Ever since a youth, Arizona native Amanda Glenn has continued to make a big splash in the theatre community in town.
This past year has been a stellar one for Glenn, full of roles in iconic classic musicals, newer works and even the chance to play not just one, but two Disney princesses in big family friendly musicals within just a few months.
Glenn got her start at various youth theatres in the Valley, with appearances at Greasepaint, Valley Youth Theater, Broadway Palm, and Ahwatukee Children’s Theater.
She says that her most memorable youth theater experience was appearing as Fantine in Les Miserables at Greasepaint.
While she didn't participate in theatre in college at ASU, where she got a BS in Accounting, and has since gone on to get two more degrees in Computer Information Systems and Business Data Analytics, she appeared in numerous shows after that break for her education
In just the past year Glenn has starred as Louise in Gypsy and appeared in Seussical, both at TheaterWorks; played Heather McNamara in Heathers at Brelby Theatre Company; Vanessa in In the Heights at Desert Foothills Theater; and just recently played Belle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast at Musical Theater of Anthem.
She is now back at TheaterWorks to star as Ariel in The Little Mermaid which opens this Friday and runs through July 22nd.
Amanda took a break between final rehearsals for the show to answer some questions about her character, the musical and what it's like to play a beloved Disney princess.
In case there is anyone who hasn't seen the film or the musical of The Little Mermaid, what would you tell them it is about?
"The Little Mermaid is about Ariel, a young mermaid, who is discovering who she is and what she really wants from life. She has become enamored with humans and anything to do with their world and longs to live among them. She trades away her voice to the evil sea witch Ursula in exchange for legs but must get her beloved Prince Eric to kiss her within three days in order to remain human. With a little help from friends Flounder and Sebastian, Ariel embarks on a mission to make her dreams come true."
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| Amanda Glenn photo by Josiah Duka |
"Not only is Ariel quite the dreamer, she is also determined and brave. She sets out on new adventures and seeks to learn everything she can about what she is passionate about. But the quality I admire most is the way she approaches each new experience with an open mind and an open heart. This openness allows her to see all the beauty in the world and Ariel often butts heads with her father Triton, who is consumed with worry about the possible evil lurking around the corner. "
This is your second Disney princess that you've played this season, as you just starred as Belle in Beauty and the Beast in May at Musical Theatre of Anthem. Do you have any trepidation in playing such beloved and well known characters?
"I don’t know…I’ve not really thought of either roles that way. There are certainly iconic moments and imagery that I feel are important to incorporate, but most of that pressure is on the director and the design teams. What I remember the most from when I first saw these animated films as a kid are visual pieces and the overall demeanor of the characters. For instance, blue-dressed-Belle tends to lead with her head while red-headed-Ariel leads with her heart. So, for the kids, I feel those are the most important things to get right. As an adult, I appreciate honesty more than anything else, so I aim to be as genuine as possible (given that I’m playing a mermaid). Everything else has some room for interpretation in my mind."
What new relevance do you find that this show holds in modern society?
"The main lesson I feel can be learned from this story is to keep an open mind. It’s very easy to allow past experiences to color your view of the present. I’m often guilty of this myself! Triton has learned to fear humans due to an assumption that Ariel’s mother was murdered by them. But, as is still true and quite relevant today, 'You can’t judge the many by the actions of the few.' "
Do you have a favorite moment in the show?
"There really are so many wonderful moments in the show. I am continually amazed by both the cast and production team. I do not consider myself a strong dancer, so it’s strange to me that my favorite part of the show is actually the number that requires me to dance the most. Between Nathan Sheppard’s soothing voice and Cydney Trent’s choreography, 'One Step Closer' is truly lovely. Cydney knows how and when to be an actor’s choreographer. She skillfully tailors her choreography to the actors she is working with while simultaneously creating beautiful imagery and poignant moments through movement. "
What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing The Little Mermaid at TheaterWorks?
"Most people know what to expect from Disney’s The Little Mermaid. It’s a feel-good show that I hope will give audiences that warm fuzzy feeling. However, what is special about TheaterWorks’ production is not only is it chock-full of great performances from the cast, but this show is also a feast for the eyes. The set, the lights, the costumes, the special effects, everything is just gorgeous! "
CLICK HERE for more information on Disney The Little Mermaid at TheaterWorks, which runs July 13-22
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