Former Students Find Success on Broadway

Photo: Josh Dela Cruz, left, and Rob McClure both appeared on Broadway in 2014 -15.

When the curtain rose in November for Honeymoon in Vegas, headliner Rob McClure became the second former Montclair State student performing on Broadway at that time, joining Aladdin's Joshua Dela Cruz '11.

McClure, who received a 2013 Tony nomination for his performance in the title role of Chaplin, says the seeds of success were planted for him at Montclair State. "My studies definitely helped develop and shape the skills I use in my career," says McClure.

His advice to Broadway hopefuls? "Use your education to figure out who you are and who you are not. Stop trying to be the performers you admire. You don't want to be a secondrate Idina Menzel. You want to be a first-rate you."

Dela Cruz's career has taken off with Aladdin, in which he plays various ensemble roles and is the Aladdin understudy. "It's a gift to be able to study theater at a college level, let alone pursue it as a career," he says.

According to Musical Theatre Professor Clay James, the success of any program reflects the talents of the students it attracts. "This is especially true of the Musical Theatre program," he says.

Also playing at a theater near you

While McClure and Dela Cruz are cast in hit shows around the corner from each other, many of their former classmates are performing in shows across the country.

Evan Ruggiero '13, who lost his right leg to cancer as a sophomore, touched millions with his 2013 American Idol appearance. "Idol was a great experience, but putting in the work to perfect your craft will get you farther than being on a reality television show," says Ruggiero, whose recent Manhattan performances include Panic! The Musical.

Tara Tagliaferro '10 and fellow alumni Wonu Ogunfowara '14 and Nicholas Rodriguez '14 recently toured nationally in Sister Act. "We had an instant connection," recalls Tagliaferro. "I'm proud of the talent Montclair State is putting out in the world."

Amanda Phillips '11 finished a national tour of White Christmas in January. "There's always something around the corner – and it's never what you expect," she explains.

"I've gotten the best of two worlds by performing with professional dance companies and in musicals," says Sharrod Williams '12, who performed alongside Bonnie Kelly '11 and Joseph Rosario '13 in the 2012– 2013 national tour of A Chorus Line and with Nadia Vynnytsky '11 in the second international tour of Bring It On: The Musical.

Jelani Remy, who has played Simba in various productions of The Lion King since 2009, credits James for his success. "The experiences, challenges and lessons he gave me provided incredible preparation for the demands of the business."

"Always stay true to who you are. There is no right way to do this and everyone's path is different," advises Adam Bashian '11, who is currently touring the country in Phantom of the Opera. "For now," he says, "I am exactly where I want to be."