Meet Broadway Wiz’s first Bright Star, Hayley “Shenanigans” Goldstein from Newton, MA!
Hayley has been to so many shows this year, that she already lost count! She has seen Something Rotten! at least 29 times (and counting)…can you guess that it’s her favorite show? Unsurprisingly, Christian Borle (who played Shakespeare in Something Rotten!) is her all-time favorite performer. Hayley can also belt out the entire Something Rotten! cast album in the shower (although she wouldn’t say no to a Shrek the Musical sing-along)!
All-time favorite performer: Christian Borle , Will Chase, Rob McClure, and Laura Benanti
Favorite or most interesting piece of theater memorabilia you own: Christian Borle’s “Toby Belch” headsketch, and a giant Shrek PEZ dispenser signed by Brian d’Arcy James
Most memorable performance you’ve ever seen: Every single performance of Something Rotten!, obviously. Also seeing Laura Benanti in Gypsy when I was 14 and realizing I liked girls.
Best interaction you have had with another theater fan: It’s gotten to the point strangers on Twitter say they only want to see Something Rotten! if I’m there with them.
Why do you love theater? It’s where I go to escape the real world. It’s where I feel safe and loved and truly happy.
Dream roles?
The D’Ysquith Family in GGLAM, Shakespeare, Bea or Portia in Something Rotten!, Fiona in Shrek the Musical, and Maureen in RENT.
Best stagedoor or backstage experience? Not quite either, but Rob McClure once walked me to my bus home after a performance. We walked for 45 minutes and talked about life and puppets and our shared love of John Cariani and Taco Bell.
Favorite spots in NYC: Schmackary’s, the Drama Book Shop, Theatre Circle on 44th, and the St. James Theatre.
If you could sing a duet or perform a scene with any Broadway star, who would it be? Now that I have actually worked with Christian Borle, my next goal is to perform with Jefferson Mays, I think.
Did you ever fangirl when you met an actor/performer? The first time I met Karey and Wayne Kirkpatrick (the writers of Something Rotten!) I completely lost my mind. Clearly, they were okay with that because now we’re best friends!
Favorite thing about Broadway Wiz? The reviews! (And I love Joy, she’s awesome!)
What would your super power be? Electric powers. Like a human Pikachu.
Besides theater, what are some of your other passions or hobbies? Puppetry, hanging with my girlfriend or my squad, and sleeping.
Where can we stalk you online?
Twitter: @HG_Shenanigans
Tumblr: stuff-and-shenanigans.tumblr.com, somethinghamilton.tumblr.com, fuckyeahsomethingrotten.tumblr.com
Anything else you would like to share?
I was featured in the New York Times once in a feature on BroadwayCon attendees! I’m also in the Broadway.com music video for Hard To Be The Bard with Christian Borle.
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