with the campus when I came to audition for the program, and everyone was so nice.”
Rodriguez credits faculty such as Associate Teaching Professor of Music Polly Cornelius and Assistant Professor of Music Theatre Courtney Liu for helping him hone his singing and dancing skills, but also for learning about the business of show business.
“I’ve learned about the logistics part of being an artist, and they’ve helped me with figuring out how to talk to agents and how to negotiate deals,” he said.
A wish come true
His love for musical theatre began at a young age, a little begrudgingly at first. His parents needed a summer babysitter and sent him to a workshop at their local community theatre.
“I was like ‘This is the dumbest thing ever,’ but it was so much fun when I was younger, and I fell in love with the people who were involved with theatre,” he said. “It’s a space where you can truly be yourself, and you can be wacky.”
That ability to “be wacky,” evolved into performances on the Elon stage, including in the original musical “Deep Bar Ballad,” “Spring Awakening,” “A Chorus Line,” and “Merrily We Roll Along.” He was even set to perform in the fall 2025 production of “An American in Paris,” but then his wish for Aladdin came true.
Rodriguez landed the Aladdin role thanks to a connection with the show’s dance captain, Elon alum Michael Callahan ’13. Both Rodriguez and Callahan worked at a summer theater program together in Aspen, Colorado.
“Aladdin is just a machine, like how the show works,” said Rodriguez. “I had to learn the show by myself essentially in the studio with our amazing dance captains, a stage manager and the accompanist.”
Before he hit the stage for the first time, Rodriguez only had two full rehearsals with the cast.
“It was tough, but I had a lot of help from a lot of people. Everyone has been so unbelievably nice and kind and welcoming,” he said. “I am the youngest person in the company, and that was scary, but everyone is really funny, and they haven’t treated me as the youngest. They bring me to their level.”
Becoming Aladdin
Not only does Rodriguez have to know his part in the ensemble, but as an understudy for Aladdin, he must be ready to take on the lead role at a moment’s notice. In October, that preparation proved useful. Rodriguez had planned to have breakfast with Elon classmates who came to New York to see the show, when he received an important text.
“I woke up to a text at about 9:30 in the morning that said, ‘Would you like to make your Aladdin debut this afternoon?’ and the show is at 1 p.m. So, I had to be like, ‘Guys, I’m sorry. I can’t go to breakfast. I have to go prepare for this.’ It was like a dream,” he said. “It was pretty magical, and a lot of my friends rescheduled their flights to come see me, so that was amazing.”
After his matinee performance, Rodriguez was finally able to celebrate with friends at Red Lobster, but after eating a full, carb-loaded dinner, he was called to the stage as Aladdin for the evening show. A learning experience, he says, to be ready even when you’re not expected to perform, but one that he took with stride.
“It was amazing,” Rodguez said with a laugh, “and it was a day I will never forget.”