Among the principal cast is Elijah Ahmad Lewis, who stars as the Scarecrow; a role that carries deep personal significance. The Wiz was the first musical Lewis ever performed in, playing the Scarecrow in a school production, an experience he credits with sparking his love for musical theatre. Decades later, he returns to the character with the perspective of a seasoned performer whose career spans Broadway, national tours, television, and music.

This anniversary production, which runs through Jan. 25, infuses the classic story with contemporary movement and sound, blending ballet, jazz, and modern pop while honoring the show’s roots in Black culture and musical tradition.

Under the direction of Schele Williams and with choreography by JaQuel Knight, the production offers a reimagined Oz that feels both celebratory and urgent, while preserving the heart of the original.

Ahead of the Costa Mesa engagement, Lewis spoke with Backstage about revisiting the role that shaped his early artistic path, the physical and emotional demands of portraying the Scarecrow, and what audiences in Southern California can expect from this landmark revival.

What excited you most about taking on the role of Scarecrow in The Wiz?

What really excited me about playing the Scarecrow is that it feels like a full-circle moment for me. The Wiz was the first show I ever did at school, and I actually played the Scarecrow back then, too. That role and that production are what made me fall in love with musical theatre, so coming back to it now feels very special.

How do you personally approach this character? 

The Scarecrow was a character I really had to discover. Because these characters are fictional, you have to bring something of yourself to the role. He’s often portrayed as foolish or aloof, but I wanted to give him more dignity — highlighting that his first thoughts and gut instincts were actually right all along. And in this production, let’s not forget, he’s a scientist. In bringing this reimagined teenage version of the Scarecrow to life, I focused on grounding him in real, human cues that ultimately reveal he had his brain the entire time, while also paying homage to and incorporating small details inspired by those who came before me.

How physically demanding is playing the Scarecrow, and what has rehearsals been like?

The role of the Scarecrow is extremely physically demanding. We had five weeks to prepare for the tour, working on a six-day schedule from 10 a.m. to around 6 or 6:30 p.m., with one hour for lunch and one day off each week. After that, we entered a two-week technical process, during which all the elements — costumes, makeup, wigs, microphones, lighting, props, and the set — came together. This role requires full-body engagement, and performing it takes a great deal of effort, as well as consistent maintenance and conditioning to sustain eight shows a week.

You’ve worked with some of the biggest names in music: SZA, Usher, Ariana Grande, Madonna. How does that musical background influence the way you perform onstage in a show like The Wiz?

All forms of entertainment are a collaboration and share many of the same demands and technical skills. Working and performing alongside other artists — whether on stage or in different mediums — is very similar to theatre in that you’re always telling a story and transferring emotion to an audience. The discipline of musical theatre, in particular, translates seamlessly across all areas of entertainment, from consistency and storytelling to collaboration and technical precision.

What’s one moment in the Wiz rehearsal room that made you think, “Yeah… this is something special”?

Understanding that this production marks the 50th anniversary of The Wiz— a show that is deeply rooted in and belongs to Black culture — felt monumental to me. It’s a piece of history that I truly wanted to be a part of. The show is grand and deeply important to our community, having shaped so much of our cultural history and entertainment legacy. Generations have connected to it through shared stories and lived experiences. In the rehearsal room, hearing the harmonies we created and discovering new layers together confirmed that we were on the right path in honoring this celebration, and it made me even more excited to share it across North America once again.

What are you most excited about bringing this show to Southern California/Orange County audiences? 

What excites me most is sharing the pure joy this show brings. There’s an undeniable happiness that radiates off the stage. Theatre allows audiences to escape for two and a half hours and be fully immersed in an experience that makes you feel. This production, in particular, lifts you and sends you back into the world energized — telling the story through our lens while spreading a powerful message about being enough, and about finding peace and confidence in who you are and what you bring to the table. 

What has been your favorite moment of the tour so far? 

My favorite part of touring this show is going to the stage door, and seeing how inspired the kids are — hearing them excitedly talk about what they saw, what they heard, and how it made them feel. I also love seeing multiple generations of families come together, sharing their own memories of The Wiz while experiencing this new version together. Those moments really show the impact and longevity of the show, and how it transforms lives.

