A Few More Roles I'd Like to Play...

I did a post a while back about five roles that I would love to perform, but I can't limit myself to just five!

Sutton Foster originated the role
of Princess Fiona on Broadway.
Photo Credit: New York Times

5) Princess Fiona in Shrek: The Musical

I have a thing for playing princesses, so of course I'd want to play the ogre princess!  I love how real Princess Fiona is and how every girl can relate to her.  Even though she is a princess, she is not a girly-girl by any means.  I also love her songs in the show, especially "Morning Person," which opens Act II.  It is a really fun song, but it has a killer tap number in the middle that I would love to tackle.  Plus I would get to be a redhead again!

Ellen Greene became famous
for her portrayal of Audrey.
Photo Credit: Pinterest

4) Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors

I remember watching Little Shop of Horrors when I was in elementary school and I immediately fell in love with it and with the character of Audrey.  I love how she does what is unnatural and falls for the nerdy guy at the end.  I think that Audrey just has a lot of heart and deserves the best, no matter what.  And who doesn't want to sing "Somewhere that's Green" and "Suddenly Seymour?"

Laura Osnes played Sandy in the
most recent revival of "Grease."
Photo Credit: lindaeder.com

3) Sandy in Grease

Grease and I go way back.  I had to watch it every night since the time I was two years old in order
to go to sleep.  I was obsessed.  I had the VHS and the anniversary DVD that came wrapped in a T-bird jacket.  I was a poodle girl twice for halloween and I begged all of my directors to do "Grease."  I think that it would be one of the biggest highlights of my life because I would feel like I have come full circle.  Sandy is such a classic character and it would be an honor to get the chance to play her.

Jennifer Damiano originated the
role of Natalie in Next to Normal.
Photo Credit: Broadway.com

2) Natalie in Next to Normal

If you haven't listened to Next to Normal soundtrack, I recommend you stop reading this and go have a listen.  It is probably one of the best albums from a musical that I have ever heard.  Plus, the character of Natalie is awesome.  She is very sassy and to the point and knows what she wants.  She also goes through somewhat of a downward spiral during the show which I think would be really fun and challenging to act out.  She is also sort of a rocker chick which is totally different from me.

Kristen Chenoweth was the
first of many actresses to
play Glinda in Wicked.
Photo Credit: Pinterest

1) Glinda in Wicked

I've played Glinda in The Wizard of Oz before, so now I want to play her in Wicked.  I'm not one
of those girls that thinks she should play Elphaba because she knows "Defying Gravity."  I know that I cannot pull that song off, plus I know that I am more of a Glinda than an Elphaba.  I want to fly in on that bubble in my big sparkly ballgown and then dance around in a fluffy pink dress.  Plus, I'm a soprano so I want to hit those high notes.  I'm definitely a Glinda in life.




Break Legs,
Sydney

Les Miserables to Lower its Flag

Cameron Mackintosh, the producer of Broadway's Les Miserables announced today that the production will close Sept. 4, 2016.

The production opened March 23, 2014 after playing 22 previews.  Upon its closing, the show will have performed 1,026 performances.

This was the second revival of Les Miserables and it opened to rave reviews.

The opening night cast included Ramin Karimloo (Jean Valjean), Will Swenson (Javert), Caissie Levy (Fantine), Nikki M. James (Eponine), Andy Mientus (Marius), Samantha Hill (Cosette) and many other talented performers.

Mackintosh
Photo Credit: Playbill Vault

Les Miserables is based on the book by Victor Hugo and tells the story of Jean Valjean who is finally released from prison after 19 years.  He is chased by a police officer, Javert, in the middle of Revolutionary France.

The musical has captured the hearts of many audiences since it premiered in France in 1980, then opened in London in 1985 (and is still playing today) and finally appeared on Broadway in 1987.

There have also been two movie versions made, one musical and one not.

Les Miserables has garnered eight Tony Awards, including "Best Musical."


Break Legs,
Sydney

Broadway Bound Waitress Makes History

It was announced today that Waitress
will have an all-female creative cast for
the first time in Broadway history.
Photo Credit: Playbill

The highly anticipated new musical Waitress is being celebrated for more than its star-studded cast and hit music.  Today it has just made history.

It has become the first musical in Broadway to have an entirely female creative team.  The team will consist of of Jessie Nelson (book), Sara Bareilles (music/lyrics), Lorin Latarro (choreographer) and Diane Paulus (director).

Paulus
Photo Credit: A.R.T.

Another show that will open on Broadway next year, Eclipsed will also feature a female director, playwright and cast.  This is regarded a little differently since it is a play with fewer people involved than a full-fledged musical.

Waitress tells the story of Jenna, played by Tony Winner Jessie Mueller, who is a prodigy when it comes to making pies.  She is stuck in a loveless marriage and a rut until a new doctor comes to town and turns her world upside down.

Being a Woman and Gender Studies major, I think this announcement is fantastic.  It has taken too long for females to take over Broadway.

