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