‘Disney on Broadway’ Star Takes Center Stage During Black History Month

Black History Month has started, and Disney is taking the opportunity to highlight one of its youngest Disney on Broadway performers! An actress, singer, and dancer who has played Nala in “The Lion King on Broadway” and now plays Young Elsa in the North American tour of “Frozen on Broadway” has just shared some of her inspirations — and her special meeting with the voice of Princess Tiana!

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Sydney Elise Russell – Actress (@sydneyeliseofficial)

The Frozen on Broadway Instagram account shared Sydney Elise’s own words on social media — and if you want to get a taste for this young Broadway actress and performer’s talent, then take a look at her impromptu performance in an airport while on tour recently in the post shown above! 

“As a young African American actor, a Black story that inspires me is the movie The Princess and the Frog. Seeing Princess Tiana, a princess who looked like me, going after and achieving her dreams empowered me to believe in myself and my own dreams. I call her my “Forever Favorite Princess” because seeing her allowed me to see myself,” Sydney said in the Instagram post shown below. 

“When I met Anika Noni Rose (the voice of Princess Tiana) in 2019, I was filled with even more resolve and determination to achieve my Broadway dreams. Ms. Anika took the time to encourage me and affirm my aspirations. I will always cherish that moment! Her encouragement and example enabled me to visualize and articulate my goals as my village helped me create a path to reach them,” Sydney Elise added. Take a look at photos of Anika meeting Sydney in the post shown below! 

“Today, I’m so grateful to have performed as Young Nala in @thelionking on Broadway and to be currently performing as Young Elsa in the National Tour of @frozenbroadway! Now, I have the privilege to help other little Black girls see themselves on stage,” Elise added. “I’m grateful that Anika Noni Rose and The Princess and the Frog inspired and empowered me to be where I am today.”

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Frozen the Musical (@frozenbroadway)

Have you been lucky enough to see this talented child actor and Broadway performer taking to the stage as Elsa the ice princess or Nala the lioness cub?

Have you ever wanted to know more about the children who perform on Broadway? Let us know on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!