I remember in my high school, everyone who was involved with the leadership of each show I was in were female.  That was completely normal for me and each show ran smoothly.

So way to go Waitress.  Hopefully future Broadway shows will catch on!

To purchase tickets to see "Waitress," click here.

Break Legs,
Sydney

Wayne Brady has Big Shoes to Fill

Brady stepped into Lola's heels Nov. 21.
Photo Credit: Playbill

Wayne Brady stepped into the heels of Lola in Kinky Boots on Nov. 21 at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre.  Brady succeeded Billy Porter, who won a Tony Award for originating the role of Lola.

Porter, who has been with the show since the beginning besides only taking short breaks to perform in the national tour, departed Kinky Boots to star in Shuffle Along which will open April 21, 2016 at the Music Box Theatre.

Brady has been seen on Broadway as Billy Flynn in the long-running Chicago as well as playing Tom Collins in the Hollywood Bowl's production of Rent.

"Kinky Boots" opened
April 4, 2013.
Photo Credit: Playbill

The Broadway community was very excited when it was announced on Aug. 13 that Brady would
replace Porter.

Kinky Boots tells the true story of a drag queen who steps in to help a man's failing shoe factory.  It opened April 4, 2013.

The show was a hit at the Tony Awards.  It won Best Musical, Best Score, Best Orchestrations, Best Choreography and Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Kinky Boots is directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, and features a score by Cyndi Lauper and book by Harvey Fierstein.

I think that Brady will do an excellent job at playing Lola.  I've been a fan of him since I saw him on Whose Line is it Anyway as a young girl.  He is a very talented performer and I believe that he will bring forth another side of Lola.

To buy tickets to see Brady as Lola, click here.

Break Legs,
Sydney

Dames at Sea will sail away from Broadway

The producers of "Dames at Sea" announced
that the show will close in 2016
Photo Credit: Variety

Fans were sad to hear that the musical, Dames at Sea would close on Jan. 3, 2016.  The announcement was made Nov. 23.

Upon closing, the show will have played 32 previews and 85 regular performances.  

Even though the show boasted a well known and loved cast of six, it had trouble filling the smallest theater on Broadway to capacity.  

Producers have said that they plan on making the show into a national tour that will begin in 2017. No casting announcements for the tour have been made yet.

Margherita
Photo Credit: IMDB

The cast, of course, was saddened by this news, but some tried to stay positive.  

One cast member took to Twitter before the announcement was even released.

"Not everything is a hit, but that doesn't mean it's a miss," Lesli Margherita, who plays Mona Kent in the show, tweeted on Nov. 22.  "Keep moving forward."

Dames at Sea had its New York premiere nearly 50 years ago Off-Broadway.  

The show tells the story of Ruby, who steps off a bus from Utah and into her first Broadway show.  The only problem is that the theater is set for demolishment, so she and the cast members prepare to perform on a Navy ship.

The production opened Oct. 22, 2015 at the Helen Hayes Theatre.

Like Margherita said, not every show is a hit, but that doesn't mean it was a bad show.

To purchase tickets to "Dames at Sea" before it close, click here.

Break Legs,

Sydney 

Happy Birthday Laura Osnes!

Osnes
Photo Credit: Playbill

It's Broadway's sweetheart's birthday today!

Laura Osnes, who has been seen in Grease, Bonnie and Clyde, Anything Goes and Cinderella turns 30 today.

Osnes shot to stardom after appearing on the television show Grease: You're the One That I Want!  She won which meant that she would star on Broadway as Sandy in the revival of Grease in 2007.

Laura Osnes made her Broadway
debut in "Grease."
Photo Credit: Playbill

After acting in Grease for a year, Osnes then played Nellie in South Pacific replacing Tony winner Kelli O'Hara and has had a role on Broadway pretty much every year since.

While she is extremely talented, everyone in the Broadway community admires her for her sweet spirit and bubbly personality.  One can really tell how much she loves her job and she is so grateful for the opportunities she has gotten.

Osnes even delayed her wedding plans to compete on Grease: You're the One That I Want.

Luckily she won and got married shortly after.

She has been nominated for two Tony Awards, one for playing Bonnie in Bonnie and Clyde in 2012 and Cinderella in Cinderella in 2013.

Osnes just finished performing in a new musical, The Bandstand at PaperMill Playhouse in New Jersey.  It was just announced that the production will be transferring to Broadway in 2016.

Fans cannot wait to go see Osnes live onstage again.

Maybe she will win her first Tony Award in 2016.

Break Legs,
Sydney

Broadway's Store

Many fellow theatre lovers may not know this, but Playbill has its own store!  I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite items that are currently for sale, just in time for Christmas.

These pajamas sell for $69.95.
Photo Credit: Playbill Store

1) Playbill Pajamas
I love pajamas so the fact that they are covered in playbills makes them even better!  I think that they would be a perfect gift for anyone who loves theatre, but also loves lounging around at home.

