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2015 – Rachel Arianna

 

Rachel Arianna is a young actress from the New York City area. This year she has been seen as Jane Banks in a production of Mary Poppins and hosted her own event for Free2Luv. To keep up to date make sure to visit her website, like her page on Facebook, follow her on Twitter, and follow her on Instagram.

 

1. What was it like working on the musical version of Heidi and Mommy Dearest?

It was so amazing and the music…OMG…is PHENOMENAL!!!! It’s great and super catchy, and I find it getting stuck in my head. The characters are both so different too. Heidi is young and naive. She loves to yodel! *wink wink! Also, I played Young Christiana, who is very mature and the songs are so touching.

 

2. What was your favorite part of performing at Lyrics for Life?

Well, it’s hard to pin-point just one thing. I loved performing in front of crowds, getting to sing my song live with amazing dancers, or getting to help out with this cause. I just loved it! I always love using my music to help others, and this is just such a wonderful cause.

 

3. How did you prepare for playing Jane Banks in Mary Poppins?

I spoke in a British accent all day, a couple of times. I did that so that if anything happened on stage, I would stay with the accent. Also, I studied the dances very closely, and sometimes, before rehearsals, the boy who played Michael and I would hang out and run lines, and I worked with him on the dances.

 

4. What was your time performing in the show like?

It was more than fun, it was Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Even though a lot of stuff went wrong with mics (mine broke), the set (I fell off the 10ft house, the nursery broke, my finger was slammed in a door), or the magic (the lamp in our nursery wouldn’t magically turn on), the show was truly amazing. I loved every second of it, and I wish there were more shows!

 

5. How did you react to seeing the Lies I Told My Little Sister DVD on store shelves?

I cried. I was really not expecting it, and the project has come such a long way from a reading, to film festivals, to being in stores. I screamed tears of joy, and I just couldn’t believe it!

 

6. Can we expect to hear some new music from you soon?

Yes! I am actually working on my debut album with Broadway Records and Peter Stengaard. I am super excited for it! They are so kind and amazing. We’re also trying to get some funding! The link is: https://www.rockethub.com/projects/63048-support-rachel-arianna-s-debut-album! I absolutely cannot wait!!!

 

7. What inspired you to become a youth advocate for Free2Luv?

I’ve always been able to stand up for myself, but one time I didn’t know how or what to do. It got worse from there, but I realized that many people go through that every day. I came to find out that many of my friends had been bullied as well. I came up with my program, Words Can Soar, so that I could stand up for people who are afraid to. The idea started as a speech, but I realized that I could really take action. I started giving speeches and creating events, after getting school approval, to use the school as my first forum. However, first, I realized that I needed a 501©(3) to help me, and for the money to get to. After a long time of searching, we came across Free2Luv, which used the arts to help end bullying, which is what I wanted to do. They are the sweetest, most heartfelt people!

 

8. What was the experience like hosting your charity event for Free2Luv at 54 Below?

It was amazing. I put my heart and soul into that event, but I was given it back from the community and performers who joined me in raising money and awareness for Words Can Soar and Free2Luv. It was, also, an experience that helped me build directing and event planning skills. So, although it was somewhat stressful, it was one of the best moments of my life.

 

9. Who have been some your favorite people to work with this year?

I actually can’t answer this question, because I love everyone I worked with. They all mean so much to me, and are the best! They have all inspired me!

 

We’d like to thank Rachel for participating in this year’s Holiday Q&A Event!