When you think about ‘take your kid to work day’ or when you learn about your parents career, it was always performing for me.” “Performing has been a huge part of my life ever since I was born. For the real-life theatre kid, Lester’s passion for being an actress began long before she became an East High Wildcat. She is an unmissable and witty talent who lights up a scene and turns self-doubt into song. On screen, Lester plays Ashlyn, a creative and resourceful theatre kid (and a self-proclaimed American Girl Samantha). The docu-style musical comedy, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series premiered in November 2019 and retains continued interest, with each season casting the fictional high school students in a different Disney musical production this season is Frozen. Though just a year prior, a lot has happened since then, including the dream come true of her Broadway debut.įor some theatregoers, Into the Woods may be the first time they’ve heard the name Julia Lester, but for Disney+ subscribers, Lester’s been a mainstay on their screens for years now. In 2021, Lester even worked with the brand for its 35th Anniversary, hosting a panel discussion with student activists. “Especially being in the American Girl store and having that happen feels really full circle.” American Girl has been part of Lester’s life for years-she recalls picking out her first doll around age nine and collecting outfits and accessories for years. “It really is,” says Lester, giggling as she sets up the dolls to join us at the table. When the table is clear, I lean in and ask, “Is that still crazy to you?” A few fans approach the table and Lester chats with them about the latest HSM episode. For this, Julia picks Melody, referencing her own high school friend who played the character in a stage adaptation of the American Girl franchise (yes, you read that correctly.) As we head to our seats, whole tables turn and jaws drop as people recognize the actress, who is just as psyched to be here as they are. We make our way downstairs to have lunch at the Café, a hot spot for birthday parties and celebrations, where diners are encouraged to pick a doll to sit at their table. Two fans in particular, one even wearing an Into the Woods shirt, mention that they came to New York to see Lester, their first Broadway show (wild coincidence!). Lester recognizes as many dolls as fans recognize her, asking for selfies and mentioning that they love High School Musical…, now in its third season. To celebrate her Broadway debut, I met Lester at the American Girl Doll Store in New York City, and she seemed immediately at home. The caption: “The first things I remember ever wanting in life were an American Girl doll and a chance to tap my lil’ toes on a Broadway stage. Lester, the production’s breakout star, posted an Instagram carousel sharing screenshots of the announcement alongside a home video of her younger self singing and dancing. This past May, it was announced that the hit Encores! production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s musical Into the Woods would transfer to Broadway at the St. Based on one of the original American Girl dolls created in 1986, she’s completed a look that includes the iconic hair ribbon, thin choker, and even some combat boots that lean a bit more 2022 than 1904. ![]() ![]() While we tour the store (and the Doll Hospital and the Doll Salon), Lester shows off her Samantha-inspired outfit. The store associates are thrilled to welcome her back with open arms and a doll of her choice to take home. No, Julia Lester is stressed out about which American Girl doll she’s going to pick today. To her, playing a theatre kid on screen is second nature. Nor is it over her beloved role in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series on Disney+. It’s not about her Broadway debut playing Little Red Ridinghood in Into the Woods-she’s living the dream there. It’s Monday morning at the American Girl Doll Store and Julia Lester is pretty stressed.
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