Kamryn, 12th Grade

"I had the privilege of seeing Becoming Nancy during its first preview with the Alliance Theatre Teen Ensemble. The Alliance Theatre had done an amazing job marketing the show, so I came in with the highest expectations. Safe to say, my expectations were exceeded. Becoming Nancy is a show bigger than any stage. Between the deliberate characterization and the intimate storytelling, this musical succeeds in making the audience feel connected to the story as a whole.

Becoming Nancy tells the story of David Starr (Zachary Sayle), a boy living in East Dulwich, England who is cast as a female role in his school’s production of Oliver! The process of Becoming Nancy, hence the title, is a difficult one told in the most beautiful way. I was in awe of how the lighting design— led by Philip S. Rosenberg— painted the scenes, especially in the moment where David discovers he’s been cast as Nancy. The lighting also contrasts the moments where David speaks to the audience directly from the moments of character dialogue. Both the choreography (Jerry Mitchell) and the costumes (Amy Clark) amped the visual aesthetic of the production, and the spotlight ensemble dance breaks left the crowd whooping and hollering.

Musically, the show possesses a strong understanding of how songs should move the plot along in ways dialogue can’t. “6 Inches From Your Heart” (sung by Sally Ann Triplett) is a simple song based around how far a mother’s womb is from her heart, but sung in such a heart-wrenching way that it makes you feel a mother’s pain even if you’ve never experienced motherhood. Contrastingly, songs like “I Don’t Care” (sung by Jake Boyd and Zachary Sayle) bring you right back to your rebellious years, where you realize that everything that seems big is very small, and we shouldn’t take our lives too seriously. Every song encompasses a pivotal moment in David’s coming-of-age. Plus, with a twist on the typical greek chorus, David Starr draws inspiration and wades through self-discovery with the help of his muses: Sting, Kate Bush, and Blondie.

I’m beyond excited to see this show again. The cast and crew is made up of the most genuine, ambitious, and talented people I’ve ever met. Becoming Nancy has the capacity to go far and will spread the most important message that our generation needs now more than ever: you matter."
- Kamryn, 12th grade