BWW Reviews: Ruby Lewis and the Cast of WE WILL ROCK YOU Live Up to the Title

By: Nov. 15, 2013
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When attending a musical, some not so usual theatre goers prepare themselves for overly dramatic people narrating their lives through their belting vibratos and jazz squares. We Will Rock You takes the generic stereotypes and throws them out the window with a swift guitar toss and transforms those skeptical theatre goers into theatre fans. The show takes audience members on a whimsical commentary through the feared future of music, pop culture, technology and social norms all tied together by the musical styling's of none other than Queen.

We Will Rock You is nothing knew to audiences over seas, as it has been collecting awards and winning fans for years now in London. But in America, this is the production's first national tour. The cast made it's way from Boston, MA to music city, Nashville, TN Tuesday night.

Nashvillian's provided the rock star cast with a consistent roar of approval through the show's excitement and nostalgia. TPAC's Andrew Jackson Hall turned into a concert venue for the night leaving audience members awkwardly fighting the urge to dance in the aisles and or in their seats to the music. (To which many fell victim to)

"At the end of the show we will literally rock you. During "We Are The Champions" people go crazy," Ruby Lewis said. "That was the first time I've ever experienced that in a theatrical show."

In We Will Rock You Lewis plays Scaramouche, and Tuesday was her homecoming performance. Being from Bowling Green, KY (an hour outside of Nashville) her family members and friends from the area were able to attend.

Lewis made her theatrical debut when she was 7 years old in Kentucky at the Shelby County Community Theatre in a production of Charlotte's Web.

"From an early start my parents put me in dance classes, I sang at church, performed at my local community theatre and just all together took to the stage and playing characters. I have always felt most alive when I'm on stage," said Lewis.

Lewis attended college at Western Kentucky University where she graduated in 2007. While there she spent many nights in Nashville as well as dabbled in the possibilities of pursuing a career in country music.

"I remember trips to Nashville. We would go to Church Street and I would try to convince the bands to let me sing with them. I love Nashville. There is definitely a chance of me settling around here eventually one day."

After graduation from Western Kentucky, Lewis made her way up to New York City to pursue her career in theatre where she was cast in her first role after college as June in the national tour of Gypsy.

As for her current role in, We Will Rock You, she is the perfect fit. Her small frame and huge voice makes a perfect combination for the personality filled and head strong character of Scaramouche.

"I love singing "Somebody to Love". There is a lot of good energy," she commented after being asked what her favorite part of the show was. "Queen's greatest hits would be put on every weekend while my family played pool together. "Another One Bites the Dust" was my favorite. My little brother was in love with "Bicycle". It means a lot to be singing these songs every night. My best girl friend and I had a dance to "Bohemian Rhapsody" as well. So, singing these iconic songs that I grew up with in arenas around the world is amazing. I am so excited for my family to see me sing this stuff. It will be very surreal," Lewis said.

"Epic, rock and roll and energizing," were the words that Lewis used to describe the show and she was nothing short of correct. If you live in the Nashville area I highly recommend you try to catch the show before they head to their next stop in Minneapolis, MN. The show runs through the 17th here in Nashville and you can purchase tickets online at http://www.tpac.org/ or through stopping by or calling the box office at 615-782-4040.

Nowadays, when Lewis is off tour, she is working out of Los Angeles, CA pursuing a career in television and film.

Her past credits include:

National Tours: Jersey Boys, Grease, Gypsy.

Regional: 9 to 5 (Doralee) with 3D Theatricals, Legally Blonde (Elle) at Gateway Playhouse.

Film: Another Perfect Stranger, 1 Message and Pass the Light.

TV: Desperate Housewives, Medium, Brothers & Sisters, Rules of Engagement and Hart of Dixie, Masters of Sex.

To check out more, support and/or stay in touch with Nashville's hometown girl, Ruby Lewis, one can visit http://www.rubylewis.com/.



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