Spotlight On: Ariana Pagel

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Ariana Pagel who is portraying Alyssa Greene in our production!

 

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi, I’m Ariana. I’ve been singing since before I learned how to speak, and I’ve pretty much never stopped. It’s just always been a part of who I am, and I’ve always loved performing. If you know me, there’s a good chance you’ve heard me humming, singing, or randomly making up songs about whatever I’m doing—it kind of follows me everywhere at this point. I’m really looking forward to this show, and I hope you love it as much as I do.

 

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 Alyssa Greene because she feels real. She carries herself with confidence, but there is also this constant pressure around her that she is learning how to navigate. What I connect with most is her journey of figuring out how important it is to stay true to who you are, even when it is not the easiest thing to do. The most rewarding part has been finding those quieter, more honest moments where she is not trying to prove anything, just being herself and letting that speak for itself.

 

What was your biggest “pinch-me” moment during the rehearsal or opening process?

One of my biggest “pinch me” moments was our first full tech run. When the lights came up, costumes were on, and the music started, everything just came together in a way it hadn’t before. It stopped feeling like rehearsal and felt like the actual show for the first time. I remember thinking, “wow, this is really happening.” We were on stage, singing, and it all felt real in a way I wasn’t expecting. It was such a rewarding feeling to see everything we’d been working toward finally come together.

 

What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?

My favorite song to perform in the show is “Alyssa Greene” because it really captures everything she’s carrying beneath the surface. It’s one of those moments that feels very honest and stripped back, where the focus is less on performance and more on truth. You can really feel the emotion in the lyrics and what she’s trying to hold together. It feels very real to perform.

 

Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?

I usually start by looking for similarities to myself, because it helps me connect to the character in a more natural and honest way. But the real growth comes when I lean into the differences. That’s where I get to step outside of myself, make bolder choices, and find more creative layers in the role.

 

Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?

Ever since I was little, I’ve had this pre-show ritual where I quietly sing “Hallelujah” in my head and pace back and forth before going on stage. It’s my way of settling my nerves and getting myself ready, and it’s something I’ve always done without even thinking about it.

 

If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?

Don’t overthink it, just start. You learn so much by doing, even when things don’t go perfectly. I really believe everyone already has it in them; sometimes you just have to trust yourself enough to take that first step and believe you belong there.

 

What was your experience at your own high school prom?

At my high school prom, I had the best time with my friends. I couldn’t get off the dance floor—we were dancing all night, laughing nonstop, and having so much fun together. It was such a lighthearted, memorable night that I’ll always remember.

 

What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?

To me, performing a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self feels really special and honestly emotional. It’s a reminder that everyone is carrying something, and there’s so much strength in choosing to be honest about who you are.  Being part of a story like that makes me think about how important it is to show up as yourself, even when it feels a little scary. Theater has this way of bringing people together in a really real, human way, and I love that this show does exactly that. It creates space for people to feel seen, connected, and understood. That’s something that really stays with you.

 

 

“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