He was my music director on West Side Story, and he is the only reason I got through my Broadway debut.” Dobson, an inherently shy person, visibly relaxes at the memory. “The person I look up to in this business the most is Alex Gemignani. When principal Tony, Isaac Cole Powell, suffered a leg injury early in West Side Story’s preview process, Dobson was stricken with panic, having not had adequate rehearsal time before being called upon to lead the production. Throughout his journey from the pit to stage, he has leaned on his fellow actor-musicians to fight off his own imposter syndrome. Originally a musician, Dobson served as a drum major in his high school band, and trained as a woodwind player, expecting to play in the orchestra of Broadway shows. The pressure on Dobson is less defensive, and more offensive. The imposter syndrome has been real, but I’ve promised myself this New Year to step into my power and be confident in myself.” People were coming for my character, and to experience the highest of highs on that day, and then go home and see….” Here Genao waves her hands widely, seemingly at a loss for words, before continuing, “It was very difficult. “My heart is with everyone that experienced that unfortunate period in London, but it was very difficult to deal with the backlash. When Webber announced the Broadway transfer, complete with a name and cast change, Genao was the target of a digital pile on, tearing apart every second of the event in the latest example of Internet meme mockery. In London, COVID-19 complications and behind-the-scenes missteps caused problems- the show closed earlier than expected in June 2022, with many cast members blindsided by the notice when the press broke the news. The musical dramatically reimagines the classic fairytale, calling into question the power dynamics present in most fairytale romances, and the beautiful-yet-tragic princess archetype. While the champagne toast helped to settle their nerves, both Dobson and Genao have been feeling the pressure.īad Cinderella originally premiered on the West End in 2021 with the straightforward name Cinderella. The pair visited Playbill only hours before their first scene rehearsal, following the company’s first sing-through on New Year’s Eve. I'm writing notes all the time, every time they do something.” I can't wait to learn from these two women. Genao nods emphatically in agreement, bringing up her soon-to-be stepmother Carolee Carmello, “They're comedic geniuses. “I have been Grace’s biggest fan for so long when I found out she was playing my mom, I got so excited.” “Grace McLean! Oh, I’m obsessed” says Dobson, who is playing Queen McLean’s son Prince Sebastian (McLean played the scene-stealer Marya in Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812, and is a composer in her own right, responsible for Lincoln Center’s In The Green).
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