We had a ball following around Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella ensemble member Erica Messonnier yesterday as she took over our social media and gave us a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road. While the clock may be ticking to watch her Instagram Story — like all magical things, Instagram Stories don’t last forever — we’ve found a place for her posts to live happily ever after right here on our blog.
Erica attended Point Park University for her undergraduate studies, where she earned a B.F.A. in Dance. Now, she’s living her dream on her very first national tour with the Tony Award-winning production of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
Here’s how Erica made the most of one day in her old stomping grounds.
9 a.m. Pittsburgh Today Live
An early morning start with Prince Charming (a.k.a. Louis Griffin), to have one of Pittsburgh’s fairest ladies, Pittsburgh Today Live’s Heather Abraham, try on the glass slipper. The shoe didn’t fit, but Heather Abraham is still royalty in our eyes.
10:30 a.m. Point Park University
After a quick break, Erica returns to Point Park University for an interview with current student Samiar Nefzi. Point Park's Center for Media Innovation studio is the real deal.
12 p.m. Workout
Gotta stay in shape for all that dancing! Erica hits the gym after her press duties are over for a quick workout.
2 p.m. Exploring the Cultural District
As a former Pittsburgher, Erica knows there’s always something to do in the Cultural District. She treats dance partner Tyler Eisenreich to a bag from Pittsburgh Popcorn Co., then heads over to Wood Street Galleries to check out Macular’s sensational kinetic light installations.
7 p.m. Almost Showtime
Finally, it’s time to get ready! Watch Erica and the rest of the female ensemble transform into their characters before the 7:30 p.m. show.
8:30 p.m. Intermission Selfie
Yup, Erica’s royal ball style is on point. That gown. That hair. It’s easy to see why William Ivey Long won a Tony Award for Costume Design for this show.
10 p.m. Signing Off
At the end of a whirlwind day, Erica writes, “Thank you everyone who tuned in during my takeover! I had so much fun showing you what we do on a show day! I hope you enjoyed and be sure to follow me @ericamess1 if you want to keep up with us on our final weeks of the tour. We are running May 22-27 at Heinz Hall so come have a ‘Lovely Night’ with us!”
We’re so thrilled to welcome Erica back to Pittsburgh. Come see her and the rest of the cast through Sunday at Heinz Hall.