Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
Education: Temple University
Select Credits: Stella in "Domesticated" (web series); Aliyah in A Train; Michelle Obama in "Michelle Responds" (web short)
Why theater?: My parents are theater vets and have been working in the arts for many, many years. I started watching old episodes of “I Love Lucy” which led me to the theatrics of old Hollywood movies, and eventually I began doing shows at my house for my parents and wanting to do theater.
Who do you play in The Bellagio Fountain Has Been Known to Make Me Cry?: The Water
What is it like being a part of The Bellagio Fountain Has Been Known to Make Me Cry?: It's always great to do theater and be in a show that is original and fresh. I really like that Renee has written a play with female leads who contemplate all of life's shifts and changes as their current environment is changing around them.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I love musicals for the fanfare and the "all together" numbers that the casts brings, but I got my start doing straight shows and most were comedies. Shows like Noises Off and Rumors are what I gravitate to. New spins on musicals and history like Hamilton are incredible and fresh. I want to see more shows go this route.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Because my parents were a part of the original Broadway run of The Wiz, I would love to do any role as homage to them and their endless support of my career.
What’s your favorite showtune?: "That's Life". I like the Sinatra version but also love the newer version by the Smash cast. The song says it all about how life is in New York and what it is like to be an actor trying to live the dream.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I would want to work with James Earl Jones and Patti Lupone because they are theater legends. If I could work with Oprah or Shonda Rhimes on something that would be a true dream come true.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I'd have Keke Palmer for my young years, Taraji P. Henson for my 30s-50s and then Diahann Carroll for my later fabulous life story. The movies would be called "I'm Just Here for the Shows".
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Hello Dolly and Kiss of the Spider Woman
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Aladdin, Hamilton, Fela, Streetcar Named Desire
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Shoe shopping and sweet treats!
What’s up next?: I'm writing the second season to my web series that I wrote and submitted for competition this year. I'm also working on developing a bi-weekly show online.
For more on Brianna, visit Briannaseagraves.com
