Spotlight On: Zenn Langley
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Zenn Langley who is portraying Nick in our production!
Introduce yourself to our audience.
Hello! My name is Zenn Hunter Langley and I like to crochet, play video games, and am a cat dad to a wonderful orange boy named Mr. Noodles.
What drew you to your specific role, and what has been the most rewarding part of playing them?
What drew me to my specific role was being able to be part of another musical with another great cast. That in itself has been very rewarding for me.
What was your biggest “pinch-me” moment during the rehearsal or opening process?
The biggest “pinch me” moment I’ve had during this rehearsal process has to be how fast everything is!
What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?
My favorite song to perform is “Tonight Belongs To You” because both the choreography and the song are very fun!
Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?
I approach my character by focusing on the differences because we are COMPLETE opposites!
Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?
My pre-show rituals before getting on stage include jumping in place and shaking it out!
If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?
If I could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, it would probably be to practice and to ask any and all questions you have!
What was your experience at your own high school prom?
My experience at my high-school prom was very, interesting. Our school at the time was new, inclusive, and starting out with a graduating class of about 50 or so. A small group of my partner and I’s friends campaigned for us unprompted which was super embarrassing because we didn’t really want to go to begin with. The day finally arrives where prom is happening and we showed up both dressed up as if we both were just cast for the Addams family and before I was even out, we were crowned prom king and queen for the first senior prom our school has ever seen. We danced for about 2 seconds and then left early because we wanted to actually enjoy the rest of our night at the beach with some of our closest friends since it was so close by.
What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?
To perform in a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self means a lot to me because it’s not always easy to do that. It took me a long time to get where I am today and to be proud of who I am when others weren’t so I am happy to be a part of something that can send that message.
“The Prom” opens on May 22nd and runs through May 31st at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!
“It’s a 21st century “Bye Bye Birdie,” with showbiz interlopers causing havoc before finding their better selves — but re-imagined with a millennial slant and an echo of “Dear Evan Hansen” empowerment.” — FRANK RIZZO of Variety
“The Prom is hilarious, entertaining, and most importantly, moving. It highlights the ongoing cruelty in communities across the country. It highlights the ongoing barriers that minorities, specifically youth minorities, face daily.” — JESSICA NEU of onStage Pittsburgh
“What makes The Prom “more than entertainment” is the way its social messages are seamlessly threaded throughout a compelling storyline. The drama clearly offers a lesson in how a series of individuals and a whole town (surrogate for a nation or the world?) can be transformed from homophobia to an acceptance of life-affirming inclusivity.” — JOAN LANCOURT of the arts fuse
