News Summary
Columbia College recently welcomed Broadway star Jenn Colella for a heartfelt Q&A session that inspired students and fans alike. Known for her role in the musical ‘Suffs’, Colella shared memories from her early theater days, her journey from Columbia to Broadway, and the importance of community in the performing arts. With a warm smile, she expressed gratitude for her time at Columbia College, where her passion for performing took root. The event served as a reminder of the transformative power of theater and mentorship.
Columbia City Welcomes Broadway Star Jenn Colella for a Heartfelt Q&A
On April 30, 2025, the spirited city of Columbia was the host for an inspiring event featuring Broadway star Jenn Colella. The event, which attracted many eager fans and students alike, was designed as a Q&A session where Colella took the opportunity to reflect on her remarkable journey in the world of theater.
Colella is famously known for her role as Carrie Chapman Catt in the award-winning musical “Suffs”, which celebrated women’s suffrage and captured the hearts of audiences. The show even bagged a coveted Tony Award for Best Book and Original Score. At the event, guests eagerly awaited their chance to get a signed playbill, and Colella was more than happy to oblige, sharing a smile and a memory with each fan.
Walking Down Memory Lane
This event was particularly special for Colella as she is a proud alumna of Columbia College, where she sowed the seeds of her theater career by majoring in speech and drama. Colella took the time to reminisce about those formative years, sharing that her time at Columbia shaped not only her artistic talents but also her love for performance. Columbia was where her journey truly took root, and she fondly recalled the friendships and experiences that made it unforgettable.
The Early Days of Performing
Before stepping onto Broadway stages, Jenn Colella was honing her skills by singing in choir in Summerville, South Carolina. As she stepped into the world of theater, she found her way to Trustus Theatre while in college, initially volunteering her time before transitioning to professional performances. This theater became a significant landmark in her career, marking the beginning of her professional journey in 1995. It was there that she gained invaluable experience and a deep appreciation for both the craft and the community that comes with theater.
From Columbia to Broadway
Colella made her Broadway debut in 2003 with “Urban Cowboy” and has since appeared in six Broadway shows. One of her standout performances was in “Come From Away”, where she portrayed Beverly Bass, earning a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actress. This critically acclaimed musical, which depicts the heartwarming story of airline workers and passengers stranded in Newfoundland during the September 11 attacks, ran for over five years and became a cherished part of her career.
Lessons from the Stage
At Trustus Theatre, Colella learned that theater is more than just a performance; it’s a community, a craft, and a place for self-discovery. One of her notable performances included playing a character named Sylvia, for which she took the unique step of researching her own pet dog to authentically capture the essence of her role. Dewey Scott-Wiley, a co-artistic director at Trustus, praised Colella for her ability to light up the stage and connect deeply with her audience, radiating warmth and joy.
Creating Shared Experiences
Colella emphasized her desire to tackle roles that provide a shared experience for the audience, aiming to touch the very souls of viewers, fostering connection despite the differences. She values the essence of performing, whether in the grand theaters of Broadway or the more intimate settings of Trustus, focusing on the art and connecting with people’s hearts.
A Grateful Heart
As the event concluded, Colella expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the mentorship that guided her along the way and the lasting influences of her experiences at both Columbia College and Trustus Theatre. There’s a palpable sense of affection and respect that she holds for the places and people who played pivotal roles in her spectacular journey.
With a deep appreciation for her roots and an eye on future productions, Colella remains a symbol of inspiration for aspiring actors everywhere, embodying the spirit of creativity, passion, and community in the world of theater.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Jenn Colella, SC Native Broadway Star
- Wikipedia: Jenn Colella
- Washington Blade: If Out, Then What? Jenn Colella
- Google Search: Jenn Colella
- T2C Online: Take a Master Class with Jennifer Colella at NYMF
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Broadway
- Columbia Spectator: Broadway’s Suffs Suffers from Activism Your Aunt Will Love
- Google News: Broadway Shows
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