You’re also releasing new music with your album “Energy and Love.” How does your music intersect with your theatrical performances?

Sustaining an eight-show week is definitely not for the weary, lol. Building that kind of stamina and endurance on stage night after night really strengthens your “engine,” and it translates directly to being able to give more as a recording artist.

If someone is coming to The Wiz expecting the classic Wizard of Oz story, what do you hope surprises them the most about this production?

I always like to say: come with an open heart. This 50th Anniversary production is a reimagined celebration of the classic we love. The wonderful thing about The Wiz is that every iteration over the past 50 years has spoken to its own decade, yet the heart of the story has always remained the same. I encourage audiences to come with an open heart and embrace this new version of something we’ve all loved for so many years.

You’ve had an impressive journey across Broadway, national tours, television, and music. Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self just starting out?

I would tell my younger self: you are enough. Stay the course, remember that your gifts and talents were given to you to exercise to their fullest, and never dim them for someone else’s comfort.

Elijah Ahmad Lewis, who stars as the Scarecrow

THE WIZ

Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Run Dates: January 13–25, 2026

More info: scfta.org

The post Elijah Ahmad Lewis Brings ‘The Wiz’ to Costa Mesa in a Full-Circle Moment appeared first on Backstage Socal.

What if Juliet never picked up the dagger? 

That’s the playful premise behind & Juliet, the hit Broadway musical making its Segerstrom Center for the Arts debut in Costa Mesa Sept. 9–21, 2025. 

From the Emmy-winning writer of Schitt’s Creek and featuring the chart-topping hits of Grammy-winning songwriter Max Martin, this high-energy comedy reimagines Shakespeare’s heroine ditching her tragic ending for a bold new beginning.

With a soundtrack packed with pop favorites like “Baby One More Time,” “Roar,” “Since U Been Gone,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!,” & Juliet is a fun jukebox musical mixed with historical and hysterical pop culture references. 

Directed by Luke Sheppard and choreographed by Emmy Award-winner Jennifer Weber, the musical continues to break box office records from London’s West End to Broadway and beyond.

Taking on the role of Anne Hathaway—yes, Shakespeare’s real-life wife—is Broadway star Teal Wicks. Known for her powerhouse performances as Elphaba in Wicked, Mary Barrie in Finding Neverland, and Lady in The Cher Show, Wicks now brings wit, warmth, and a modern twist to Shakespeare’s partner-in-crime. 

A UC Irvine alum, she’s especially thrilled to return to Orange County for this run.

Backstage SoCal caught up with Teal to chat about coming full circle at UCI, why Anne Hathaway’s voice feels so fresh, and the moments in & Juliet that spark the biggest energy shifts in the audience.

Q: As a UCI graduate, what does it mean to you to bring this musical to Orange County?

Teal Wicks:
It’s so exciting, really fun, and it feels very full circle. I loved my time at UCI and in Orange County. As a drama major, that’s where I was truly discovering my voice as an artist. It laid the foundation for so much of my career. The training I received there is something I’ve been building on for the past 20 years as a professional actor, which is wild to say!

UC Irvine also has this incredible program called the New York Satellite Program, which I did twice. We spent four to six weeks in New York taking classes, auditioning, and seeing as many shows as possible. I always loved the idea of New York, but living there during that program made me really fall in love with the city. It showed me I could handle it, and it gave me the confidence that I could actually pursue this dream. So UCI was very much the launchpad for the career I’ve been fortunate to have.

And now, bringing & Juliet to Orange County feels extra full circle because, when I was in college, we did a production of Romeo and Juliet with music. I was part of a girl group trio that sang in the background for a lot of the big scenes. So here I am again, back in Orange County, doing another musical inspired by Romeo and Juliet. It’s such a funny, special connection, and really, really fun.

Q: Anne Hathaway gets to be Shakespeare’s witty, opinionated partner-in-crime. What do you love most about how she’s written in this story?