These ornaments cost $49.95.
Photo Credit: Playbill Store

2) Playbill Ornaments
Who doesn't love ornaments?  This set of six features playbills from The Producers, Mary Poppins, Man of La Mancha, Cabaret, Annie and Avenue Q.  These ornaments would be the perfect addition to any theatre lover's Christmas tree!

This binder sells for $31.95.
Photo Credit: Playbill Store

3) Playbill Binder
Although I only have a small collection of Broadway playbills, I need to keep them organized somehow.  This playbill binder allows collectors to keep their playbills neat and safe as well as
makes it easy to display them.  One can buy this binder in different sizes, depending on the number of playbills owned.

This book sells for $22.95.
Photo Credit: Playbill Store

4) "At This Theatre: 100 Years of Broadway Shows"
This book is the ultimate guide for all the theatre junkies out there.  Each Broadway theatre is listed in the book as well as the shows that played there.  It contains descriptions and even vintage pictures of shows that can keep someone occupied for hours!

This calendar is on sale for $11.95.
Photo Credit: Playbill Store

5) 2016 Playbill Calendar
I currently own and use the 2015 Playbill calendar and love that each month is represented by a different show.  Each month also features a big picture of the playbill as well as a description of the
show, who starred in it and what awards it won.  This looks great on any theatre lover's wall!





Happy shopping!

Break Legs,
Sydney

Bob's Back on Broadway

Bob Saget took his first bow in "Hand to God" November 3.
Photo Credit: Broadway World

Bob Saget returned to the Great White Way as Pastor Greg in "Hand to God" last week.

Saget joins cast members Steven Boyer, Geneva Carr, Michael Oberholtzer and Sarah Stiles.

"Hand to God" opened April 7, 2015
at the Booth Theatre.
Photo Credit: Playbill

Saget replaced Marc Kudisch who originated the role of Pastor Greg in Hand to God's pre-Broadway run and on Broadway.

This is not new to Saget, who made his Broadway debut back in 2007 in The Drowsy Chaperone.  Saget played the Man in Chair, replacing Jonathan Crombie.  He was with the show until it closed Dec. 30, 2007.

Saget's return to Broadway was made even more special by the appearance of his Full House co-star Ashley Olsen.  Olsen played his daughter on the show and the two have remained close.

Hand to God tells the story of Jason, played by Boyer, who uses a hand puppet named Tyrone as an outlet for his creativity.  Everything is fine until Tyrone takes on a new personality and finds his own voice.

The play opened April 7, 2015 and will close Jan. 3, 2016.  After its closing, the show will transfer to London's West End and begin performances Feb. 5, 2016.

Maybe Saget will make London his home for a bit when the show transfers.

To purchase tickets to see Saget, click here.

Break Legs,
Sydney

Get On Your Feet!

Ana Villafañe stars as Gloria Estefan in "On Your Feet!"
Photo Credit: Playbill

Emilio and Gloria Estefan's new musical, On Your Feet! opened Nov. 5, 2015 at the Marquis Theatre.

This is an autobiographical musical about Emilio and Gloria Estefan tracing the pair's start in music and their rise to becoming international sensations.

Playing the two song and love birds are Josh Segarra (Emilio) and Ana Villafañe (Gloria).  This show marks Villafañe's Broadway debut.

"On Your Feet!" opened
Nov. 5, 2015.
Photo Credit: Playbill

On your Feet! is directed by Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo.

This jukebox musical opened to rave reviews.


"The recipe may be familiar, but the flavor is fresh in 'On Your Feet,'" Charles Insherwood wrote in his review of the show in The New York Times.

The critics also love Villafañe.

"Not only does Broadway debutante Ana Villafañe look, sing and dance like Ms. Estefan, but she acts well enough to make me want to see her in more challenging fare," wrote Terry Teachout in his review in The Wall Street Journal.

There have been many successful jukebox musicals like On Your Feet! that have had major success on Broadway.  Mamma Mia, Jersey Boys and Rock of Ages all come to mind.

Hopefully this powerful story will spend a long time on the Great White Way.

To purchase tickets to this show, click here.

Break Legs,
Sydney

My Favorite Flop

Lysistrata Jones is considered a Broadway flop.
Photo Credit: Playbill

The musical Lysistrata Jones opened on Broadway Dec. 14, 2011 and closed two weeks later on Jan. 8, 2012.  After it opened, it ran for a total of 30 performances.

Because of the show's short run, it is considered a flop.  To me, I think it deserves another chance and could be enjoyed by many.

The Greek play Lysistrata is transported into modern times and set at a college called Athens University where the basketball team has not won a game in decades.  A new student, Lysistrata Jones, arrives on campus and falls for the "star" basketball player.  To give the team motivation to win, Lysistrata convinces the players' girlfriends to abstain sex until they win a game.  And then chaos ensues.

Patti Murin starred in the
production as the title role.
Photo Credit Playbill

The original production starred Patti Murin in the title role and included Liz Mikel (Hetaira), Josh Seggara (Mick), Lindsay Nicole Cahmbers (Robin) and Jason Tam (Xander) as well as many other talernted actors and actresses.

