Spotlight On: Lucy Eddinger
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Lucy Eddinger who is portraying Shelby in our production!
Introduce yourself to our audience.
Hi! My name is Lucy Eddinger. I am a junior at Coginchaug Regional High School.
What drew you to your specific role, and what has been the most rewarding part of playing them?
I was drawn to the role of Shelby because she is very unique and differs a lot from any role I’ve played. I was excited to try something new and step into this kind of role.
What was your biggest “pinch-me” moment during the rehearsal or opening process?
The biggest “pinch-me” moment so far has probably just getting to start learning the show up on stage for the first time. Just because it’s so exciting and fresh.
What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?
My favorite song to perform is “Love Thy Neighbor” because of how much is going on and how fun the dance is to perform.
Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?
I approach the role of Shelby by focusing on how different we both are and how oppositional our views are from one another. At the end, I definitely start to find and appreciate our similarities as she develops as a character.
Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?
I just do some basic deep breaths to calm any nerves.
If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?
My advice for someone wanting to join musical theater would just be to go all out and only do your very best throughout the whole process.
What was your experience at your own high school prom?
I have not gone to a prom quite yet, but I’m really excited to see what it will be like!
What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?
This show makes me happy and wish that younger me had seen a show like this. This show is such a perfect demonstration of what a lot teenagers, or really someone of any age, need as an example for how they should be true to themselves and who they are when no one is watching.
“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
