I want to be in America...

I am THRILLED to be playing Rosalia in The Production Company's West Side Story! I had such a great experience working on Singin' In The Rain with Prod Co in 2013, and love the fast paced rehearsal process. The State Theatre is an iconic Melbourne venue, and it is a real honour to be returning in a featured role.

My journey with West Side Story began when I stumbled across the movie one afternoon

on TV. The energy, choreography and music instantly had me hooked. It is somewhat of a 'bucket list' show for me, and I'd love to play Anita one day. There's something about these hot-blooded Puerto Ricans that strikes a chord with me, and similarly to my experience with In The Heights, I find this story of immigrants struggling to assimilate to be reflecting those I've heard my parents tell me about when they first arrived in Australia.

Another reason I'm thrilled is because West Side Story is a real triple-threat show. I miss the feeling of dripping in sweat after a huge dance number with the ensemble... I was in a 'singer' track in The King & I which involved no dancing at all. I was certainly envious of the dance ensemble who performed the "Uncle Tom's Cabin" ballet every night, and learnt the choreograohy during rehearsals and cover calls just to challenge myself and keep my body working. There'll be no doubt of working hard in West Side and I apologize in advance to the wardrobe department for having to clean my sweaty costumes, hehe!

I am proud and grateful to be able to tell these stories. First rehearsal in in a week's time - we are starting with Jerome Robbins choreography to America - my number with Anita and the Shark girls. It'll be a lot of fun I'm sure!

Speak soon, BB x