From his role as the charming John Adams in HBO’s The Gilded Age to his standout performance in the hit revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Company, Claybourne has captivated audiences on stage and screen. But when he’s not performing, where does he go to catch a show? His answer might surprise you.

Click below to watch our newest Behind the Curtain with Claybourne Elder.

Claybourne Elder is a versatile American actor, singer, and writer best known for his powerful performances in musical theater, particularly in the works of Stephen Sondheim. With a commanding stage presence, a rich baritone voice, and a nuanced approach to character, he has emerged as a significant talent on Broadway and beyond.

His very first job in New York was in Sondheim's Road Show—and yes, it was with Sondheim himself, before he even had an agent. Since then, he’s performed in an impressive nine Sondheim productions. Most recently, he played Andy in the Tony Award-winning revival of Company alongside Patti LuPone!

Photo by Matthew Murphy

He’s also an active heart in the arts: co‑founder of City of Strangers, a nonprofit that gives away free Broadway tickets—harking back to the moment a stranger gave him $200 to see Sweeney Todd, which inspired him to pursue acting in New York.

Born in Springville, Utah, Elder's early life was deeply rooted in music and the arts. The youngest of eight siblings, he gravitated toward performance from a young age, playing the violin and participating in school plays. His passion for theater led him to study acting at institutions including Brigham Young University and the University of Utah, as well as the Moscow Klasse Centre in Russia.

So, for a man who has spent so much time under the bright lights, what does he look for when he's the one in the audience? He's found a new favorite place to soak in the magic of live performance: the newly renovated David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center, home of the New York Philharmonic.

"I wanted to show you David Geffen Hall," said Elder. "It's got a really cool bar area where you can just go hang out. I like to come here and just sit and listen to music and read and be in the middle of this artistic hub." As we walked inside, we were wowed by the beautiful entrance! "They wanted to make a space here that welcomed people to come in and hang out, and I love that".

The David Geffen Hall originally opened in 1962 as the Philharmonic Hall, the very first building completed on the Lincoln Center campus, and later in 2015, it became David Geffen Hall after a $100 million gift was made by media entrepreneur David Geffen, marking a new chapter for the Hall.

Most recently, the hall underwent a major renovation, completed in 2022. The goal was to reimagine the live music experience, enhancing a-kew-stics, bringing audiences closer to the stage, and redesigning the foyer into a more open, communal space with sweeping views of Lincoln Center. "I love to come and see the ballet or an opera", said Elder. "That's what I love about the Lincoln Center is it's all right here!"

Claybourne Elder is not just a Broadway star and onscreen actor; he's a musician! "I grew up playing the violin for twelve years as a kid," said Elder. "So I love to come to Geffin Hall to hear the New York Philharmonic." 

The New York Philharmonic is one of the oldest and most prestigious symphony orchestras in the United States, known for its rich history, groundbreaking performances, and deep commitment to musical excellence. As it continues to shape the cultural heartbeat of New York City, this legendary institution blends tradition with innovation to inspire audiences both locally and around the world. 

Now it’s your turn to step inside this reimagined space and experience the New York Philharmonic for yourself! Click HERE to explore the New York Philharmonic’s upcoming season and plan your visit.