Name: Chanel BraggAge:31
Vocal range: Alto, Mezzo on a good day :)
Stage credits: Equity Membership candidate, Two time Zoni award recipient, Irene Ryan Nomination. I've worked several professional productions for Phoenix Theatre: ( Hairspray, Rent, Memphis, New Works (Mozart) ), Arizona Broadway Theatre: (Buddy Holly Story, Hairspray), Fort Peck Summer Theatre: (Buddy Holly Story, Shrek the Musical). Childsplay Theatre: Super Cowgirl and Mighty Miracle
Bucket role list: Aida, would be everything; Felicia in Memphis, Gary Coleman in Avenue Q, Billie Holiday in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill. I Have been blessed to play all the other roles I have dreamed of being in. Joanne Jefferson- Rent, Mrs. Mueller- Doubt, Ruth Younger- Raisin in the Sun, Effie White- Dreamgirls (This season at Desert Foothills Theater).
What inspired you to be a performer?
I was first introduced to theater as a tree in A House on Mango street in the sixth grade and I have been forever hooked. Not to mention, anytime I watch Viola Davis, Angela Basset or Phylicia Rashad and I am continuously re-inspired.
Why did you want to help co-create The Soul of Broadway?
There was a need in the community for more diversity in theater. Although we have Black Theatre Troupe and Teatro Bravo, there was still a need to create a diverse show in the Valley that did not exist back in 2009. Our goal was to employ a troupe of very skilled African-American Singers to perform excellent Musicals that otherwise would never be done in Arizona, and to plainly say that we do exist within our theater community, and we are looking to get hired.
Why do you think a show like The Soul of Broadway important?
Our hopes with the show was to create a network of black actors to work alongside each other in a cohesive effort to produce a quality product unlike anything that the Valley had been exposed to. But more than that, the show provided a history lesson that spotlights overlooked gems within the African American Genre of Musical theatre and allows those unique stories to be told.
Tell me one experience with the show that you won't forget.
I love seeing the audience react to a song of poignant nature. For me, it's whenever we perform the song "Black and Blue" from Ain't Misbehavin'. The song is not meant to be a happy one. It makes a powerful statement and shows a true look into the negative side of our history and to what our culture has endured. Hearing the audible collective sigh of the audience after singing such a heavy song reaffirms the reason why it is important to keep pieces like this one in the light.
How do you choose what should be covered in a show like this?
It is a very long process of selecting material that will grab the audience, what sounds best on which singer we want featured, and an even flow of old blending into new. It is important to show where we come from and of course the evolution to where we are going.
Tell me your favorite songs or songs that you've performed so far and why?
"Easy as Life" from Aida. It's the one show that if I got to play her, I could hang up the character shoes and feel like I can retire now. :)
Where do you see yourself as an actress in the next five years?
I hope that no matter what I am doing, I am staying true to myself, that I reach a level of success that enables me to take care of those I love the most, and that I have advanced in some way further than where I am currently. I have been very blessed in my career locally, but it is time to start venturing out to see what else is out there to conquer. :)
Outside of The Soul of Broadway, name one of your favorite roles you've played and why?
I played Ruth in A Raisin in the Sun and it was a real challenge for myself at the time. I know I get cast mostly in musical theater, but my first love is straight plays. I always felt I was a stronger actor than singer.
