The journey one takes to the stage is a winding one, often filled with twists and turns, and John Anker Bow’s is no exception. From teaching in New Jersey to captivating audiences on national tours, Bow’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and the power of representation. I sat down with Bow to talk about his journey, his current role in Come From Away, and the importance of being an openly gay performer in today’s world.
Growing up Jersey
Born in Somerville, New Jersey, and raised in Hamilton, Bow’s roots run deep in the Garden State. “I grew up in Mercer County, went to college at Rider in Lawrence, and worked on Long Beach Island,” he recalls. His early years in New Jersey set the foundation for his love of storytelling — both in the classroom and on stage.
Growing up, theater was a refuge for Bow. “There’s something about playing a character that gave me a sense of freedom,” he said. “Especially as a young person struggling to understand my identity, being on stage allowed me to express myself in ways I couldn’t off stage.”
His first taste of performing came in middle school, and by high school, he knew theater would always be a central part of his life. “I remember the first time I stepped onto a stage — I felt this rush of excitement and belonging that I hadn’t felt anywhere else,” he said. “It gave me confidence and a sense of purpose.”
A teacher turned performer
Though his degree is in English and secondary education, theater was never far from Bow’s heart. “I was always interested in performing, but I didn’t know how to make it a career,” he admits. After graduation, he found the perfect intersection of his two passions — directing an education program at Surflight Theatre located in Beach Haven. “It allowed me to teach while also writing, directing, and performing. It was the best of both worlds.”
Eventually, the call of the stage was too strong to ignore, and Bow transitioned into acting full time. “It was a leap of faith,” he said. “But I knew if I didn’t try, I’d always wonder ‘what if?’” Since making that fateful decision, Bow has played roles in several regional, national, and even international shows, including Henry Ford in Ragtime and George in Kinky Boots, and now he’s traveling the country in the North American tour of Come From Away.
A story of kindness in chaos
Come From Away is the true story of how a small town in Newfoundland welcomed stranded passengers in the wake of 9/11. “The show is about kindness, about people coming together despite their differences,” Bow says. He portrays Nick Marson, a real-life passenger who met his future wife, Diane, during those tense days in Gander. “They would have been on the same plane but probably never would have spoken if not for these circumstances. It’s a beautiful story.”
It’s not often that an actor can speak to the person they are portraying in a show, so getting to meet the real Nick and Diane was a special moment for Bow. “They came to see us perform in Texas and did a talkback with the audience. It was incredible to hear their perspective firsthand.”
The show itself is fast-paced and highly demanding for its cast. “There are only 12 actors on stage, and we’re constantly switching between multiple roles. It’s unlike anything I’ve done before,” Bow explains. “With minimal costume changes and quick transitions, the energy is always high. It’s exhausting but so rewarding.”
The importance of representation
As an openly gay actor, Bow is passionate about visibility in the arts. “Growing up, I didn’t have any ‘out’ role models,” he reflects. “If I had known my teachers or community leaders were queer, I think I would have felt safer, less alone.”
Now, he hopes to be that example for the next generation. “Theater helped me come out. It was the first place I saw people who were out and proud, and that gave me the courage to do the same. Representation matters — it saves lives.”
Bow also acknowledges the progress that has been made in the entertainment industry but stresses that there is still work to be done. “There’s more LGBTQ visibility in media than ever before, but we still need more stories that reflect the full diversity of our community,” he said. “And not just coming-out stories — we need love stories, dramas, comedies — everything.”
Beyond entertainment, Bow also believes in political awareness and activism. “We’re living in a time where rights that we’ve fought so hard for are being questioned again,” he said. “That’s why it’s important to know our history and stand up for each other.”
Life between performances
Like many actors, Bow has taken on a variety of side jobs to support his career. One of the most interesting? Working as a tour guide in New York City. “A lot of actors wait tables between gigs, but I found something that combines my love for history and storytelling,” he shares. “I take people on guided walking tours of the city, telling them stories about old New York. It’s a lot of fun.”
One of his favorite tours? A special Pride Month tour that explores the history of LGBTQ activism in Greenwich Village. “There’s so much queer history in New York, from the Stonewall Riots to legendary bars and performance spaces that shaped our culture,” he says. “It’s important to keep those stories alive.”
Argyle Theatre.
Outside of performing and guiding, Bow is also an avid reader and writer. “I love classic literature, and I journal every day,” he says. “It helps me process my thoughts and stay grounded.”
Bow also cohosts the podcast Flop of the Heap with Marla Alpert. The podcast comically explores Broadway’s most notorious flops, offering a deep dive into the shows that didn’t quite make it. It’s often described as “Musical Science Theatre 3000” for its witty and entertaining take on these less successful productions.
What’s next?
With Come From Away wrapping up in May, Bow is looking ahead to new opportunities. “I’d love to play Don Quixote in Man of La Mancha someday,” he shares. “There’s something magical about transforming into a character right in front of the audience.”
In the meantime, he’s embracing the unpredictability of an actor’s life. “This career is a rollercoaster, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
He’s also interested in using his platform for advocacy. “I’d love to work more with LGBTQ youth organizations,” he says. “Helping young people find their voice through the arts is something that really matters to me.”
Final thoughts
Before we wrapped up, I asked Bow, if he could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Without hesitation, he picked Henry David Thoreau. “His reflections in Walden on simplicity and mindfulness really resonate with me. I’d love to sit down with him and just listen.”
For now, though, audiences can catch Bow bringing history to life in Come From Away, a show that proves kindness and community can make all the difference — even in the darkest times. And for those aspiring actors out there, he leaves a piece of advice: “Be patient, stay true to yourself, and never stop learning. The right role will find you when the time is right.”