The musical was nominated for the 2012 Best Book of a Musical Tony Award but lost to Once.

Maybe viewers were not ready for a modern day retelling of the famous Lysistrata.  The musical did have success in its pre-Broadway tryouts, so it could have made it on the Great White Way.

Personally, I have never seen the entire show since it did not run for very long on Broadway and it is not performed in a lot of places, but I have researched the entire show and listened to the cast album multiple times.

Yes, some of the music is a little cheesy, but this show has heart and a whole lot of it.  Even though it centers around sex, it does encourage girls and women to speak up for themselves and take control of their bodies.  I think that the central message this show sends is that women can and should be powerful.

Who wouldn't love an empowering show like this one?  Oh wait, the critics.

Break Legs,
Sydney

Into the Woods and Out of the Woods....

This was the finale of Into the Woods.
That's me on the far left, in the blue dress and shawl!
Photo Credit: Michelle Seitler

Rumors were flying during the winter of my junior year of high school. 

Everyone was making guesses about what the musical was going to be.  Since my school had the regional premiere of Legally Blonde: The Musical we knew we had to do a memorable show.

The announcement was made and it was the breathtaking musical that is "Into the Woods."

Into the Woods tells the story of famous fairytale characters from the stories "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Rapunzel," "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Cinderella."  These stories are woven together by two new characters, the Baker and his wife, as they follow a witch's instructions in order to have a child. 

The moral of the story is to be careful what you wish for because you just might get it and it may be more than you can handle.

I decided that I wanted to play Cinderella because it fit my vocal range as a soprano and I felt that I could connect with her.  And who doesn't want to sing "No one is alone?"

This was when I got to take my first
solo curtain call bow.
Photo Credit: Michelle Seitler

I went through the audition and got a callback.  At the callback, I sang for Rapunzel, the Baker's Wife and Cinderella.

I left callbacks feeling terrified.

The cast list went up the next school day during last period.  

I did it.  I got Cinderella.

I was so excited.  This was the first lead in a musical that I had gotten in high school.

I couldn't wait to portray a different side of the classic Disney princess that James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim had dreamed up.

The role challenged me as an actress as well as a singer.  I found things out about the character and myself that I didn't know were there.

Performing in the show was an amazing experience and I still consider myself to be Cinderella even today.  

Once you're a princess, you never go back.

Break Legs,

Sydney

Broadway Has Gone to the Dogs!

The play "Sylvia" opened last night at the Cort Theatre.

This play stars Tony Award winners Annaleigh Ashford (Sylvia), Matthew Broderick (Greg), Julie White (Kate) and Clarence Dewart Award winner Robert Sella (Leslie/Tom/Phyllis).

Annaleigh Asford stars as the spunky
pup in Sylvia.
Photo Credit: Playbill

Sylvia Stells the story of a New York couple whose lives are turned upside down when they take in a new dog, Sylvia.

In the show, Sylvia is actually played by a human and has conversations with Greg, who is very attached and bonded to her.

"Sylvia" opened Oct. 27, 2015.
Photo Credit: Playbill

The original production of Sylvia premiered Off-Broadway on May 2, 1995 and starred Sarah Jessica Parker as the title character.  It ran for 167 performances.


Even though this play has appeared in New York before on a professional stage, since it is the first time it has been on Broadway, it is considered a new play.  This show will most likely be up for the "Best New Play" award at the Tony's in June.

The show has opened to rave reviews, with critics calling it charming and zany.  Many praised Ashford's acting and commitment to playing a dog.

I have a feeling Ashford may have another Tony Award in her future after playing this animalistic role.

To purchase tickets to Sylvia click here.

Break Legs,
Sydney

Housewife Headed Back to Broadway

 Leakes
Photo Credit: Playbill

Real Housewives of Atlanta star, NeNe Leakes, will return to the Great White Way after a highly acclaimed stint playing Madame in Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella.

Leakes will play Matron "Mama" Morton in Chicago at the Ambassador Theatre.  She will play this role Nov. 23 through Dec. 20

Leakes made her Broadway debut in Cinderella replacing Sherri Shepherd.  Leakes was with the show until it closed Jan. 3, 2015.

The first revival of "Chicago" opened
Nov. 14, 1996.
Photo Credit: Playbill

The role of "Mama" in Chicago has been played by many famous actresses like Jennifer Holiday, Debra Monk, Bebe Neuwirth, Sofia Vergara and Wendy Williams.

I think that Leakes will be great in the role.  She has already proven she can handle Broadway after appearing in Cinderella.

This role calls for a powerful and sassy actress, which Leakes can definitely pull off.  This role is in great hands.

Although Leakes started out as a reality star, she has acted on shows like Glee and The New Normal.

Chicago currently stars Rumer Willis (Roxie Hart), Amra-Faye Wright (Velma Kelly), Raymond Bokhour (Amos Hart), Jason Danieley (Billy Flynn) and NaTasha Yvette Williams (Matron "Mama" Morton).

