By. Kevin Ray Johnson (Staff Writer for OnStage Blog)

It is my honor to introduce you to Diane Phelan. Diane is currently performing in the amazing Broadway revival of Into the Woods where she understudies the roles of Cinderella, Lucinda, Cinderella’s Stepmother, and Rapunzel (she recently went on for the role of Cinderella). Diane has also performed on Broadway in The King and I and School of Rock. Some of her Other favorite credits include -Here Lies Love at The Public, Maria in The Sound of Music at La Mirada, Maria in West Side Story, Julie Jordan in Carousel at NAAP, and Mabel in The Pirates of Penzance at CT Rep. She has also appeared on film in Marry Harry for Amazon Prime. Diane is the founder of the #RacismIsaVirus campaign and #UnapologeticallyAsian, both aimed to activate and empower Asian Americans and redefine what it means to be American right now. Both orgs have been featured in the NYTimes, Reuters, Asia Journal, and Next Shark. She is also the founder of the Broadway Diversity Project.

Diane is an absolute gem of a person and performer and is someone that truly makes any project better with her presence and talent. I am so honored that she took the time and to have the chance to feature such a seasoned and well-established Artist!

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a Performer?

I knew I wanted to perform professionally for the rest of my life when I was doing Hello Dolly in high school. The feeling of being in sync with all the performers onstage singing and dancing felt like Church.

Where did you study? Are there any mentors that helped make you the Amazing Performer you are today?

I graduated from Tisch at NYU, which had a conservatory feel in addition to getting a well-rounded education, something I’m very grateful for. Those college core classes are the foundation of teaching you to be an independent thinker. We need artists who are both educated and can think for themselves.

My first mentor was my voice teacher Paul Elkin. He helped me find my power and my voice and opened up an entire world of possibility for me when he taught me how powerful I was when I was just beginning.

Into the Woods completely blew me away! Such an amazing revival! How has your time been with this Sondheim classic?

I’m beside myself, being able to go to work every day at the St. James, with the most amazing people and the most deliciously challenging material. I secretly think I have the best job on Broadway, getting to cover not just one but 5 of some of the most iconic roles in musical theater.

Diane takes a bow as Cinderella in the Into the Woods Curtain Call on Broadway.

Are there any other shows, performances, or moments in your career that will always stick out and be near and dear to your heart?

So many memories are coming up with this question it’s hard to pick one. Being on Broadway is incredible but some of my best memories are from touring the US and the world. All the lifelong friendships made and places explored while telling stories and bringing joy is epic. If I would have to pick right now though, I’ll never forget my first time on the stage at the St. James and the cheers and energy from the audiences for Into the Woods. It’s mind-blowing.

What advice would you give any young artist who would like a career in the performing arts?

My number one advice is always about sustainability and self-care. To want to do this, you already must have heart and talent. But to stay and be happy, you need to have purpose and an already full life. Create as much stability for yourself in terms of support, self-awareness, and good habits. They are the key to longevity in your career.

The Revival of Into the Woods on Broadway is currently running at The St. James Theatre until January 8th. For more information, please visit - https://intothewoodsbway.com; and to learn more about Diane make sure you visit her official website at - https://www.dianephelan.com and follow her on IG @dianicaphelan

Diane Phelan Discusses Into the Woods, and having Sustainability and Self Care!

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