Her parents were jocks. Far from Broadway stars, but their musical influence has her in the female lead in “Tootsie” on tour now. Time to go Beyond the Mic with Ashley Alexandra.
Welcome Ashley:
We’re joined on the Starline by a Broadway star in the making. You’ve seen her on Celebrity Cruises, in regional theater and touring with Tara Vaughn. Now she’s on her 1st national tour playing Julie Nichols in Tootsie. We welcome Ashley Alexandra.
Ashley, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You’re a proud Jersey girl through and through. Beauty and the Beast was your first Broadway show. Would the daughter of two jocks become interested in Broadway if it wasn’t for that 1st show?
What music did you grow up with? What influences did you have?
How did that music influence you?
Three years ago you described yourself as an “over eager and large mouthed girl who had no idea that this was only the beginning of a blossoming career”. You have achieved what few others have, your first Broadway traveling show is as one of the leads. What does that say about you?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. Best thing about the Fairleigh Dickinson campus?
2. You used to enjoy sketching as a kid. When was the last time you picked up a pencil and drew?
3. Artists that you look up to and occasionally find yourself sing in the shower?
4. Most underrated piece of lululemon clothing?
5. Longest hike you’ve made and where did you go?
6. Biggest honor other than being a Phi Zeta Kappa Honor Student?
7. What’s the one thing on the top of your bucket list?
8. You rescued your late dog Sophia from a shelter. Why is the love of a dog unconditional to you?
The Back Half:
You play the leading lady in the musical inside the musical. Who did you call first?
What did you parents think when you told you?
Talk about this amazing cast and working with Drew Becker?
You used to be a talent cruising everywhere. How has this tour different for you than when you were just on a boat?
What do you find yourself buying when you get to a new city?
So where do you go to reset after you arrive?
People may have seen the movie “Tootsie” but the musical is slightly different. Why is it better than the movie?
One thing you have to have on the road that makes you feel like you’re at home?
You believe in yourself, building up rather than tearing down. Why is that important to you?
Best thing about your boyfriend other than when he facetimes you for three hours?
How has your parents helped you in your life and changed the way you’ve seen the world?
Who inspires you to be a better performer each day?
You spent a while on a cruise ship entertaining guests each night. Where was your favorite port and how did those times prepare you for today?
Your resume lists your talents and I was intrigued by whistling… what can you whistle?
Everyone has a dream role, Ashley. What’s yours?
Two Big Questions:
You once said “Over the years, it’s been not only a matter of telling people ‘This is who I am,’ but of reminding myself who I am when I wake up in the morning.” Who are you now?
How has who you are changed from the beginning of your road to now and what do you see in your future?
The Wrap:
Ashley hiked 9 miles in Denver and almost got blown over. She would kill to be in Man of La Mancha and is a mini blender fiend. She wants you to see Tootsie at a city near you. Ashley Alexandra thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.
Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with theater stars here.
Find out more about Ashley here.