Chicago holds the record for being the second-longest running Broadway show behind "The Phantom of the Opera."

To buy tickets to see Leakes perform, click here.

Spotlight on "Dames at Sea"

"Dames at Sea" stars six extremely talented actors and actresses.
Pictured (L-R): Danny Gardner (Lucky), Mara Davi (Joan),
John Bolton (Hennesey/ The Captain), Eloise Kropp (Ruby),
Cary Tedder (Dick) and Lesli Margherita (Mona).
Photo Credit: Playbill

The Broadway musical Dames at Sea opened last night at the Helen Hayes Theatre.

"Dames at Sea" opened Oct. 22 at
the Helen Hayes Theatre.
Photo Credit: Playbill

This glitzy musical is finally getting its Broadway debut after having success Off Off-Broadway, starring Bernadette Peters, and in film.

The show tells the story of Ruby, played by Eloise Kropp, who finally earns a spot in a Broadway show only to learn that the theater is to be demolished.  Ruby and the cast decide that the show must go on, even if it means performing on a naval battleship.

Dames at Sea also stars the hilarious Lesli Margherita, Mara Davi, Cary Tedder, John Bolton and Danny Gardner.  It is directed and choreographed by three-time Tony nominee Randy Skinner.

This tap-happy show will certainly have audiences feeling nostalgic and have them humming the songs on their way out.

Maybe there will be a Tony Award or two in store for this musical.

To purchase tickets to see Dames at Sea click here.

Break Legs,
Sydney

Best Birthday Ever

Kristen Beth Williams (Sibella), Kevin Massey (Monty) and
Adrienne Eller (Phoebe) star in the tour of A
Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder.
Photo Credit:The News and Observer

I met up with my big on my 19th birthday back in September and she said that she wanted to give me a present but it was not something she could give me.  I was curious as to what this was but then she told me.

She bought us tickets to see the tour of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder in October.  I could have screamed.

I saw A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder on Broadway with the original cast shortly after it won the Tony for Best Musical.  I loved every minute of it.

So of course I thought that this was one of the best birthday presents ever.

A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder tells the story of Monty Navarro who finds out he is in line to be the next Earl.  The only problem is that there are eight people ahead of him.

We were so excited!
Photo Credit: Sydney Cheuvront

So naturally, Monty decides to kill them off one by one in order to reach Earldom.  Throw in a wife and a mistress and this show will have audiences laughing the entire time.

The show's big gimmick is that one actor plays the eight people Monty needs to kill so fast costume changes and character switches ensue.

I counted down the days until we were going to go see it and finally the day arrived.

We found our seats at the Durham Performing Arts Center and impatiently waited for the lights to dim and the orchestra to start playing.

The show started and I have to say it was of the same caliber as Broadway.  Everything looked the same and the cast was fantastic.

I forgot that I wasn't actually at a Broadway theater like I was a year and a half ago.

I wish we could have stayed to meet the cast but we had to get back to campus.

I don't know how many times I can thank my big for giving me the best birthday ever.

To see if the tour is coming to your town, click here.

Go see it!

Break Legs,
Sydney

Nunsense is Habit-Forming

Nunsense is a great show for everyone!
Photo Credit: StagePlays

This past weekend I had the privilege to see the completely sold-out production of Nunsense right here at High Point University.

I discovered this musical right before my senior year of high school.  I watched the entire thing on Youtube from when they filmed the original Off-Broadway cast that starred Rue McClanahan as Mother Superior.

This show tells the story of five nuns who, after a cooking incident that killed 52 nuns, need to raise money to bury the remaining four nuns that they are keeping in the freezer.  Mother Superior decides to put on a show in order to get the funds.

I think what makes this show so funny is that no one expects a show about nuns to be entertaining, so it is a surprise when pretty much every song brings laughter.  

The production at High Point was amazing.  The show is pretty challenging to do, even though there are only five cast members.  There are a lot of lines, songs and especially harmonies to learn.  But the five actresses pulled it off beautifully.

Each woman was and is extremely talented and really became her character.  While none of the ladies are actually nuns, they made it very believable.

The set looked amazing and made me really believe that I was in a grade school auditorium.  The show really uses the entire set which worked in a small area like the Empty Space Theater.

The songs are very catchy, especially the opener, "Nunsense is Habit-Forming," and the finale, "Holier than Thou."  I left the show with these songs stuck in my head.

I highly recommend this show to anyone on campus.  Too bad it is already sold out!

Break Legs,
Sydney

5 Roles I'd Like to Play

Even though it's been a while since I have performed in a show, a girl can dream, right?

