my broadway bucket list

Solely based on the title of this post, you can take a guess as to what I'm writing about today--musical theatre! I started performing when I was about 3 years old, and I've loved the stage ever since! Of course, I love most/if not all of the roles I've ever gotten the chance to portray. However, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have a select few that I'd kill to play! Without further ado, here is my 'broadway bucket list'!

1. Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors.

Francis McNamee as Audrey

Little Shop of Horrors tells the story of Seymour Krelborn, a geeky flower shop employee who finds himself pining for his co-worker, Audrey, a gum-snapping, bleach blonde girl who happens to be in an abusive relationship. When Seymour finds what he describes as a "strange and interesting" plant that feeds off of human flesh, he discovers that somehow, he's reached the lifestyle he's always dreamed of. When things go awfully wrong---and well, a bit morbid--Seymour must choose between the world full of success or the world full of failure.

I was lucky. During my freshman year of high school, my school's drama department chose their spring musical as Little Shop of Horrors. I was a meek, small freshman, so I knew my place in the club. I knew that I could audition for Audrey, but chances are, it would go to one of the seniors at that time. However, I chose to audition for her anyway. I thought to myself, "What's the worst thing that could happen?". Low and behold, I booked the part. To this day, it was one of the best shows that I have ever been apart of--and not juts because I had a lead role. Audrey was a complex character. She was a klutz, often times ditzy, but she had a lot of potential inside of her. I mentioned previously that throughout the show, she is in an abusive relationship. Because of that, Audrey was intriguing, she made the audience want to figure out why she was putting up with what she had been. I am so incredibly lucky & blessed that as a freshman in high school, I accomplished one of my dream roles--a role that I love & adore to this day.

2. Sandra Dee in Grease.

Julianne Hough as Sandy

Grease follows Danny Zuko, a soon to be senior in high school who finds himself in a summer romance with exchange student, Sandy. When Sandy miraculously transfers to Rydell High, she finds herself coming in contact with a different side of Danny than she knows. Through friendship, heartbreak, and changes of the heart, Danny & Sandy must work through the trials of their relationship.

Growing up, my dad and I would always watch Grease. I have vivid memories of us sitting down and watching it, singing Summer Nights together, and so on and so forth. There was always something special about Sandy, She is a kind hearted soul, she tried so hard to be a good person. While she did drastically change her entire wardrobe and lifestyle for a guy, I believe that the very sub-plot of it makes her character even more interesting.

3. Fantine in Les Miserables.

Sierra Boggess as Fantine

Les Miserables (lay-miz-er-ab-leh)--Les Mis for short, tells the tale of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who found himself in prison for stealing a loaf of bread. After being treated like an outcast after being released, he chooses the road to success, creating a new life for himself. In a time of war and desperation, Valjean becomes a beacon of safety for the people of Paris.

If I had to choose my absolute, #1 favorite musical---which is like asking a mother to choose her favorite child, my answer would be Les Mis. The score is intense, complex, and the musical themes that consistently occur throughout the entire show are simply genius. The characters alone have wonderful development, and while---spoiler alert--- many of them don't make it through the show, they have beautiful stories. Fantine, a factory worker who gets fired, must make ends meat for her daughter, Cosette. Fantine is a true warrior! She never fails to support Cosette, no matter the cost, and I admire that quality. She is strong, yet understands that true strength comes through weakness.

4. The Witch in Into the Woods.

Susan Hilferty as The Witch

Into the Woods tells the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack & the Beanstalk, along with an original tale of a Witch and a Baker. The characters we all know and love must fight their very own battles in a twisted version of their tale, while discovering just how they intertwine with each other.

Into the Woods is twisted. Really twisted. However, it never fails to intrigue an audience. Sadly, the Witch is just one of those roles I'll never play. I dream of playing it, but considering the Witch is manipulative and sly, I'm not likely to be cast as that part. However, it's fun to dream! The Witch goes through a remarkable transformation of self discovery and realizing that one isn't defined by a label. Honestly, I'd be happy to be in the show at all, no matter what role I portray!

5. Ariel in The Little Mermaid.

Alison Woods as Ariel

Based on the beloved Disney film from 1989, The Little Mermaid follows Ariel, a 16 year old mermaid who falls in love with Eric, a human being. Despite her father's wishes, Ariel turns to Ursula, a sea witch, in order to become a human herself.

Ariel is by far my favorite Disney princess. Not to mention that I cannot be the only girl who's ever dreamed of being a Disney princess. Ariel is independent, smart, loving, caring, and so much more. The score to the musical is beautifully done, and its a soundtrack I dream of singing along with! Ariel is truly a character filled with wonder and enchantment, she sees the good in everyone and everything and I dream of portraying that quality in a character.

That's all folks. Those 5 strong female roles are the ones I dream of portraying one day. Maybe I will, who really knows? Whether I play them or not, a girl can dream. Thanks for listening to my dreams and aspirations.

much love,

cal