As a recent graduate, Gabrielle Carrubba is a rising star to keep your eye on. She made her Broadway debut right out of college as an understudy in the original cast of Dear Evan Hansen, and more recently, she has been starring in the role of Zoe Murphy in the hit musical.
Gabrielle answered five questions for Broadway Direct, where she tells us about what audiences will most look forward to seeing in Dear Evan Hansen, who she has been most inspired by, and her favorite NYC restaurants.
1. What inspired you to become an actress?
I started off in a competitive dance background (à la Dance Moms), which kind of kicked off my love for performing. When I was about 8, a community theater near me was doing Annie, so my mom thought it would be fun for me to audition for one of the orphans. I ended up only singing in “Hard Knock Life,” but that’s when it all kind of started for me. Once I discovered you could sing, dance, and act all at the same time, it was pretty much game over from there!
2. Who in your field inspires you?
I cried when I met Sutton. I also cried when I met Audra. I also cried watching Patti videos on YouTube last week. So, I guess the leading ladies of Broadway have always been the true masterclasses of being unapologetic and fully committed. However, I’ll never forget my first day of rehearsal/the first time seeing Taylor Trensch as Evan Hansen. I saw nuance, subtlety, and full emotional vulnerability. Watching him made me want to be a better actor.
3. What will audiences be most excited about seeing in Dear Evan Hansen?
I am confident that every single person who comes back to see Dear Evan Hansen will find someone or something they can resonate with. It is the embodiment of why we come to the theater: to share stories with each other.
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Dear Evan Hansen is so powerful and emotional and the actors on stage only help illuminate that. Audiences will leave the theater teary-eyed with catharsis and compassion and hopefully the impulse to connect with each other.
4. What are some things you’ve always wanted to do that you’re able to spend time on now?
Thankfully, I’ve been able to reconnect with nature and rediscover what it means to be still. Us actors are always on the move, so to be somewhat forced to find some grounding has honestly transformed my mental, emotional, and physical self. Plus, I’ve been cooking a lot. And taking a lot of unnecessary photos of my cat.
5. What NYC spot are you missing most now?
ROKC, the best restaurant in New York City. Period. Oh, and Glass House Tavern!
You can catch Gabrielle Carrubba in Dear Evan Hansen at the Music Box Theatre, and follow her on Instagram @gabrielle.carrubba.