Meet Broadway Wiz Bright Star, Rachel from Stone Ridge, NY.
One of Rachel’s dream roles is J. Pierpont Finch and she has been retweeted (twice!) by her dream duet partner, Lin-Manuel Miranda.
On average, how many Broadway shows do you see a year?
7
How many local shows or community theater shows do you see a year?
3
Favorite Broadway show:
Next to Normal
All-time favorite performer:
Alex Brightman
Songs you like to belt in the shower:
“When I Climb To The Top Of Mount Rock”/”No Good Deed”/”Superboy & The Invisible Girl”
Favorite piece of theater memorabilia you own:
Poster that I got from School of Rock for being a groupie/two signed playbills from School of Rock and Seminar.
Most memorable performance you’ve ever seen:
Patti LuPone in Gypsy, it was simply mind-blowing.
Best interaction you have had with another theater fan:
Far too many to count, I’m currently in three different chats where all we do is send photos/videos of different Broadway stars and it’s simply wonderful.
Why do you love theater?
It gives me two hours to forget my outside problems and just focus on the story/music in front of me, and the stories are always relatable. I love being able to see actors & actresses pursue their dreams onstage
Dream roles?
Elphaba from Wicked, Natalie from Next to Normal, Lafayette/Jefferson from Hamilton, Christine Daaé from Phantom, and J. Pierpont Finch from How to Succeed in Business (gender roles? Psh.)
Best stagedoor or backstage experience?
I actually only recently found out that doing the stagedoor was a thing, so I don’t have that many experiences BUT every time I’ve seen School of Rock everyone at the stagedoor has been so nice, especially that one night it was downpouring and everyone still took time with all the fans.
Favorite spots in NYC:
There’s a cat cafe that’s in the East Village that I love, you can drink wine and pet cats and it’s basically the perfect thing.
If you could sing a duet or perform a scene with any Broadway star, who would it be?
Lin-Manuel Miranda, hands down.
Did you ever fangirl when you met an actor/performer?:
Every time I meet Alex Brightman (twice so far) I fangirl out like HECK. No idea why, because he’s always so chill, but it’s like every time I try and talk to him I need to rush whatever I’m saying since I think he’s so busy.
And, although I’ve never met Lin-Manuel Miranda, I freak out and run through my house every time he retweets me (twice so far). Does that count?
Favorite thing about Broadway Wiz?
The interviews and the information about lotteries, definitely! Gotta love my access to Broadway.
What would your super power be?
Super strength, so I can move my parents’ cars without having to drive them.
Besides theater, what are some of your other passions or hobbies?
I really like going to concerts, playing Sudoku, and finding the best french fries in the world (right now, no winner).
Where can we stalk you online?
Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter – rshifty
Snapchat – shoot me a message and I’ll send it to you (it has my last name)
Anything else you would like to share? Funny stories, weird facts about yourself, cool talents?
I’m double jointed and very good at archery.