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10 on Tuesday with Candace Quarrels

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Candace Quarrels is currently killing it nightly as Nabulungi in THE BOOK OF MORMON at the PrivateBank Theater. And while her character might dream of "Sal Tlay Ka Siti," Quarrels' dreams include appearing in a new role in an Original Broadway Cast (OBC). She sat down with us for a quick 10 on Tuesday:

1) Show you first auditioned for (and did you get the part)? The first show I auditioned for was JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT in middle school. I was cast as the narrator.

2) Where Are You From? I was born in Memphis, TN and raised in West Memphis, AR.

3) When did you know you wanted a career on the stage? I remember having a solo in 5th grade choir. It was "Turn the Beat Around" and I remember standing in front of all my friends and their parents and just...feeling at home. From that day, every chance I could got to sing in front of people, I embraced it.

4) What's your dream role/production? I mean, everyone wants to be in HAMILTON now, so that's obvious, but before that took the world by storm I always dreamed of being in something where I get to originate my own role. Being in an OBC is my ultimate dream.

5) Favorite post-performance haunt? I travel with my pup, so more often than not I'm usually home with her either hosting a few of the cast there or watching Netflix with a glass of wine.

6) Living or dead, who would you drop everything to see perform? Beyonce. Anytime. Anyplace. Always.

7) What's your guilty pleasure/vice? Reality television...and a very, very embarrassing love for the Kardashians.

8) What do you value most about acting? I value its ability to keep growing. It never gets old, and we never stop learning it. There is always more to enjoy and create.

9) What is the one song you never want to hear sing again at an audition? "On My Own" Good lord people, throw it away!!

10) Fill in the blank: "The thing I'd never change about theatre is ... " ...It's unpredictability.

THE BOOK OF MORMON runs through Aug. 14 at the PrivateBank Theatre, 18 W. Monroe. Tickets, $45-$120. 800.775.2000. www.bookofmormonthemusical.com.

Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Sound Design - Top 3
1. Adam Fisher - The Lost Boys
36.5% of votes
2. Tony Gayle - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
11% of votes
3. John Shivers - Chess
7.2% of votes

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