As an actor, auditioning is your job

an original Broadway cast member of Legally Blonde The Musical, playing Leilani, one of Elle Woods’ many sorority sisters and understudying three principle roles, including Elle Woods. When the play was taken on the road, Becky starred as Elle Woods. She received a Helen Hayes Award nomination and represented the show at the Tony Awards singing “So Much Better.” In 2013 Becky landed another role she had been hoping for, appearing as Eponine in a Florida production of Les Miserables. For several summers Becky was delighted to star in productions at the historic Ogunquit Playhouse in Ogunquit, Maine, which as Becky describes is “an absolutely lovely place to spend the summer.” Her roles have included a reprisal of her role as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5, and Millie Dillmount in Thoroughly Modern Millie. In 2014 she played Rosemary in a Florida production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and later continued that role at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. Currently Becky is playing Cinderella in an Off Broadway production of Disenchanted giving a unique take on what really happened after “happily ever after.”

Becky fully admits that, “A career in theatre is a different lifestyle. You really have to be willing to make it work and get creative at times!” Yet, in the midst of her busy career, Becky also maintains many aspects of a normal life. She and Tyler were married in 2005 at Concordia College’s campus. Because she was in the midst of Hairspray, she didn’t really have much of a break, but she refers to Tyler as a “total champ” for his support of her career. “It is a hard thing to be married to an actor, and Tyler is so wonderful at providing support and perspective to keep me at an even keel with all the ups and downs of the business.” During the 2 years of touring with Legally Blonde, Tyler quit his former job and traveled with the troupe as a merchandise salesman so the couple could be together. Now back in on the east coast, Tyler is once again pursuing his own career as a team leader with Whole Foods. In 2010 the couple bought their first house in Maplewood, New Jersey, a community conveniently located just a 35 minute train ride from New York City’s Penn Station. They dove into decorating projects and yard work much like any young couple and enjoyed the camaraderie of many other actors and their families in the neighborhood. In 2011 Tyler and Becky took on their biggest roles yet as Mom and Dad welcoming baby Hazel into their family. Those who know them well say that Becky is as natural in her role as mother as she has been on stage. Finding a balance in life is important to Becky and although Hazel has always been a good natured and flexible little girl, Becky is careful to only accept jobs that will work for their family. When Becky is stationed in a different city for a production, Hazel’s grandmothers have usually been able to fill the position of nanny – a role they are thrilled to accept.

Even though Becky has a flourishing career in theatre, she still remains committed to the values she learned as a young girl. Focusing on family, developing good friendships, and giving back to the community are important for her. Becky has been very kind and generous sharing her time and talents with the Fargo Moorhead community. Whether helping teach students at Moorhead High, Trollwood or one of the local colleges, or giving a free concert for her hometown family and friends, Becky is pleased to get involved. As each of her mentors has echoed, Becky is refreshingly genuine. In an industry that can so frequently breed a self-absorbed attitude, Becky has always been in touch with what is important. She is a genuinely kind and giving person who also just happens to be larger than life on stage. When giving advice to young students, Becky emphasizes “no matter what you do in life, be your best YOU! And never give up on your dreams.” {AWM}