Every year, people around the world tune in to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Along with an array of character balloons, floats, and marching bands, some of your favorite Broadway shows will take to the streets of Manhattan to officially kick off the holiday season.
One of this year’s performing shows is Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. We talked with one of the show’s three Donnas, Storm Lever, who’s not only performing in the parade, but also taking over our Instagram account to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the 92nd Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade!
Broadway Inbound: How did it feel to find out you were going to be a part of this holiday tradition?
Storm Lever: We all had our fingers crossed that we would be asked to perform. What better way to kick off the holiday season than celebrating with some Donna Summer music? I watch the parade every year specifically for the Broadway performances, so naturally when I heard we are going to be one of this year’s performances I was thrilled.
BI: Who in the cast is the most excited about performing in the parade?
SL: Every single cast member! On a day that is all about giving thanks and reflecting on what we are grateful for, we get to celebrate a show and woman we’ve all become endlessly thankful for. Not to mention this cast is dancing so fiercely that they won't feel any remorse accepting that fifth helping of apple pie during their Thanksgiving dinners.
BI: Did you grow up watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Have you ever gone?
SL: Every Thanksgiving you could find little Storm, eyes glued to a TV screen, anxiously awaiting her free ticket to the hottest shows on Broadway. That’s truly what it felt like. You get front row seats to the hottest Broadway musicals! I lived in California and was never able to attend the actual parade, so watching it on TV was as close as I got.
BI: How is performing in the parade different from performing on stage?
SL: It is my first time performing in the parade, so I guess you'll have to tune in to find out!
BI: What are you doing to prepare – and how will you stay warm?!
SL: I’ve recently been informed that NYC is due to experience its coldest Thanksgiving in 117 years! But luckily we’re performing “Hot Stuff,” so that should help keep us pretty warm.
BI: What can people look forward to seeing in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical’s parade performance?
SL: We’re doing two of her most popular dance hits and like I mentioned before this cast is giving you some high energy dance moves you won’t soon forget. Featuring Ariana DeBose doing her show stopping dance solo and LaChanze bringing down the house.
BI: Which parade balloon is your favorite?
SL: Snoopy! When I was in fourth grade, I had the distinct honor of playing Snoopy in our production of You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown. Some roles just stick with you, you know?
BI: Do you have any advice for people planning to attend?
SL: No advice, I am just thrilled to be experiencing this year’s parade with everyone! Let’s stay bundled and leave with full hearts and all 10 toes!
BI: Aside from the parade, what is your favorite NYC holiday tradition?
SL: The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
BI: Why is Summer: The Donna Summer Musical the show to see if you’re in NYC this holiday season?
SL: The tunes are simply infectious, and the story of her life will leave you breathless. The holidays are a time to celebrate and self-reflect. And that is exactly what this musical inspires. Truly what's so special about this show is we get to celebrate a lifetime by living ours to the fullest. By the end of the show the cast and audience are on their feet celebrating life! So bring your loved ones and come ready to dance in the aisles.
Thanks to Storm for taking time to talk to us in the midst of all the parade preparations! Click on the show page link below to book tickets to see Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, and follow @broadwayinbound on Thanksgiving morning as Storm takes over our Instagram and braves the cold with the rest of the cast of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical!