INTERVIEW: Broadway’s Gabrielle Beckford is ready for ‘New Beginnings’
Photo: Gabrielle Beckford’s new cabaret show is called New Beginnings. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by Fortune Creative with permission.
Gabrielle Beckford had an exciting time performing as Rapunzel in Broadway’s Once Upon a One More Time, the musical set to the songbook of Britney Spears. Now she’s gearing up for an intimate cabaret performance of a show called New Beginnings, set to take place Monday, Feb. 5, at Chelsea Table + Stage in New York City. The show, according to press notes, will “celebrate dreams fulfilled and the hopes of greater things to come.”
Beckford has been busy these past few years. She has performed on stages around the country including the McCarter Theatre Center, Long Wharf Theatre and American Repertory Theater, among others. Also, when performing in the first national tour of The Prom, she was the first Black woman to portray the character of Angie Dickinson.
Recently Beckford exchanged emails with Hollywood Soapbox in order to preview her upcoming cabaret show. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
Your show is called New Beginnings. Could you explain the significance of this title?
I decided to call my show New Beginnings because it speaks to this new season in my life where I’m able to celebrate dreams fulfilled and embrace the hopes of greater [things] to come. This past year has been a journey full of faith, joy and blessings, and I am so excited to share this heartfelt debut concert with everyone.
What was the experience like performing in Once Upon a One More Time?
Performing in Once Upon A One More Time was a gift. I never could have imagined that I would be originating a principal role for my Broadway debut. It was such an honor to share the stage with an incredible company and reimagine the role of Rapunzel through the lens of a Black woman. I loved representing an empowered version of this iconic princess that young people could look up to and see themselves.
Does it feel different performing in a cabaret venue versus a Broadway theater? Do you have to do anything different when singing?
There are subtle differences in performing in a cabaret venue versus a Broadway theater. A cabaret venue is more intimate, so your focus and how you play to the audience shifts to accommodate the space. As far as singing, your vocal quality pretty much stays the same. Microphones are a huge help.
When did you realize you wanted to be a performer?
In my sophomore year of high school, I was asked to audition for the school musical, which happened to be Hair. I was incredibly grateful to be cast as the role of Dionne in the show, and on that first day of rehearsal, I had that “once in a lifetime moment” where I realized that “I could not see myself doing anything else but this.” And the rest is history.
How difficult is the life of being a working actor and singer?
For most contracts you have to perform eight shows in six days, which can be very tasking on the body. I make the appropriate lifestyle choices that allow me sustainability throughout each contract. I make sure to do both physical and vocal warm-ups, as well as maintain a healthy food prep routine.
What’s next for you after this NYC engagement?
While there are no concrete engagements after this, I’m hopeful and excited to see whatever blessings come after this debut concert.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
New Beginnings, starring Gabrielle Beckford, plays Monday, Feb. 5, at Chelsea Table + Stage in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
