You may have only just been introduced to Analise Scarpaci, but she’s surely a name you won’t forget. Before the show took its hiatus, Scarpaci was giving a scene-stealing performance as Lydia Hillard in the new musical Mrs. Doubtfire, based on the beloved film of the same name.
With plans to return when the musical resumes performances at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre this March, she also has just released her debut EP entitled Pathetic Little Dreamer. This singer-songwriter pop mix of original music has been praised by The Seattle Times with reviews like “Analise Scarpaci has a legit pop-star voice” and Variety calling Analise “a standout.”
The newly minted Broadway star answers 5 questions for Broadway Direct, where she tells us about how she fell in love with showbiz, why she’s inspired by Patti LuPone, and how the shutdown led to her writing her debut album.
1. What inspired you to become an actress and performer?
My parents are to blame for my love of musicals. Before I was two years old I had seen every Shirley Temple movie: Annie, Bye Bye Birdie, Grease, and more. That led to ballet lessons which eventually led to being enrolled in an acting school by the time I was five. The day that truly changed my life was when I saw the original cast of Billy Elliot on Broadway. I guess you could say it was my epiphany, and I knew I wanted to do what those ballet girls were doing for the rest of my life. So I found a manager by looking in the Playbill, sent my information and to my surprise, she called to meet with me. I’m still in shock that day led to being in three Broadway shows and a debut album, Pathetic Little Dreamer.
2. Who in your field inspires you?
In my dressing room at Doubtfire, I have a wall of women who have inspired me throughout the years. But if you know me, you know that I find a way to mention these two artists at least once every other day: Patti LuPone and Sara Bareilles. Patti LuPone is completely and unapologetically herself at all times and that is something I’ve always admired about her. I had watched so many videos of her performances as a child and throughout college and she truly invests herself into every role she plays. I’ve watched her as Joanne in Company at the New York Philharmonic probably a million times. As for Sara Bareilles, her lyrics have connected with me since I was a little girl. I’ve always admired the fact that she can literally do it all: write songs, write a musical, star in that same musical, act on a TV show, produce a TV show and so much more all while being a super cool human. Just two superwomen, in my opinion, and I would love to meet them both someday.
3. What will audiences be most excited about seeing in Mrs. Doubtfire?
I think audiences will be most excited to see all of the dance numbers as well as the costume changes Rob McClure has to endure every night. I don’t think people expect Mrs. Doubtfire to have so many dance numbers varying in so many different styles. Lorin Latarro’s choreography is so inspiring and fun and it truly makes the audience fall in love with the show every night. In addition to the laughs, music, and dancing, I think audiences will be most excited to see how Rob McClure transforms from Daniel Hillard to Mrs. Doubtfire in a matter of seconds! Multiple times throughout the show, the audiences get to feel the suspense in real-time of how quickly he changes from one character to the other. It’s truly remarkable!
4. What is something you’ve learned during the shutdown that you will take with you?
I know that I should never take anything for granted and always keep your creativity flowing. It’s very easy for humans to get completely caught in their emotions during times of isolation, and for me, I put all of my emotions into my work. During the shutdown, I found songwriting and that truly helped me put all of my emotions and my creativity into a safe space. My debut album, Pathetic Little Dreamer, consists of seven of those songs written during the shutdown.
5. What is your favorite NYC spot?
To eat: Fresco by Scotto. To chill: Bryant Park. To shop: The window displays on 5th Avenue make me smile 🙂
You can catch Analise Scarpaci in Mrs. Doubtfire at Broadway’s Stephen Sondheim Theatre, and follow her on Instagram @analise.scarpaci.