BWW Interviews: Stephanie Styles as Katherine in NEWSIES on Tour

With the Disney play NEWSIES touring around North America, Stephanie Styles, who plays Jack's love interest Katherine, it's no wonder she's excited to bring NEWSIES to San Antonio. Styles grew up I Houston, Texas and loved visiting San Antonio many times. She recently chatted with BWW about growing up in Houston and the role she has come to love in NEWSIES.

You are from Houston, Texas. How did you get involved in performing while growing up in Houston?

I am from Houston, Texas born and raised. It was when I was four years old it was a national tour of "The Phantom of the Opera" was in Houston. My parents took me to "The Phantom of the Opera" at four so they are awesome parents. I was watching it and I completely fell in love with it. I asked my mother if I could go again the next night. I asked if there was something I could take lessons in for it because I was in swim lessons or ballet and this was something I wanted to do. That's what really started getting into the arts. But, I think what's interesting is that I've always had a lifelong love of Disney and the Disney films. I'm a huge Disney fan and a charter member of D23 which is the official fan club. I think that those movies, especially growing up in the 90's, the Alan Menken films, NEWSIES, "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," those films, was the first time that audiences had seen these animated films and wonderful stories propelled by music. These characters singing and dancing, I think that's what really instilled in me a love for this medium. That's where I started and then at four started lessons at "Theatre Under the Stars" in Houston and I was in my first show at six. I've been performing since then. I did "Scrooge" with Theatre Under the Stars" it was starring Gary Beach, the Tony award winner, and I played Becky Cratchit. I was one of the little Cratchit children and I remember my audition they had all the children line up. The littlest Cratchit girl didn't have any lines which means I have to listen and I was listening to everyone talking and the scene and really responding without having lines and I remember that was a big deal and to this day, listening is such an important part of being a private actor. So, that was something I learned early on.

When did you discover NEWSIES the movie?

I have always loved Disney films so I definitely discovered it a little later on. You can't beat that Alan Menken score and Jack Feldman lyrics. I love what they've done with the characters to form my character in the show, Katherine. She doesn't exist in the film. She's an amalgamation of the reporter and Jack's love interest who was in the film. She's a young burgeoning reporter that not only falls in love with the strike but falls in love with its leader.

And how did you get the role?

I was in college in my final few months at the University of Michigan. I just got an email one day come audition. I didn't have an agent at the time. I was getting emails directly with the casting office because they knew my work. I kept flying back and forth. Between my last day of school and my first final, was my final callback and I was cramming before the final when I got the call that I got the role of Katherine. I was sobbing and I had to keep it a secret for a while and it was awesome. And, I did ok on the final so all is well.

What is the most difficult part about being on the road so much?

I had actually been on the road when I was 11. I did "The Sound of Music." I'm used to being on the road except this time, I don't have a parent with me. I love it. I love seeing new cities and performing in these new houses. I'm a foodie and I love to eat at the best places so I always feel like I have to do a little research before I get to each city and I love it. I do miss my friends and family. But, it's a blast. I have made many friends here that have become my family.

Have you been to San Antonio?

I have. During middle school I did this thing called Texas Odyssey where they took us all on a weeklong fieldtrip. We went to Fredericksburg, San Antonio and all the best parts of Texas. I also used to be a competitive figure skater so we would come there to a few competitions so I've seen my fair share of San Antonio and I love it. And if you have any recommendations where to have to eat on the Riverwalk, let me know.

Tickets for NEWSIES at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio are going fast. The show runs from May 12-17, 2015. Don't miss the chance to see a great show at a great theater.

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