Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

I’m not sure which came first – singing or dancing – there is a video of me in my infant car seat, my mom singing the super high “ahhhhs” from Phantom of the Opera, and me mimicking her!  And around the same time, another video of me in my jolly jumper jumping in perfect time to John Lithgow’s funny swing tune “Everybody Eats When They Come to My House”, complete with jazz hands and a foot shuffle!  When I was six, I was Wendy to my 4-year old sister’s Peter Pan – we acted out all their scenes.  I think performing was in my blood since I was in the womb – my mom is a professional singer and vocal coach, and she and my dad had a band for 30 years.  It was only natural that we’d join in – The Withnells was born when I was seven.  Our family vocal quartet taught me a lot of ear training, singing intricate harmony, and performing skills.  Being chosen to perform as Artist on Board across Canada on Via Rail for Canada’s 150^th birthday celebrations was a highlight I’ll never forget.  The train was packed with people of all ages from all over the world – we had their captive eyes and ears for three shows a day.  Trying to perform and keep your balance on a moving train is a challenge, haha!  We were featured at station stops too which was fun.

Lauryn announced in grade 4 that she wanted to go to a performing arts high school.  That was the esteemed musical theatre program at Etobicoke School of the Arts where she was given many opportunities to grow.  This included leading roles such as Cassie in A Chorus Line, icons such as Carole King in the On Broadway revue and Marilyn Monroe in Bombshell; holiday choral performances with the renowned Toronto Symphony Orchestra, performing with the 6-time Canadian Grand Champions Splash Show Choir at Lincoln Center in NYC, and working with the brilliant Matilda the Musical composer and Tony award winner, Tim Minchin.  Upon graduation she was awarded the dance and vocal merit awards as well as the prestigious Lian Thom Scholarship for the most promising in her field.

She continued her passion in the prestigious musical theatre program at Boston Conservatory at Berklee.  Several alumni are on Broadway and one was a Jet in the movie, West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg. 
Rachel Bertone, who attended her Senior Musical Theatre Showcase at the Five Angels Theatre in New York City offered her the role of feisty Graziella in West Side Story based on the strength of her dance, partnering and singing performance at Showcase, and subsequently cast her in Pippin as well.  “It was a very timely show given the current climate of racism and division in America.  We felt very privileged to bring that strong message to audiences.”

Pippin had to close early due to an outbreak of Covid in the cast and crew, and not enough understudies to continue.  Since Covid, the role of understudy has become truly invaluable, with understudies playing a critical role in every production.  American Actors’ Equity has even just changed their regulations to require more understudies per show, recognizing the critical role that they play.  That’s why, when she was cast as a Big Kid and Competition Dancer understudy in Matilda the Musical for Wheelock Theatre, she jumped at the opportunity.