Stephanie J. Block (Judy), Megan Hilty (Doralee)
and Allison Janney (Violet) starred in the
Broadway production of 9 to 5: The Musical.
Photo Credit: Playbill

5. Judy Bernly/Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5: The Musical

I have gone back and forth over which character in this fantastic musical I would like to play.  I would like to play Doralee because the role is so iconic after being portrayed by Dolly Parton in the movie.  Plus it would be fun to don a blonde wig again!  I want to play Judy because I feel like she is the closest to my personality and that I can really relate to her.  Also, Judy has a killer song towards the end of the show where she kicks her ex-husband out and then belts her face off.



4. Ariel in The Little Mermaid

Sierra Boggess was the original Ariel on
Broadway.
Photo Credit: Playbill

When I was a little girl, Ariel was my favorite princess.  I thought that she was the most unique princess since she had a tail.  I would watch the movie all the time and I even had a little Ariel rag doll that I could not be without. So it only makes sense that I would love to play her onstage.  How fun would it be to put on a tail and roll around the stage on Heelys?  Also, since I've already played Cinderella in "Into the Woods," I think it is time that I add another princess to my resume!




3. Wendla in Spring Awakening

Lea Michele (Wendla) and Jonathan
Groff (Melchior) starred in the original
production of Spring Awakening
on Broadway.
Photo Credit: Playbill

I have already posted about how absolutely gorgeous this show is, so of course, I want to play a role in it.  I think that the role of Wendla is so complex and really challenges an actress.  She goes through many ups and downs throughout the show, ending with the ultimate down (I won't spoil it!).  Wendla also has some really beautiful songs that I would love to sing.







2. Elle Woods in Legally Blonde: The Musical

Laura Bell Bundy
originated the role of Elle Woods
on Broadway.
Photo Credit: Playbill

I have been obsessed with this musical since seventh grade.  I remember watching the whole show on Youtube because MTV had filmed it.  I knew all the songs and dances and wanted nothing more than to be in it.  When I was a sophomore in high school, that dream came true, when my drama teacher announced that we would be doing the show in the spring.  I ended up getting cast as a Delta Nu, not Elle, but it was still an amazing experience.  I would love a chance to play the smart and
courageous Elle Woods onstage and be a blonde again!


1. Cathy Hyatt in The Last 5 Years

Betsy Wolfe played Cathy
in the revival of The Last Five
Years.
Photo Credit: Boston Theatre Scene

Of course this is my number one role I would like to play!  I have already gushed about how much I love L5Y so I am dying to play this part, even though I will probably have to wait a few more years to be the right age.  I love the simplicity of the show in that there are only two characters so I would really be able to connect with the other actor as well as get a lot of time in the spotlight.  Cathy has some amazing songs and character transitions that would really challenge me but I am up for it!

Break Legs,
Sydney

Waitress Will Serve Broadway in 2016

Jessie Mueller stars as Jenna in the new musical, Waitress.
Photo Credit: BroadwayWorld

The new, highly anticipated Sara Bareilles musical Waitress will start serving customers in Spring 2016.  To read more about this exciting announcement, click here.

This musical will mark Bareilles' debut as a Broadway composer even though she is no stranger to show business.  She has been nominated for a Grammy five times in the past six years and has had multiple hits on the Billboard Top 100 chart.

The musical also gained attention when it was announced that Tony Award winner Jessie Mueller would take on the lead role of Jenna.  Mueller won a Tony for her portrayal of Carole King in the Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.

The show is an adaptation of the movie Waitress that starred Keri Russell.  It tells the story of Jenna, a waitress who is extremely skilled at making pies and could go onto stardom in a pie contest if she weren't stuck in a loveless marriage.  With the help of her friends and the town's new doctor, Jenna just might have a shot.

I am so excited to see this musical when it opens.  I have always loved the movie and I cannot wait to see how it is adapted onstage.  I am also a big fan of Mueller and know that she will be great in the lead role.

Bareilles has released one song from the show but I have avoided listening to it.  I really want to go into this show fresh considering I have already seen the movie.  I want the first time I hear the songs to be when I am actually sitting down in the theater.

I have seen pictures of the show from its pre-Broadway tryouts and it looks amazing in my opinion.  The costumes and set are spot on and I am dying to see it all put together on the Great White Way!

Break Legs,
Sydney

My First Show

I took on the role of Lady Capulet at the age of 10.
Photo Credit: Dawn Cheuvront

When I was a young girl I developed a knack for performing.

I would always jump up and sing karaoke in front of strangers while on vacation and I couldn't wait to go to music class in elementary school so I could sing my heart out.

When I was in fifth grade, I had the opportunity to audition for an extremely re-written version of a Shakespeare show.  This show was produced every year to give the fifth graders something big to do at the end of the year.

Romeo and Juliet was selected when it was my turn to audition.

I was dying to play Juliet.  Even at the young age of 10, I knew I wanted to be the star.

I'm in the red dress and my little sister is sitting
at my feet. Acting, unfortunately, does not run in the family.
Photo Credit: Dawn Cheuvront

I auditioned and waited days for the cast list to be read aloud by my homeroom teacher.  I never knew that I could be so impatient.

