Interview: Meet Broadway's Youngest Star in the Making, Tori Murray

Tori Murray is Broadway's biggest star in the making. She's had show's at Feinstein's/54 Below, worked with Sutton Foster, and she's only 12 years old! To celebrate her return to Feinstein's/54 Below, in which she will be the youngest solo act to ever appear at venue, we decided to catch up with her to talk about READY OR NOT, HERE I COME, RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL, and her appearance with Sutton Foster on Nickelodeon's ALL IN WITH CAM NEWTON. Check out the interview, below!

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When did you know you wanted to perform?
I was 9 and it was my first time in front of a large audience. After that, I was hooked.

How long have you been performing for?
I started when I was 8 in an after school theatre program.

What was it like to be a part of ALL IN WITH CAM NEWTON?
It was really cool. I flew out to Los Angeles and it was my first TV experience. Everyone was so nice and helpful. I think Cam Newton was the biggest person I have ever seen. But, he was a big kid. He liked candy more than me.

What was it like to work with Sutton Foster?
She was really great. Even though she is a big star she made me feel really comfortable and we just had a good time. She really understood what I was feeling, so all her advice was really meaningful.

Are there any other Broadway stars that you would die to work with?
Oh gosh, probably too many to name, but Kristin Chenoweth is someone I really admire. I would also love to work with other kids. Professionally, I have only worked with adults and done solo projects.

You're currently in RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL. What has the experience been like so far?
I can't think of a better way to start. I have been with this group for a while now, and they are really like a second family.

Is it fun playing a character like Tina- someone who is charming yet diabolical ?
I love it. She has a full range of emotions and personality. I like to see how far I can push it and still feel real.

Do you relate to her in any way? Have you ever experienced anyone like her before?
I understand what she wants and her desire to try and have some control, but she is crazy. Have I run into anyone like her? Let's just say no one quite that crazy.

You are currently the youngest solo cabaret performer with your performance at Feinstein's/54 Below. What was that experience like?
It was awesome. Even though it is a one girl show, so many talented people came together to make it happen. It's not really a cabaret show though. It is more of mini musical. Kids and adults can both relate to the story.

Would you do it again?
I am! I'm doing the show July 14th at 54 below again. After that there has been talk about doing a longer run but we will have to see what happens.

You're doing so many amazing things at such a young age. Is there anything you still want to do that you haven't done yet?
There is a lot I haven't done yet. I really just want play fun characters and sing good songs. I will do that anywhere.

What is your dream Broadway role?
Even though I haven't seen HAMILTON yet, I know all the words to the whole show. Angelica Schuyler is an amazing character. But, I'm really hoping my dream character hasn't been created yet and someone thinks I would be perfect for that role.

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Tori Murray is 12 years old and is a 7th grader at Edison Intermediate School in Westfield, NJ. She is currently starring as Tina Denmark in RUTHLESS! THE MUSICAL. In her spare time, Tori loves to read, hang out with her friends, ski and swim.

Tori returns on July 14th to Feinstein's/54 Below, with an encore of her own one-girl show entitled Ready or Not, Here I Come. The evening will be a mini-musical blending a tale of growing up through an eclectic book of songs from contemporary Broadway musicals, movie and TV favorites, as well as popular music. The show which is being produced by Evan Sacks is under the direction of Dan Foster (4000 Miles, Sunday in the Park with George, Murderers, Mary's Wedding) with musical direction by Jason Wetzel (After Midnight, Radio City Christmas Spectacular) and vocal arrangements by Thomas and Linda Smargiassi. The story which was written by Tom and Tori Murray will be staged by Jeramiah Peay (Ruthless the Musical). You can purchase tickets for the show here. All ticket proceeds will go to the Broadway Dreams Foundation, and will also include an open bar.