Marlboro Teen stars in Off-Broadway play

Marlboro teen Brianna Eve Vitale lights up the stage as the lead actress in the off-Broadway play “Broadway Jayne." The 16-year old local performed the show at the Middletown Arts Center, and was in NYC in the following weeks.

“Broadway Jayne” is an original play written and directed by local playwright Sheree Rainbolt-Kren, and produced by Young Stars on the Rise. The play tells the story of Jayne, a young girl who wants a career on Broadway, while her CIA family wants her at Langley. Both worlds collide when she is given a top-secret assignment as the new singing sensation lead in a Broadway musical.

The actress playing Jayne, 16-year-old Brianna Eve Vitale, is a Marlboro resident who has been studying, singing and acting in Red Bank. While attending Red Bank Catholic High School (RBC), she performed in seven shows at regional theaters within the past eight years. According to Vitale, she has been singing ever since she was a little girl.

“I remember when I was 9 years old, I saw “Phantom of the Opera” on DVD,” Vitale recalled. “I fell in love with the music. I listened to it every day after school, memorizing all the songs and teaching myself to sing the beautiful melody of "Think of Me".  When I was in the fourth grade, my teacher, Mrs. Ogle from Dugan Elementary School in Marlboro, told me to try out for “Oklahoma” in town.  I used the song from “Phantom of the Opera” and was cast in the play.”

When she’s not busy winning roles and competitions, she’s strengthening her already mature singing voice performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” for the Marlboro Little League games, high school basketball games and pep rallies, and singing solos with RBC’s choir and chamber choir. 

She credits her growth as a singer to her inspiring singing teacher at RBC, Mr. Shawn Mack.

When it comes to acting, she draws inspiration from her mother, a stage and television actress who studied theater in NYC. “She taught me everything I know about acting,” said Vitale. “We work together on different acting techniques and characterization.  Also, my teacher at RBC, Mr. Keith Gissubel, has encouraged and helped me with my acting, giving me insight and direction that has inspired me to work harder.” 

At such a young age, she has already written and recorded her own songs, and dreams of one day hearing them on the radio. While she’s only just starting her junior year of high school in the fall, she has big plans for her future. 

“I want to attend a college in NYC so I can be near all the action,” she said.  “I want to perform on Broadway in the role of Christine Daaé in “Phantom of the Opera”, and visit London to study theater and music. I would like to sing and perform around the world one day, but for now, I will continue to work hard, dream big and reach for the stars!”

Vitale also finds inspiration in the performances of some of her favorite artists including Sarah Brightman, Josh Groban, Katy Perry and Beyoncé.

“I want to inspire others to achieve their dreams because it is possible if you work hard and stay focused. I am starting to see my dreams coming true and I know that I need to keep the faith, keep believing and always keep working!” she said. “I hope my voice will touch hearts, and I hope that one day I can inspire children with my songs and be a good role model.”