Teal Wicks:
What I love most is that Anne is written as a mature woman. She’s a wife and a mother, yet she still gets to have such a strong voice and so much fun. David West Read, our writer, really gave a lot of freedom to these characters. He created space for us as actors to interpret, to play, and to bring as much of ourselves into them as possible. That’s such a gift.

I also love how playful Anne is. So often when characters in their middle age are written, they can come across as stuffy or overly serious. But that’s not real life. I know 90-year-olds who are silly, playful, and still have that youthful spirit alive in them. That’s exactly what Anne embodies: a woman who embraces her joy and humor, even as she carries the wisdom of her life experience.

And then there’s her dynamic with Will. It’s not perfect; they’re in a stage of life where they’re both in very different places emotionally and physically. In the play, they’re on a journey to rediscover each other. Not by trying to go back to who they were when they were young, and not by trying to reinvent themselves into something they’re not, but by meeting each other where they are now. They embrace who they are in this moment, and in doing so, they find a way to keep their relationship alive.

Q: What’s your favorite moment on stage in this musical where you feel the audience’s energy shift the most?

Teal Wicks:
There are a few, but I’ll give you two.

The first is in Act One, when we introduce the character of May. Up until that point, the audience is following along with characters they already know from Shakespeare’s canon; it feels like we’re still inside Romeo and Juliet. But then Anne Hathaway decides we need someone new in this play, and May enters. May is non-binary, and the show simply celebrates May as they are. There’s no big explanation needed, and it’s a beautiful moment.

You can feel the audience shift when May arrives. Even if someone doesn’t fully understand them at first, by the end of the show they do, and they love May. For non-binary audience members, it can be especially powerful. We’ve had people at the stage door share that May was pivotal for them, sometimes the very first time they felt truly represented onstage. That makes the moment incredibly special.

The second is in Act Two, when I sing That’s the Way It Is with Juliet. Up until then, Anne has been more of a storyteller, pushing the plot forward and guiding the audience. But in this song, she lets her walls down and opens up about marriage and relationships. It’s her most vulnerable moment, and it shifts the tone of the show.

Yes, & Juliet is a comedy, but here we dive into something very real: mature love, the challenges of it, the realities of what it means to stay together. It’s not just about young, star-crossed lovers anymore; it’s about love in all its complexity. You can feel the audience lean in during that moment, and it’s so fulfilling to share that with them.

Q: What do you hope your audience will bring home with them after seeing & Juliet?

Teal Wicks:
I hope they leave with love and passion for theater itself, because & Juliet is also a love letter to theater and the power of shared stories. Theater is such a special, ancient space where stage and audience come together, and I hope people walk away reminded of that magic.

I also hope they leave with full hearts; feeling empowered to forge their own story. It’s never too late to take control of your own narrative, to decide who you are, and to shape the life you want to live. If audiences carry that with them, along with joy from the music and the comedy, then we’ve done something really meaningful.

_______________________

& Juliet 

Dates: September 9 – 21, 2025
Location: Segerstrom Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Tickets: Starting at $44.07

Online: scfta.org

The post From UCI to Broadway: Actress Returns to OC with Broadway’s Hottest Musical ‘& Juliet’ appeared first on Backstage Socal.

The winner takes it all — and this week, that winner is Orange County.

The feel-good musical phenomenon Mamma Mia! returns to Southern California as part of its 25th Anniversary North American Tour, landing at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa May 13–18. 

The sun-soaked musical set in a Greek island paradise, features anthems by the Swedish pop group ABBA. 

For Christine Sherrill, who stars as the show’s beloved matriarch Donna Sheridan, the role is both a diva dream and an endurance challenge.

“Donna is 100% diva because she is modern and real. She’s a 10 on the diva scale,” Sherrill shares. “The ‘Donnathon’ is what we call the 20 minutes of the second act in which I perform three songs and three scenes without leaving the stage. It requires more endurance than Kate and about the same amount of energy and endurance as Norma. Best of all, Donna is fiercely independent and determined.”

