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Graduate of Roosevelt’s Musical Theatre Program to Star on Broadway


BroadwayAladdin

CHICAGO–(ENEWSPF)–October 21, 2013.  Courtney Reed, a recent graduate of Roosevelt University’s Musical Theatre program, will have her first starring role in a Broadway show beginning in February 2014.

CourtneyReedThe Elgin, Ill., native will star as Jasmine in the new Disney Theatrical Production of Aladdin, which features a cast and ensemble of 34 people.

“This is a wonderful accomplishment for Courtney and a feather in the cap for the Theatre Conservatory,” said Sean Kelley, associate dean of Roosevelt’s Chicago College of Performing Arts and director of the Theatre Conservatory.

“What can I say?” added Kelley. “We are beyond thrilled.”

It will be the largest role yet for Reed, who has also appeared on Broadway in Mamma Mia and In the Heights and has made TV appearances on CSI: NY, Law and Order and White Collar.

“To have the experience of playing a leading lady on Broadway is a dream come true for me,” said Reed, who began her acting career at the age of seven with the Children’s Theatre of Elgin, then, went on to study high school drama at the Larkin Visual and Performing Arts Academy in Elgin before attending the Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt’s Chicago College of Performing Arts.

The Roosevelt alumna also had roles in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at the Noble Fool Theatre at Pheasant Run in St. Charles, Ill., and was in the ensemble for Light Opera Works’ 110 in the Shade and South Pacific, staged at Northwestern University, before moving to New York City where she made her Broadway debut.

Reed also starred as Jasmine in the 2011 premiere of Aladdin at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle.

“One of the greatest benefits of attending Roosevelt University was the choice of living in the city and having exposure to a lot professional theatres, people and opportunities,” said Reed. “I always found the faculty at Roosevelt and my fellow students to be dedicated, passionate and hard working,” added Reed, who is currently rehearsing for her leading-lady role.

The musical launches Nov. 1 through Jan. 5, 2014 at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto before heading to the New Amsterdam Theatre in Manhattan beginning on Feb. 26, 2014.

Source: roosevelt.edu

 


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