Spotlight On: Nicolette Pavain
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Nicolette Pavain who is in the ensemble of our production!
Introduce yourself to our audience.
My name is Nicolette, and I am in the ensemble!
What drew you to your specific role, and what has been the most rewarding part of playing them?
I love being in the ensemble because you get to be in all the best dance numbers!
What was your biggest “pinch-me” moment during the rehearsal or opening process?
I was so happy to hear that I’d be getting the chance to perform with some of my good friends!
What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?
I really love to perform “Love Thy Neighbor”. It has tap, tambourines, almost the full company…what else could you want in a musical number?
Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?
As a member of the ensemble, we get to play so many different characters throughout the show. Because of this, I look for differences that I can focus on as a way to differentiate the characters from each other.
Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?
I always like to warm up and eat a good meal before a performance. I also like to connect with my castmates, because I know they’re also feeling the nerves! It reminds me that we’re in it together.
If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?
To just go for it! Theater has given me more confidence on and off the stage…I recommend it to anyone who is interested!
What was your experience at your own high school prom?
I went with a group of friends! I truly think it’s the best way to experience prom.
What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?
I think everyone could benefit from being more compassionate and understanding of those with different beliefs. It means a lot to get to play that out on stage in such a fun way!
“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