Since the musical’s debut in London in 1999 and its Broadway premiere in 2001, Mamma Mia! has become a global hit, with more than 70 million people worldwide experiencing the show live, and over $7 billion grossed across 50 productions in 16 languages. 

The story — told through ABBA’s timeless catalog — has inspired two smash-hit movies and continues to bring generations of fans together for a night of love, laughs, and platform shoes.

“My favorite part is connecting with the audience,” Sherrill says. “There are different parts of Donna that appeal to different audience members. I honor her humor, regret and fortitude and hope I’m in turn honoring someone special in the audience.”

Behind the scenes, the cast has built a tight-knit, celebratory family — something that became especially clear to Sherrill during the tour’s Mother’s Day performance.

“I received so much love from the cast. Flowers, gifts, my favorite coffee and favorite whiskey, of course,” she says. “I felt like a queen receiving so many heartfelt words and cards. I am so supported on and offstage by this incredibly talented company. It wouldn’t be possible to do this job without their love.”

While Sherrill is no stranger to grittier screen roles — including FBI: Most Wanted and Red Dead Redemption — she says musical theater is where her heart lives.

“I’ll say the stage has always been easier for me,” she explains. “The energy the audience gives fuels my performance and sometimes can inform new choices. Audiences make me a better actor.”

And what should Southern California audiences expect when the lights come up on Skopelos Island?

“They can expect to escape the real world for the beauty and joy on the island,” she says. “Best of all, they can expect to be surrounded by their neighbors up on their feet singing and dancing by the end.”

According to Sherrill, there’s no mystery to what makes Mamma Mia! such a feel-good, multi-generational favorite — just a little ABBA magic and a lot of heart.

“First and foremost, the score. It’s been so rewarding on this particular tour to see three generations of women enjoying the show together,” she says. “The secret ABBA ingredient is magic to me. We have patrons who grew up with it, those who listened to it with their parents, and a new generation that discovered it through social media sound bites.

“Secondly, the story of finding strength in friendship. So many folks at the stage door comment on how touching the relationship between The Dynamos is to them and how it reminds them of the goodness friends bring.”

And if Christine Sherrill ever headlined her own jukebox musical?

“It would be called Next to Norma and would be a score by Brandi Carlile,” she says.

Until then, one can find her center stage — belting her heart out and leading one of the most feel-good parties on any stage.

‘MAMMA MIA!‘

Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall

600 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626

May 13 – 18, 2025

Tickets start at $55.37

scfta.org

The post ‘Mamma Mia!’ Returns to Costa Mesa with Dancing Queens and ABBA Magic appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Most recognized for originating the role of George Washington in the musical phenomenon “Hamilton,” Jackson will bring live theater and music into the homes of many this weekend for the virtual concert “Christopher Jackson: Live From the West Side.” Proceeds from this event will benefit Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, as well as several performing arts centers and institutions throughout the country.

The one-night-only concert will feature Jackson and his live band performing Broadway show tunes, pop hits, original songs — including a tribute to his idol Harry Belafonte — as well as sharing stories about his adventures in hit musicals “Hamilton,” “In the Heights,” “Freestyle Love Supreme” and his role in the CBS television show “Bull.”

The Tony nominated and Grammy and Emmy Award-winning actor, singer and songwriter says he was “itching to get on stage” and is excited to help performing arts centers and their employees during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. 

“The idea that we could actually safely pull this off was obviously very appealing to me. I think we’re all trying to find a lane by which we can get back on stage and share what we do with the public,” said Jackson, “The idea that we were going to be doing it in a way that allows people to stay at home and be safe, but still get a taste of a live experience means so much.” 

The livestream, a co-production of Dallas Summer Musicals and Entertainment Benefits Group, is being shared by a number of non-for-profit arts presenters around the country. The event will take place at New York’s New World Stages, the off-Broadway venue that has housed productions of “Jersey Boys,” “Avenue Q” and many others. 

Ticket holders will also have the opportunity to text questions to Jackson for a real time question-and-answer session. When asked what he wants his home audiences to feel when the concert is over, Jackson said there is a lot, but mainly that people have a great time.

