A Day In The Life: Ariana DeBose
Currently on Broadway as Mary Wilson of The Supremes in the hit show Motown, Ariana DeBose gives us a peek into a day in the life:
Ari, take us through your day:
My Morning:
My day always starts off with a cup of joe and some morning business.
-P.S.: as an actress, watching Crimes of the Heart totally counts as business- ha.
I’m working on my website and using the black and white fishnet veil image as inspiration.
My mom sent me this write up in my local Raleigh paper- what a nice surprise.
On my way to the 2 train, I spy some sensible graffiti art.
My Afternoon:
I squeeze in a quick photo shoot as I needed some new shots, I like how this one turned out- it’s my Mary Tyler Moore moment.
I head to the Genius Bar on the Upper West Side which I love because you don’t need an appointment.
I arrive at my dressing room to find my gown from Hilton Hollis- yay- for opening night, a huge perk of being on Broadway.
My latest obsession- Chimes Ginger Chews, they’re delicious and good for the vocal chords.
My fabulous dresser helps me restyle a dress I’ve already worn for another event.
I always pop in to stage management to say hello, we have an amazing and hardworking team.
That gooey gold lame is courtesy of the design talents of one Emilio Sosa- our costume designer. I’m the understudy for Diana Ross and I cannot wait to get into that gown.
My Evening:
A quick backstage photo op before curtain and then off to drinks with the legendary Martha Reeves and the Andantes (lucky me- another huge perk).
That’s a photo of my personal guru and master set designer, David Korins and I- he’s totally a genius.
And that’s a wrap- back uptown I go to start all over again tomorrow.
I’ve know Ari since she was a wee student of 18. Now she’s all of 22 strutting down the step and repeat with two Broadway shows and a stint on So You Think You Can Dance under her belt. Geez Louise, these young whipper snappers move fast today. She’s all abuzz on the New York theater scene and she took a few minutes out of her fun filled day to talk with us.
Did you always know you wanted to be on Broadway?
I always knew I wanted to perform. I figured out that Broadway was the place for me around age 12. The first musical I saw was Rent and there was something about that girl in the leopard coat (Mimi) that made me think I could do what she was doing.
What is your favorite thing about being on Broadway?
There are too many to count; but I just adore all the amazing people I get to meet.
What’s it like playing Mary Wilson?
It’s fabulous to play an icon every night! And Mary had so many dynamic qualities that make it so fun to play. She was a ball of sex appeal and utter joy.
How much do you love your costumes, and Emilio Sosa- what is he like to work with?
Emilio is so wonderful! He has such an eye for a woman’s body and how to capture the essence if each client or character. We had such a good time together with both the Mary track and my Diana understudy costumes. He worked to tailor the styles to my body and personality- makes a girl feel special!
Tell me about your training.
I trained at CC & Company Dance Complex in Raleigh, NC. I am Studio raised and grew up competing and taking class at conventions. I started taking private vocal lessons my junior year of high school and spent a short time at Western Carolina University where I took a very helpful acting class. But I am still training as we speak. I treat every job as a chance to learn something new, I’m constantly in dance class and training with my vocal coach.
What was it like being on So You Think?
SYTYCD was such a whirlwind. It was my first real audition experience and I learned a lot about myself and how to function in an audition. The show itself was just icing on the cake! I mean what 18 year old doesn’t enjoy being on TV?!
With an 8 show a week schedule and working 6 days a week, what is your perfect day off?
A day at the spa! I love to lounge in a pool with my best girls and a mimosa, throw in a full body massage and I’m set.
Sounds pretty great Ari. In your next life, you’re a…
Fashion Designer
Who or what inspires you?
PEOPLE inspire me. Every day I see something- an act of kindness, or something as small as a smile will inspire me.
Where is your favorite spot on the planet?
Austria. I sound like Maria Von Trapp, but I have never been more at peace then when I was there, the air is so clean.
What’s on your Bucket List?
So many things! I want to visit the rock of Gibraltar, climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge, ski the Alps and I definitely want to perform at the Kennedy Center.
What is something you really don’t need to do again?
No. More. Reality. Shows. It was fabulous while it lasted but I don’t need to do it again.
I just bought Then Again by Diane Keaton. I really admire her and I’m enjoying her insight thus far and I’m currently listening to Morgan James Live: A Celebration of Nina Simone. This fierce white woman is singing for the gods!
What is your favorite personal possession:
I have a string of red beads from the 50′s my great grandmother gave me before she passed. I wear them whenever I want to feel fancy.
Favorite style or beauty trend of the season?
I’m living for this Aqua Fresh vibe this summer spotted via Marie Claire’s UK site.
That’s a hard question…. part of me would love to have transitioned into television while still living life in the city. I’m legitimately hoping that I will have gone back to school by then and earned a degree of some sort.
And last, what advice would you give to a young performer with stars in his or her eyes?
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