Ariel in The Little Mermaid, Christine in Phantom of the Opera and Love Never Dies, Fantine in Les Misérables, Rosalie Mullins in School of Rock. What do these roles all have in common? They’ve all been played by the one and only, extraordinarily talented Sierra Boggess.
This diverse Broadway/West End performer rose to New York fame when she made her Broadway debut as Ariel in Disney’s production of The Little Mermaid. I first heard her sing from listening to that soundtrack. I had checked it out of the library and found myself listening over and over again… truly awestruck at this girl who nailed the singing mermaid’s distinctive voice.
But at that time, I didn’t realize just how amazing Sierra Boggess really is. I almost had a rediscovery when I watched her perform as Christine in Phantom of the Opera in the 25th Anniversary Celebration at Royal Albert Hall. That’s when my jaw hit the floor.
Here’s what Andrew Lloyd Webber himself had to say about her:
“She’s the best, the best Christine certainly! She has one of the most sublime soprano voices I have ever worked with. She has perfect pitch which means she never sings off key. Her vocal control and power are combined with an emotional intensity only a real actress can bring to a role.” -Andrew Lloyd Webber
Be blown away by Sierra’s performance of Think of Me by watching this video.
Her voice is a force of nature, reaching into the stratosphere with opera-like antics, yet with the ability to belt out ballads like a boss. Watching Sierra perform is mesmerizing, and I’ve taken from her the essence of singing with my whole self… literally using my entire body to support what I do with my voice. Sierra inspires me to be strong, to sing unapologetically, but to sing well. Like my voice teacher, she emphasizes confidence, the critical act of “believing you can do it,” because most aspects of singing are mind over matter. You just have to trust your breath and muscles will take you there.
Sierra’s charming personality radiates out of her performances and her off-stage humor thrills social media followers. Her expansive repertoire never gets boring and never ceases to simply astound me. So take some time to look her up, listen to her songs, and watch her sing. You won’t be disappointed!