“I want them to say we had a great time. Or that they feel a lot less heavy than they felt when they first sat down. That they want to have another glass of wine and listen to some Stevie Wonder or some ‘In the Heights’ or ‘Hamilton.’ That they are inspired to call someone up and tell them they love them. That they are inspired to tuck their kids in a little bit longer and spend more time with them. That whatever it is in their life that they are loving on or could love on more, that they are inspired to do that.”

The virtual event requires only one ticket per household, and the event is suitable for all ages.

“I think ultimately my hope is that everybody is reminded that it isn’t about some perfect scenario with theater or music or art or anything else, but that art is happening in real time and it only happens when someone is there to receive it, and someone can feel something. There’s always going to be better singers, there’s always going to be slicker productions. There’s always going to be a million other tricks that could be employed, but when you break it all down and simplify it, an artist shares something because they have to. It becomes something as essential as air,” said Jackson.

“And the center of that sharing is love and generosity, and that’s what we’re trying to promote. So, my hope is that everyone has a great time, crack a bottle of wine, have some dinner, and enjoy yourself. We’re going to enjoy ourselves. We just have to.”

Christopher Jackson: Live From The West Side
Presented by Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Tickets for are $40 per household and are available online at the SCFTA.org or by calling (714) 556-2787, Monday – Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

The post ‘Hamilton’ star Chris Jackson brings live show experience to homes for virtual benefit concert appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Based on the 1997 film with the same name, “Anastasia” features catchy and memorable dance numbers to the movie’s original score, gorgeous stage settings and costumes, and the gripping story of the Grand Duchess of Russia and her search to find where she belongs. 

Excited to return to her hometown, Sareen chatted with us about her favorite OC stomping grounds and the magic of the classic story told on stage. 

What does it mean to you to be performing in the touring production of “Anastasia”?

I used to do musical theatre as a kid before I went the full ballet route and being part of a show that involves both musical theatre and ballet has been so fulfilling, not to mention a perfect transition into the theatre world. I’ve expanded as an artist and I feel like I’ve rediscovered myself through Anastasia which happens to be a story about self rediscovery too!  

Where did you go to school in OC? 

I went to Pegasus from preschool to 8th grade and Edison High school for a year before switching to online schooling.  

Growing up, what were your favorite Orange County spots? 

One of my childhood favorite things was taking the ferry to Balboa Island for trampoline bungee jumping at Balboa Fun Zone…I wonder if that is still there.  When I wasn’t at Southland Ballet Academy I loved going to the beach in Huntington and then either Ruby’s on the pier or TK Burger on Main Street. And you can’t beat Fashion Island or South Coast Plaza for shopping!  

What challenges have you faced going from professional ballet to musical theater? 

The audition process is so different and while I felt confident in dance calls, I had to fake my confidence in singing by myself–but with time that has improved! All in all the transition has been a joy. The theatre world has been so accepting and supportive in my experience so far and I feel so lucky to be part of such an amazing show straight from the ballet world. 

What elements of “Anastasia” make this production unique in the musical world? 

“Anastasia” is unique because even though it is a fictional princess story, it is based on real historical events and people. Also instead of searching for a prince, Anya is searching for herself within. The effects of our video screens are incredibly realistic and give an awesome edge to the production too.   

What does it mean to you to be performing in your hometown (Segerstrom Center for the Arts)?

It’s totally surreal to be performing at the Segerstrom. I went to almost every touring musical that played there growing up and to now be performing in one is a total full circle dream.  

What part of this production is especially special to you? 

The cast and crew are especially special to me. There is definitely a family vibe in the company and I’ve developed friendships that I know will last forever.  

Why do you feel people should see “Anastasia”? 

People should see Anastasia because they will be thoroughly entertained. You’ll be charmed, touched and tickled, not to mention the music is beautiful and it is very aesthetically pleasing to watch.

‘Anastasia’

Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Segerstrom Hall

600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, CA

November 5 – 17, 2019

Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m.

More info: scfta.org

The post Faces of OC: Sareen Tchekmedyian chats about starring in Broadway musical ‘Anastasia’ appeared first on Backstage Socal.