I ended up getting cast as Lady Capulet, but I was still pretty happy.  It was one of the biggest roles in the show next to Juliet and the Nurse, so getting a lead after auditioning for my first show ever was a big deal to me.

I took my part way too seriously.  I overacted and even had a family friend make me a beautiful costume from scratch.  But it didn't matter how good or bad the production was because I thought it was great and of course my parents loved me in it regardless.

In reality, the play was very long and boring and should not be acted out by kids in elementary school.  I learned this hard fact when it was my turn to be an audience member and had to watch my little sister in Macbeth.

Fun Fact: My directors needed flower girls for the wedding scene and my little sister, who was in Kindergarten at the time, was chosen.  That was the first and last time we ever performed together (she plays sports now).

Being a part of this show was the thing that really got me interested in theatre and made me pursue it all throughout middle and high school.  For that, I am eternally grateful.

Break Legs,
Sydney

Happy Opening to Spring Awakening on Broadway!

The revival of Spring Awakening opened
at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.
Photo Credit: Playbill

It's back!

One of my favorite musicals of all time has returned for a limited run on the Great White Way.  This musical is Spring Awakening.  The new and improved production opened Sunday night at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre.  To read more about the production, click here.

This production combines English and American Sign Language and stars deaf and hearing actors, giving the audience a completely new experience of this beautiful show.

The musical is an adaptation of Frank Wedekind's play of the same name.  It tells the story of young teenagers growing up in 1890's Germany as they make their way through a sexual awakening.

I have been lucky enough to see this show twice, just never on Broadway.  The original production opened in 2006 when I was only 10.  Spring Awakening is considered racy, with themes of homosexuality, underage sex, and abortion running through it, so I don't think going to see it before I was even a teenager was a good idea.

I did get to see two collegiate productions when I was 16 and instantly fell in love.  I cried through the entire second act the first time I saw it.  The book and score are both so beautifully written that one cannot help but connect with the characters and feel their joy and sorrow.

Although we live in present times, it is easy to relate to the characters and their struggles and triumphs.  We were all young once and remember what it was like to develop a serious crush or to get our first kiss or to fall in love.

This new production closes in January and I am dying to see it.  Hopefully I can make my way to New York soon.

Break Legs,
Sydney

My Last Show

I was all dressed up and ready to go on
as the glamorous Reno Sweeney.
Photo Credit: Gabby Glanville

By the time I was approaching my last musical in high school, I had acted in about 20 shows.

I never got too upset each time a show closed because I knew that there would be another one right around the corner.  Except my last show in high school was different.  I knew that I would be giving theatre up for a while to pursue my college degree.  I didn't feel like I could pursue journalism and theatre at the same time.  I had to make a choice and I went with the practical one.

After playing Meg Giry in a play version of Phantom of the Opera and directing a one-act play my senior year, I prepared myself to conquer the musical Anything Goes.  I wanted to play Reno Sweeney more than anything and knew that I could go out with a bang on this role.

I busted my butt in auditions and callbacks but still had a sleepless night before the cast list went up.  That morning I hesitantly approached the theatre board and looked for my name.

My best friend yelled, "You got it!"

It took a few minutes for me to process that my name was next to "Reno Sweeney" on the list.

I did it.  I got the ultimate role to go out on.

Rehearsals were far more strenuous than I thought, but I told myself that I wasn't going to complain because that role was what I wanted.

Before I knew it, it was opening night and everything went great.  The second night went just as well.  But when I left the theater after the second night I noticed my voice was scratchy, but I attributed it to fatigue.

I woke up early the next morning for a two-show day, a matinee and closing, and realized I had no voice.

I panicked.

How was I supposed to do a musical without a voice?

I pushed myself harder than I ever have that matinee and luckily for the last show, everyone had time to throw backup vocals together and help me out so I didn't permanently damage my voice.

When I walked out of the ship for my last curtain call ever on my high school stage, my cast cheered and yelled for me, and I lost it in front of a full house.  Everything from the past few days hit me hard.

I will never forget that moment and the opportunity to play such a great and famous role.  There isn't a day that goes by where I don't miss it.

Break Legs,
Sydney

News Profile on Kate Shindle

Kate Shindle is the newly elected AEA president.
Photo Credit: Playbill

A few weeks ago, I saw an article about the youngest, newly elected President of the Actor's Equity Association.  While I didn't know there was a new president elected, I recognized the name immediately.  It was Kate Shindle, Miss America 1998 turned Broadway star.  You can find the article here.

I really liked this profile because it was about theatre and about someone who I really like.  The first quote, about how Shindle doesn't have health insurance. was very eye-opening and shows people the other, non-glamorous side of being a performer.  This profile paints a strong, courageous image of Kate Shindle, not something one would expect from an article about a former beauty pageant queen.

The profile highlighted Shindle's past successes on Broadway as well as her historical win in the AEA election to become the youngest president ever.  She even beat out the incumbent president!

This profile also went into the history of the Actor's Equity Association, which helps a less-informed reader understand the organization being written about.

