"You Have to Love it Because There Will Be Hard Times." - Chatting w/ Chicago's Arian Keddell!
Arian Keddell!
By. Kevin Ray Johnson (Staff Writer for OnStage Blog)
Meet the wonderful Arian Keddell. Arian is currently performing as Mona in Chicago on Broadway. Before making it on the Broadway Stage, Arian has performed in the Tours of Chicago, Guys and Dolls, and West Side Story. She has also been a guest artist with The Ballethnic Dance Company, and The Atlanta Ballet, and has been featured in Dance Theatre Magazine, E! News - The Day in the Life, and Broadway Plus. It is truly a privilege to watch Arian perform and I am so honored to feature her!
How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a performer?
I was 12 when I first knew I wanted to be a performer. I was taking every ballet class offered to me and was not at all concerned with social activities or other things children my age were into. Every time there was a show, and we had the opportunity to be on stage, I knew that’s where I belonged.
Where did you study? Are there any mentors who helped you become the fantastic performer you are today?
I began my studies at a small ballet school in Upstate NY which led me to a year at Point Park University before finishing my dance education, at least in that way, at Mercyhurst University. Thank you for saying that :)I always looked up to the ballerinas at Dance Theater of Harlem, and the dancers at Ailey and when I saw Chicago for the first time in my hometown at 14 years old, I was inspired. The grace, agility, and passion of the performers sparked something in me. I was moved and wanted to move.
Chicago is one of the longest musicals ever! How does it feel to perform in such a celebrated musical on Broadway and how has your journey been with the show?
It’s really unbelievable sometimes. I think, wow, you dreamed about this and now you are a part of an incredible legacy. I feel blessed and grateful daily. I auditioned for the show ten times before booking the tour. I spent a year with the tour company before being asked to join the Broadway company. It was really divine timing and holding on to the belief that at some point it would be mine. Chicago was the goal once I shifted my career to musical theater and again, I feel really blessed that my dream came true.
Are there any shows, moments, or performances in your career that stick out and will always be near and dear to your heart?
One time during the international tour of West Side Story in Lyon, France, we were performing at a 2 or 3,000-year-old Roman Amphitheater. After the dream ballet, as we walked forward singing there’s a place for us, overlooking the beautifully lit city of Lyon, a slight breeze picked up. It just slightly blew our costumes and there was a collective breath. I knew the universe was listening at that moment and maybe that concept could become a reality. I love that moment and hope daily for the ideal behind it to occur.
What advice would you give any aspiring artist who wants a career in the performing arts?
I tell everyone the same thing. You have to love it because there will be hard times. You have to trust and know yourself because you can get caught up in other people's stuff and never give up because the next opportunity may be yours and always believe that which is for you, won’t be denied you.
The revival of Chicago is currently running at The Ambassador Theatre. For more information please visit -https://chicagothemusical.com.
Make sure you follow Arian @ariankeddell