Broadway and television actor, singer and songwriter Terron Brooks will return to his Orange County School of the Arts roots on Sept. 7 to perform at the school’s Season Premiere 2019.

The special performance will be presented at the Balboa Bay Resort and feature 25 musicians from OCSA’s Popular Music Conservatory, a collegial-model program that prepares students for a career in commercial or contemporary music. The night will feature a beachfront dinner and concert.

Brooks is best remembered for his critically acclaimed portrayal of Eddie Kendricks in the Emmy Award-winning NBC mini-series “The Temptations.” His Broadway performances include the roles of Simba in “The Lion King” and Seaweed in “Hairspray.” He has shared the stage with artists such as Stevie Wonder, David Foster and Smokey Robinson, and his voice can be heard in numerous television and film soundtracks.

Currently residing in Los Angeles with his wife and two children, Brooks talks fondly about growing up in Orange County. Terron chatted with Backstage SoCal about his OCSA days, old stomping grounds in OC, and advice for those pursuing the entertainment industry.

You wear a lot of “hats” — Broadway and television star, songwriter, motivational speaker — can you tell us why each is special to you? 

Brooks: Yes, I have worn many hats. Broadway, television. I’m a singer, songwriter, motivational speaker. I’m an author. Very, very glad to be able to do a lot of different things in the entertainment business. None of them is particularly more special than the other, but the main thing is that I’m able to be an inspiration and I try to put inspiration into anything that I’m going to create, any art medium that I’m going to be a part of. I make sure that it is something that will be inspirational and uplifting for people. That’s how I make my choices of even participating in anything that’s coming across my table. Probably the most personal is songwriting, because that is something that is my own experience as opposed to acting, which is someone else’s words per se. But when I song write, these are my experiences, my words put to paper, and puts a melody that people can be inspired by. And it’s more of an authentic version of me, a creative version of me. And it’s probably my favorite medium out of all of the things that I do, along with the motivational speaking and life coaching, because it’s all about helping people.

Growing up in OC, what were your favorite “hot spots” or things to do in the area? 

Brooks: I went to Los Alamitos High school, which OCSA resided in. When I went to OCSA, it was not a separate school, so it was fun to be a part of the OCSA program, as much fun as it was being a part of the things that went on at Los Alamitos High School. I had many different friends that did different things. I enjoyed that personally. I know it’s different now, but we always went to Volcano Burger right across the street. That’s a famous iconic place. We always went to claim jumper on Los Alamitos Boulevard. It’s actually not there (anymore). Anytime we could go to a Denny’s, we went to a Denny’s. Second Street in Long Beach was a great place to hang out. Bolsa Chica beach, we would go there. So those were a few places that I remember loving when I was younger in Orange County. Now I live in Los Angeles, but I go down to the OC a lot because my parents still live down there.

How did attending the Orange County School of Arts (OCSA) play a role in your career? 

Brooks: OCSA played a huge role in my career… I came to OCSA in my sophomore year. And it just afforded me a sneak peek into what I’m doing now because I was just singing. I just wanted to win a Grammy and sing and get a record deal. That’s all I cared about. And then OCSA afforded me the opportunity to learn the craft of acting and dancing and musical theater and storytelling, which even today really helps me communicate as a singer. It’s important not just to rely on your talent and your voice, but also the skill of communicating what you want people to feel from what you’re doing. And OCSA really brought that out. I was really, really shy. So OCSA helped me with coming out of my shell and interacting with other mediums that I would have never thought. I never thought I would be on Broadway dancing. But OCSA does make those dreams a reality. The dreams that we dream and some of the dreams that I had never even thought of. And that was a great place to explore.

What inspired you to get into musical theater? 

Brooks: I would say that OCSA was definitely an inspiration for me to get into musical theater because I wasn’t really thinking about the theater aspect. I also would say seeing ‘Once On This Island’ and seeing a play called ‘Sarafina!’ really, really inspired me as an African American actor, singer as a child. I needed to see people on stage that looked like me. When I saw ‘Once On This Island,’ I saw myself and I said, ‘I could do this.’ There was something for me; before that I really hadn’t known if there was a possibility for someone that looks like me to be on stage and what that would look like. So those were pivotal musicals for me. And thank god that in OCSA, I had the opportunity to play many characters that were not necessarily black. And even today I have a great representation that always looks for that diversity where the character may or may not be African American and may still fit my personality and my skill… and casting now is very, very diverse and looks beyond that now, which is really, really exciting.

