Since I was a little girl, one of my favorite games to play has been, “If people I know were characters in this show/movie/book, which ones would they be?” But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that it’s hard to pick just one character for anyone, because real people are more complex than characters. We only have a set amount of time to get to know characters, so we can’t possibly know them completely.
So, as the musical lover that I am, I’ve decided to pick out characters that I think represent all the pieces of who I am.
1. Young Brenna: Matilda from Matilda the Musical
As a three year old, I would sit on the floor of Barnes and Noble and read books out loud, drawing the attention of people who would ask my dad, "How old is she???" I'd like to think that my early start to reading, much like Matilda, led to the imagination and creativity that I have today.
2. Idealist Brenna: Belle from Beauty and the Beast
"Soon she'll start getting ideas and thinking..." Yep, I think... a lot. I think about things that have happened, and things that I wish would happen. My frequent trips to Brennaland allow me to analyze what I believe in and to see the best in others. Sometimes, I take it too far and imagine traits in people that aren't there, but for the most part, I'm happy to be someone who's always striving to see the good, not the bad. Also, BOOKS.
3. Passionate Brenna: Diana Morales from A Chorus Line
Like me, Morales has a vivid memory of the past and how everything makes her feel. She remembers her old acting coach who made her feel small and uses it to fuel her fire. Haters are, in a way, her motivators. Emotions are a big part of who I am; they help me write articles that people can relate to.
4. Shy Brenna: Gertrude from Seussical
I love Gertrude!! She's meek on the outside, but deeply passionate and caring on the inside. It's her kind heart that gets her crush to finally "notice" her, not a fancy multiple-feathered tail. Like me, she keeps to herself most of the time, but has a heart of gold.
5. Free-spirited Brenna: Maria from The Sound of Music
Being a nun isn't for Maria — she longs for adventure and to be able to sing whenever she wants. She "climbs a tree and scraps her knee" and is "always late for everything, except for every meal." I can totally relate because I'm not a fan of too much structure. I like to go with the flow!
6. Emotional Brenna: Jenna from Waitress
Jenna goes through a lot throughout the show, like unexpectedly getting pregnant by her abusive husband. In her ballad, "She Used to Be Mine," she reflects on how she's lost herself and is having a hard time seeing past the emotional fog that she's in. We've all been there to some extent--I admire how she's able to find herself again.
7. Badass Brenna: Elphaba from Wicked
Elphaba is my queen. I love how she doesn't let the opinions of others hold her down. She proves to Glinda that she doesn't need to be "popular" or change for anyone. I can see myself in this, because I try not to base my morals on anyone but myself.
I love being able to see myself in seven different characters, as well as making any connection between my life and lives of musical theater characters. This personal connection is why theater speaks to so many people!
