Kelsey Odorizzi is thrilled to be playing her dream role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast. Read on to find out more about Kelsey, how she prepares for auditions, and he favorite theatrical experience.
Have you done a show with Middleton Players before?
My first show with MPT was Crazy for You last summer and I had such a great time that I wanted to audition again!
How do you prepare for auditions?
If I’m going for a specific role, I always try and parallel my song(s) with the character. For example, when I auditioned for the title role in Mary Poppins with VACT, I sang “I Have Confidence” from The Sound of Music. Marie (nanny) = Mary Poppins (magical nanny). Having Julie Andrews as both of those characters was just pure luck. 😉 I then pick my song(s) at least a month before hand and figure out what cut best shows my ability.
What was your first stage show and who did you play?
I did a summer school program when I was 9 and we did a junior version of The Wizard of Oz, where I was Winkie 1. My one and only line was “The crows are dead!”
What is your favorite Broadway musical?
I can’t pick one, so my top five are: Les Misérables; Jesus Christ Superstar; I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Jersey Boys; Wicked.
What do you enjoy about your character Belle?
Of the classic Disney princesses, she represents a departure from the “damsel in distress” stereotype. She stays true to herself and is unwilling to change or sacrifice the things she believes in.
What is your favorite theatre memory?
When I toured with the KIDS From Wisconsin, I was chosen among my peers to perform with Peter Nero and the Philly Pops for one of his concerts. Their concert artists included Sutton Foster, Dee Hoty, Donna McKechnie, Matt Bogart and William Michaels (who played the Beast and Gaston on Broadway). Sutton Foster and I talked in her dressing room for 30 minutes before a show and she was the most kind, down to earth person I’ve ever met. William Michaels also sang part of “If I Can’t Love Her” for me so that was pure magic to a girl whose dream role was Belle. The whole week was the most incredible experience.
What do you do when you’re not performing/working in the theatre? Do you have a daytime job?
My main focus is being a stay-at-home mom to my two littles, Caden (6) and Elena (2). But I also teach voice lessons during the evening, and music direct the musicals at Sun Prairie High School, as well as the VACT teens shows. I absolutely love it!
Come see Kelsey on stage in Beauty and the Beast August 8-11. Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.