Musical theater just became a hybrid of communicating the song in a theatrical way, in a bigger way. Which is why I love live theater, live performing. As much as I love TV and film, there’s nothing like that live energy of a crowd; feeding what you’re giving them and feeling it. Being able to feel that and making that really authentic and in the moment. Because TV and film is a little bit more technical than live theaters.

What does it mean to you to return to your alum OCSA to perform? 

Brooks: OCSA had a great, great impact on me in becoming a musical theater performer today. So it means a lot to go back to OCSA to inspire the generation that’s there and to be a face for minorities that go to OCSA now too, so they could see someone that maybe looks like them to encourage them. Sometimes young people really want to see people who are really doing it and hear their experiences. Because there is the school aspect of what they can expect. But when someone’s actually gone through the rejection and is enduring the business — it’s really great that I can answer questions or just shine a more real light on what happens and what to expect and also what success really looks like, and trying to define that for yourself cause it looks different for so many different people; and how to put that on yourself and really find the joy in what you’re doing. So being able to perform with the students is a great way to rub shoulders and show them the possibilities and to kind of remind me where I came from as well. 

What will the audience experience at the OCSA show?

Brooks: The audience for this show is going to expect a Motown joyful celebration of that music from the 60s. The music that is nostalgic for everybody. And I know that firsthand by being in ‘The Temptations’ movie; Motown’s pretty much my legacy. 

What has been the most iconic moment in your career? How did this moment impact your career? 

Brooks: Being able to be a part of that mini series, which is probably the most iconic thing that I’ve ever done because it’s the most I’m most recognized for (playing Eddie Kendricks in the Emmy Award-winning series). And I’m, I’m very proud of it. All over the world, people have seen this film and I’ve been accepted by those singers from Motown. Being able to work with a lot of those singers and even the family of Eddie Kendricks and being able to be accepted by them has been incredible. So that’s probably the most iconic thing. And I would say the reason is because I was young when I got that part and I had no resume. And every time I think I can’t do something or it’s too hard or I want to give up, I’m always reminded of that extraordinary opportunity that kind of just fell on my lap. So anything is possible and ‘The Temptations’ represents that for me, even today. 

What advice would you give to those pursuing arts and entertainment?

Brooks: The advice that I would give to young people is to just investigate what makes you happy and what makes you whole and try to be a whole person, before you are an incredible performer. So my advice would be that if this is something that you want to do, make it what you do and not who you are. And also don’t let anybody define what success looks like for you. Be open to change and grow. And really be careful of the people that are around you; (make sure) that they are positive influences on you. And as you move up and try to decipher what you’re going to do in your career, that you have people that are invested in you and that love you and support you for you; not necessarily for what you’re going to be or what you’re going to become. And just to see the realistic; make sure that it’s realistic for you. Do you have not just the talent but the faith and the endurance, the perseverance, and the strength to get knocked down and then get back up again? 

What do you want people to know about you and your career?  

Brooks: I want people to know about my career is all my talents are God-given and I am just a servant to try to use the gifts that I’ve been given to support and uplift people. I’m very passionate about my music and what I’m doing and people can listen to my music. I’m on iTunes and they can listen to music there. They can buy my books ‘Something Good On the Table’ on Amazon.com for inspiration there. And they can follow me on Instagram or Facebook if they want to just follow me, because I do answer questions and interact with my fans on social media. I just want people to know that I’m authentic. Kind of what you see is what you get. And that’s really important to me.