The article did a nice job of alternating between information about Shindle and her own quotes, taken in an interview.  This makes the article more credible and also makes the reader feel more connected to Kate Shindle, instead of just reading someone else's words about her life.  

Break Legs,
Sydney

Accidents Happen, Right?

This was the infamous seduction scene where I accidentally
broke character one performance.  Yes, that is me in the
blonde wig and red dress!
Photo Credit: Melissa Purdy

Recently I read an article from Playbill that featured sixty prominent New York stage actors sharing stories of their worst onstage mishap.  Some made me laugh, like how Cherry Jones went onstage with a banana peel stuck to her skirt or Cheyenne Jackson splitting his pants.  Others seemed normal, like forgetting a line or missing a cue.  A few other instances that the actors talked about have happened to me.  Isabel Keating's necklace broke and spilled beads one by one onstage in the middle of a scene.  When I was a junior in high school, I was in a fight scene in a short play and someone hit my wrist snapping my beaded bracelet, sending many little pink marbles everywhere.  To this day I don't think that I have found all of them!

This article first reminded me that even actors are just like us and secondly of some of my mishaps, onstage and off.

1) I was playing Esther Fortune in A Piano in the House which is the stage version of The Twilight Zone episode.  I had a quick change from a normal housewife's dress to a party dress and had about a minute to completely get dressed.  Well before we performed I accidentally ripped a hole in the back of my first dress and had to find a quick fix before I went onstage.  My friend found a safety pin and secured the dress.  What I didn't know was that she had also pinned my slip underneath which stayed on during the quick change.  So as I was changing, I realized that I was stuck and couldn't get my first dress off.  I panicked because I knew I was running out of time and ripped the dress off of the safety pin, put the new dress on, and performed with an open safety pin on my body.  I had to  apologize to my director profusely for ripping a vintage dress even more than before.  Oops.

2) When I played Meg Giry in a play version of Phantom of the Opera I had to learn ballet and more specifically how to do a pirouette by myself.  I do not really have a background in dance, so learning to do this onstage with no help scared me.  Luckily, I learned and was prepared to do it in front of an audience.  The only problem was that the stage at my high school was very slick, so pretty much every night I would almost fall flat on my face.  I had to recover by doing something that looked graceful with my leg and land back in my original position, hoping that the audience didn't notice.

3) I was playing Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes my senior year of high school.  During our matinee performance in the middle of a scene where I am trying to seduce an English Lord, we were supposed to be interrupted by the character, Moonface Martin when he busts through the door and yells "Ah ha!"  Well, when Moonface burst through and slammed the door, his coat got caught, trapping him.  I looked at him with horror in my face, but Nathan (who was playing Moonface) smoothly opened the door, got his coat, slammed the door again, and repeated "Ah ha!"  The audience loved it and I lost it onstage.  The way he handled it was so funny that I broke character.  Luckily I was able to get through the rest of the scene!

Break Legs,
Sydney

My All Time Favorite Show

Norbert Leo Butz and Sherie Rene
Scott starred as the original Jamie
and Cathy.
Photo Credit: TheaterMania

When I was a sophomore in high school, I began a romance with a show that I discovered online by accident. This show was called The Last Five Years and it instantly stole and broke my heart.

 L5Y was written by Tony-winning composer, Jason Robert Brown and first premiered Off-Broadway in 2000 and was revived in 2013.  I was lucky enough to have gotten the chance to see Adam Kantor and Betsy Wolfe in the second Off-Broadway revival. Then, it was made into a movie starring Jeremy Jordan and Anna Kendrick, and was released Valentines Day in 2015.

The Last Five Years tells the story of Jamie and Cathy, two New Yorkers who fell madly in love with each other in their early twenties. But, their relationship is doomed and only lasts five years.  Now, Jason Robert Brown did something to make this musical exceed all expectations. He wrote the story so that Cathy begins at the end of their relationship, as she is moving out of their shared house after their divorce and works backward to tell the story, while Jamie starts the show after the two's first date and goes forward to tell the rise and demise of the relationship.  The two only perform and interact with each other once, when they reach the middle of their stories at their wedding.

I could probably write a book about why I love this show so much, so I'll try to keep it short.

1) I found this show at a time when I was experiencing heartbreak. The first song I listed to was "Still Hurting," and I felt I could relate to everything Cathy was singing about.

2) This show made me feel something I never had before.  I felt like I knew Jamie and Cathy and felt their joy and sorrow throughout the entire show.

3) The music contains some of the best lyrics I have ever heard. The way Jason Robert Brown wrote the songs gives them such character and meaning. This could also be because the musical is loosely based on his own divorce.

4) It's real. This show does not have any impossible situations or magic thrown in. It's raw and gritty and romantic all at the same time. Any situation in the show, from falling in love, getting married, getting cheat on, and ending a relationship, can happen to any of us.

When I saw this show live, I cried from beginning to end because of how beautiful the piece was.  This show will forever remain my favorite and nothing can replace it.

Break Legs,
Sydney