Spotlight On: Michele Abbazia
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Michele Abbazia who is in the Ensemble of our production!
Introduce yourself to our audience.
My name is Michele Abbazia, I have been performing since I could move. I have a job that pays the bills, I live with my wonderful husband and our fur-child, Josie.
What drew you to your specific role, and what has been the most rewarding part of playing them?
Well, it’s been a long time since I was last in a musical and decided it would be fun to be part of the ensemble of such a great show.
What was your biggest “pinch-me” moment during the rehearsal or opening process?
I think choreography. I was struggling a bit and one day I had a moment where I reminded myself that I used to dance all the time (training from ages 5-20) and sure my body looks different (and has more aches), but I am still capable. Now I want to dance more.
What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?
I think “Love Thy Neighbor” because it’s such a fun song and has a fantastic message.
Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?
In ensemble, I get to play a few different characters, so I think I do both. Sometimes I find pieces of them in me and sometimes I model them after people I know or have met in life.
Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?
Just a few deep breaths and a little shake out.
If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?
Oh goodness, just go for it! And be confident in your abilities.
What was your experience at your own high school prom?
Well, I got to go to three. But my senior prom I went with a friend and had the most fun – I went to a very small high school. By the time we were seniors, everybody was getting along – lots of dancing and lots of laughs.
What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?
It means a lot – and I think it’s a good reminder to a lot of people about what truly matters. Being a Gen X’er – I am always appreciative of seeing younger generations be so open and authentic and it makes me sad that certain people in this world try to make them feel that they are less than. We should celebrate individuality!
“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