Orange County School of the Arts’ Season Premiere 2019 feat. alumnus Terron Brooks

Where: Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach

When: Saturday, September 7. 5:30 p.m. Cocktail Reception; 6:15 p.m. Dinner and Performance

How much: Table sponsorships with premium seating for 10 guests are available for $3,000. To sponsor or syndicate a table, please contact Elizabeth McKibbin at Elizabeth.McKibbin@ocsarts.net or (714) 560-0900 ext. 5531. Individual tickets go on sale August 1, and can be purchased for $250 each at www.ocsarts.net/SeasonPremiere.

The post Broadway and TV star Terron Brooks will kick off OCSA’s new season appeared first on Backstage Socal.

In one of the most iconic roles on Broadway, actress Emma Grimsley will step into the shoes of “Christine Daae,” the female protagonist of Gaston Leroux’s 1910 novel and theatrical phenomenon “The Phantom of the Opera.”

Grimsley has performed as ‘Princess’ and as an understudy for Christine on tour, but was recently announced as the North American tour’s new lead — taking on the role in several performances during the tour’s stop at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa (July 10-21) before taking over officially for the Honolulu stop in August.

The tour will return to Orange County for a two-week stop. Before she graces the Segerstrom Hall stage, Grimsley chatted with Backstage SoCal:

How long have you been involved in theater, and what inspired you to get into this industry?

Grimsley: My parents are both opera singers, so I grew up traveling with them and watching them work. Sometimes I was lucky enough to get to be in shows with them–the first one at three years old. So I’ve been on stage most of my life. Getting to watch shows take shape as a kid and falling in love with the theater from such a young age made it pretty impossible to avoid as I got older. 

What does it mean to you to perform this iconic theater show?

Grimsley: We’re in a cultural moment right now that is so dominated by screens and text and binge-watching content which can all be really isolating activities–it really is a thrill to bring a whole theater full of strangers on this story’s journey together. To spend the evening forgetting our devices and experiencing something with each other in real time. And the fact that Phantom is such an iconic show just adds to that thrill because we know that there are people in the audience who’ve loved this show for thirty years. Maybe they saw it with their parents years ago, and now they’re passing it down to their kids. It’s pretty cool to be part of a legacy like that.

In what ways is this tour run of “Phantom of the Opera” production unique from other productions?  

Grimsley: The production on Broadway right now has stayed the same since it opened in the Eighties, whereas our production incorporates new sets and a new approach to the characters while preserving the music and story and costumes you know and love.

What are some exciting elements about this theatrical production? (set, choreography, costumes, etc.)

Grimsley: We’re particularly proud of our set. It’s quite a thing to behold with lots of tricks hidden up its sleeves. Paul Brown designed our set to really capture what it would feel like to go backstage in a 19th century opera house where much of the story is set. And the iconic costumes were designed by Maria Bjornson and have been a part of Phantom from the very beginning. And keep an eye out for our chandelier. It’s massive and beautiful and it comes with us to every city.

Are there any changes or updates to the original story?

Grimsley: The story and the music are the same, though Laurence Connor directed our production to focus on who each of these characters are as individual people. So you may walk away thinking about Christine’s journey from the beginning of the show to the end of the show or how the Phantom became the Phantom and how that impacts the way he interacts with the people in his world. 

What is your favorite scene in the musical?

Grimsley: I love “Masquerade” at the beginning of Act II. Act I is a roller coaster, and when you come back from intermission, “Masquerade” throws you right back into the action. It’s big and colorful and shows off all the elements of our production that make it so exciting. 

What part of the musical do you feel generates the most excitement from the audience?  

Grimsley: There are so many, and it changes from city to city–from audience to audience, really. But the way we use pyrotechnics is definitely something nobody in the audience forgets.

Is there anything else you would like readers to know?

Grimsley: This is the second time The Phantom of the Opera North American Tour has come through Costa Mesa, and we cannot wait to share this story with you again!

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

When: July 10 – 21. Tuesday – Friday at 7:30 p.m. (Thursday July 11 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.); Saturday at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 1:00 and 6:30 p.m. The 2:00 p.m. performance on Saturday, July 20, 2019 will include audio description, open captioning and sign-language interpretation.

How much: Start at $35.75

Phone: (714) 556-2787

Online: SCFTA.org

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