It's always special for someone to fulfil their dream. And when that dream just happens to be someone's debut role... well there's just nothing like it! This year has had an explosion of talented new performers, from almost the entire cast of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express, to everyone's favourite reality show winner Stevie Doc (Mamma Mia: I Have a Dream), to Mia Kobayashi in Your Lie In April, the industry has welcomed so many new performers.
Here is AIT members most formidable and unforgettable debut performances!
Mia Kobayashi (Your Lie In April)
"Mia joined Your Lie in April in her professional and West End debut as a lead role, and instantly won over the hearts of everyone who watched the show. Mia is unbelievably talented, and so kind, and really made the show even more special, growing better with every performance. And she was already perfect to start with."
Oviya
"Mia took the role of Kaori and made it entirely her own. She was an effervescent, charming presence throughout, her on stage relationship and chemistry with Zheng Xi Yong as Kosei was sweet and endearing. It’s a testament to the quality of her performance that I felt so profoundly affected by it, especially at the end."
James
"What a voice! Her performance is easily in my favourites for this year, making Frank Wildhorn’s score sound easy."
Emma
Jeevan Braich (Starlight Express)
"Not only is this Jeevan's professional debut, but he was also 17 when he was cast, attended 12 weeks of skating school to learn how to skate, and opened the much anticipated revival of an ALW musical. Jeevan's level of talent is matched only by his gratitude and love for theatre, making sure to deliver only the best in every performance. A true star performer."
Oviya
Gerardine Sacdalan (& Juliet)
"Fresh out of Urdang, Gerardine Sacdalan is already proving she’s a force to be reckoned with in her first lead role as Juliet in the touring production of & Juliet. With powerhouse vocals, nuanced acting and strong dancing, this triple threat is surely one to watch."
Julie
Jess Folley (Burlesque)
"In one of the most well known roles (I mean who can top Christina Aguilera), Jess Folley was already known to many for her incredible range and beautiful voice. In her first role in musical theatre, to have written some of the score as well as doing 8 shows a week in a demanding role physically and vocally, was astonishing."
Jordan
Sonny Monaghan (Dear Evan Hansen)
"Sonny, who plays the alternative Evan Hansen on the DEH, had won the role after a TikTok casting call and brings a refreshingly new take on the beloved character. With winningly powerful vocals, and a brilliant stage presence, Sonny has made a strong debut."
Oviya
The Cast of Starlight Express
"Most of the cast of the 2024 London revival are making their professional debuts, and they create magic on stage each night. Beyond being triple threat performers, they're also on roller skates for the duration of the show, which is no small feat. Each of the performers have taken these beloved characters and made them their own, bringing them to life with renewed energy. The love the cast have for the show and their characters is clear. Not to mention they're all so humble, and kind as well. Particular standouts are Kayna Montecillo as Pearl, Al Knott as Greaseball, Eve Humphrey as Dinah, Tom Pigram as Electra, Asher Forth- Green Arrow as cover Rusty and Electra, Renz Cardenas as Tassita, Emily Martinez as Slick, Harrison Peterson as Lumber, Lilliana Henderson as Wrench and cover Dinah) and Ashlyn Weekes as Belle and Cover Pearl."
Oviya
Let us know your favourite professional debut of 2024 in the comments below and check out the rest of our categories of AIT's Twelve Days of Christmas in the blog section.
Comments