By Kareena Dhillon
Staff Writer
In a classic tale of a lost slipper and runaway princess, Cinderella is performing on Broadway, and in the ensemble are two Southern California alums.
Photos: Costa alumni performs on Broadway in the Rodger + Hammerstein’s play Cinderella.
Costa alum Delphi Borich and Vistamar alum Brian Liebson graduated from their respective schools in 2012. Borich was in the Vocal Ensemble Choir, the Secretary of the Drama club, according to Borich, in each show she takes away something not only as an artist but as a person as well. She still relates to what Mr. Hayden, head of the choir department at Costa, said years ago that he was a lifelong learner and always want to keep improving said Borich.
“It’s the most professional opportunity I’ve ever received and it’s an amazing gift to get to explore the country doing what I love,” Vistamar alum Brian Liebson said. “The reception from the audiences has been nothing but love, and I’ve learned so much so quickly.”
Video: Cinderella soundtrack of the song “Me, Who Am I?”
Borich had originally auditioned for the role of Cinderella, after seven auditions she did not end up getting the part. However, after receiving a callback to audition as an understudy, she was hired as the understudy for Cinderella and the Fairy Godmother. Learning how to understudy two parts at once, dancing, and singing are all things she has been able to further improve, said Borich.
“I’m a huge believer in constant learning,” Borich said. “I’m learning as a person how important stories about hope and kindness are in a time when it can feel like the world is crashing down.”
Borich went to Syracuse University’s BFA Musical Theatre Program and Liebson attended Olin College of Engineering in Massachusetts. Olin helped Liebson to further develop communication skills as the college has only 300 students.
Learn more about Syracuse’s Musical Theatre Program.
“Olin prepared me to communicate with people from all walks of life, whether they are robotic engineers or fellow actors,” Liebson said. “I’m having a great time, and definitely won’t forget this experience for the rest of my life.”
Directed by Mark Brokaw, Cinderella was introduced on Broadway for the first time in 2013, and is currently performing in major cities across the country for the next six months. In some cities they are performing for one night, but in others, as long as two weeks. There are twenty six cast members in Cinderella, all of which have previous experience. According to Borich, it’s a very diverse group.
Click here to look at their Tour Schedule to find a show near you.
“Being an understudy is tons of fun, especially when you cover multiple roles,” Borich said. “On any given night you could be doing a completely different show from the one you’re used to. Especially with a tour as long as this one is, it’s important to keep finding new things each time you do the show.”
Borich and Liebson plan to finish the tour and continue life one audition at a time. Concerning future endeavors, Borich has an apartment in New York City which will allow her to easily go to auditions in the area. Borich has yet to perform as Cinderella or the Fairy Godmother, but there will be a rehearsal in the near future in which she will practice the whole show in costume as Cinderella, she said.
“I have wonderful agents who are always encouraging me and pushing me, so they’ve been key in helping me decide how to keep moving forward in my career,” Borich said. “I’m very excited and hopeful for what’s to come.”
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