Jenn Gambatese Visits The Broadway Star Project

Jenn Gambatese, the star of All Shook Up, Tarzan, and School of Rock, among others, took some time off from rehearsals of her new show Once Upon a Melody (APRIL 17, 2018 at Feinstein's/54 Below) to share her journey as an artist with the students at The BSP's Callback Challenge.

"I didn't get accepted in the Musical Theater Studio at NYU" confessed Ms. Gambatese, who, to this date, counts seven Broadway shows on her resume. "So, as you go along in your auditioning life, don't let the no's stop you in your tracks" she added with a smile that dissolved any kind of barrier that could have existed between the students and the Broadway star.

"Back then, they (NYU) had a studio with Circle In The Square... And that's where I met my Meisner (technique) teacher", Ms. Gambatese continued, "So, I didn't get into musical theater, but I got into the studio where I met the acting teacher who just really changed my life... and made me the actor that I am, which then gets me hired the most in musical theater!". She stated that when you get to a certain level in this career, everyone can sing and act and dance, "but if you're a connected actor, that's going to go the farthest".

She went on telling the most interesting stories about auditioning for musicals here and abroad, getting an agent, and even about getting gum thrown at her during a performance!, which the students found both funny and inspiring.

As Ms. Gambatese answered questions from the students and their parents, we learned how hard is to be part of an ensemble, how valued the swings and understudies are and what a challenging task it is to navigate and eventually find your place on the stage. We also learned that the originator of leading roles like Natalie Heller/Ed in (All Shook Up), Jane Porter (Tarzan), Marie Leroux (Is He Dead?) and many others, decided to become an actor after a transforming experience playing Emely Webb in a school production of Our Town. She explained how one night, during her monologue she got upset by something happening in her life and "the emotions that were already coming up from just the words that I was saying, got really, really heightened...and (I) used what was actually happening in the moment into the text, and so..." she joked modestly "It was really good acting".

Then Ms. Gambatese gave invaluable tips on how to face an audition. When asked about her career as a singer she talked a little about her album Jenn Gambatese, Cockeyed Optimist, and even performed one of her favorite songs in the album: Mr. Snow, from Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel.

To top it all off, and as a treat to the students, this generous Broadway star helped a couple of them in the delivery of their auditioning songs creating a couple of wonderful moments that will remain in the memories of the students at the Callback Challenge, and in the history of The Broadway Star Project.

Here are some of the comments we got from the participants at this one in a lifetime experience:

Jenn O'Neill Davis "This was such a great experience for the kids and us parents. Jen's conversation with the kids was real and heartfelt and inspiring. Thanks to Jen, Eddie, Coty and all who made this happen".

anakeesta_ironwood "@jenngambatese who was in seven Broadway shows including Hairspray, All Shook Up, Tarzan, and School of Rock told us stories from her journey, sang for us and even workshopped a few songs with us. She's so kind, so talented and we are so fortunate!

Ilana Palatnik Lipsztein What an awesome day! Thank you Coty Manriquez, for the amazing workshop!

To experience the magic of Jenn Gambatese, performing wonderful character-driven storytelling songs from Rodgers & Hammerstein, Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, and George Stiles and Anthony Drew, don't miss her Once Upon a Melody show at Feinstein's/54 Below, this Tuesday, April 17. The show starts at 7:00 pm. Doors open at 5:00 pm.

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