Spotlight On: Brooke Owens
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Brooke Owens who is in the Ensemble of our production!
Introduce yourself to our audience.
Hi! My name is Brooke. This is my 4th(? or 5th?) show with CTC and I’m so happy to be back with this wonderful cast!
What drew you to your specific role, and what has been the most rewarding part of playing them?
I just knew I wanted to be in this show. I didn’t really care who I was cast as, but since this is such a big show, I was really excited to get to dance!
What was your biggest “pinch-me” moment during the rehearsal or opening process?
I’m not sure about a ‘pinch-me’ moment, but this story is so real. While it may not be happening in Connecticut, it absolutely is happening in other cities and states. The message is so poignant and it’s easy to remove ourselves from it just because we live in such an accepting state.
What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?
“Tonight Belongs to Us”! All the girls are in their prom dresses and we get to feel so fabulous and fun while dancing!
Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?
My character of Homophobic Teenager is VERY far removed from myself and I think it’s been difficult to not play a caricature of the role. So I’ve been focusing on the truth behind her reasoning. I also may have been inspired by a few girls I grew up with.
Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?
Drink some water, give everyone a hug, take a deep breath, and GO!
If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?
DO. IT! I was out of musical theater for nearly 7 years and bringing it back to my life really opened me up and brought such a joy and confidence into my life.
What was your experience at your own high school prom?
I went with one of my closest friends, slow danced with my crush, and had such a fun time! It was just a night filled with dancing and laughter and friends.
What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?
In our current political climate, this show could not be more important. Being who you are takes a huge amount of courage and it’s definitely not easy. I love this show because not only does it share Emma’s acceptance of herself, but we also get to see Alyssa’s coming out journey as well as Barry healing some of his trauma.
“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
