THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As with Your Favorite Broadway Stars- BIG FISH's Ciara Renee

Welcome to THE FRIDAY SIX: Q&As With Your Favorite Broadway Stars. Want to know what hooked them to a career in the theater? Their dream roles? Their Broadway crushes? Read on!

In this week's edition, we caught up with Ciara Renee, who is starring as 'The Witch' in Big Fish- currently playing at the Neil SimonTheatre.

What is the first Broadway show you ever saw?

It was MARY POPPINS on a school field trip in high school. I loved the show, and the amazing set. She flew, and Bert tapped upside-down! It solidified the idea that theatre is a professional career I could pursue. It's also kinda perfect that the music director of MP ended up being my college program director's husband!

What is your most unique pre-show ritual?

I have to be honest, I don't necessarily have a ritual. I mean I warm up physically and vocally (a LOT vocally) and then do whatever else I feel I have time for or need. Some days I'll play guitar, other days I'll snack and watch UpWorthy videos. Other days, I just kind of sit in silence and meditate a bit.

What is your most memorable "the show must go on" moment?

I'm sure there have been plenty of these kinds of moments, but I feel like I always black-out during them so I can't say I remember many! There was a time doing PASSING STRANGE at the 14th Street Theatre in Cleveland when I came down with some ridiculous illness, akin to bronchitis, and I could barely speak. I made the choice to just go on and try! Luckily, the show is very acting/scene heavy and not necessarily the most vocally challenging piece I've ever done. Still, there were many squeaks and a few whisper-sung numbers, but the show did go on.

What is the one role you want to play before you die?

It is absolutely necessary that I play 'Elphaba' before I die. Isn't that appropriate, since I'm already playing a witch!? Clearly, she's a very different witch from the one I play now, but I've loved her from the moment I watched a bootleg of Idina's first performance so many years ago. (Can I say that? lol) There are only two other characters I love as much as 'Elphie' - 'Mimi' and 'Velma' - but I've already gotten to play 'Mimi' twice (though I certainly wouldn't mind playing her again).

Who is your Broadway crush?

Like a talent crush? That would definitely be Norbert [Leo Butz], Haha! Working with him has been an absolute joy and a total learning experience. I don't think I've ever respected an actor more than I do with Norbert. He's fun, intelligent, so good at going with the flow and improvising when needed.

Where can people stalk you online?

You better believe I'm all over that social media, so get ready. I have Facebook, Twitter, and an official website: www.ciarareneeaea.com. So stalk away! :D