“[Acting] means everything to me. I’m humbled by it, I’m honored by it, and I take great responsibility in it,” Adrienne says.
It wasn’t always an easy road for the Virginia-native. At the tender age of 10 she earned a breakthrough role as the little orphan Annie, a character traditionally not played by a girl of color.
Sadly, it wasn’t long before Adrienne found out how cruel people can be when the play’s director received backlash for casting her. But Adrienne didn’t let that stop her from experiencing a life-changing moment and living her dream.
“It became an interesting process because there were a lot of people who were not happy about me being Annie and having a white understudy. At that age, I don’t think I realized what was happening. For every negative person, I had 90 supporting me. I was just excited to do what I love doing,” she adds.
About 15 years and many roles and plays later, Adrienne is fresh off the stage from her first Broadway appearance as Danielle in “Bring It On: The Musical” and is loving every minute of it.
“It’s amazing. It truly is. I couldn’t have asked for a better role and better show to make my debut in. I created this role [Danielle] when I was 23 and had no idea where it was gonna take me. I’ve had a lot of firsts and sometimes I just have to take a moment and breathe and realize where I am. I [don’t take it lightly at all],” she says.
The original Bring it On movie was a favorite when it first hit the big screen, followed by a sequel and several spinoffs. However, the musical is an original of its own. It has new roles, music and a valuable message the audience can take home with them.
“[We show that] winning isn’t everything, the importance of friendship and a lot of heart that people don’t expect to see and feel. People are pleasantly surprised because there’s a lot of laughing but also crying,” states Adrienne. “The audience is touched. I think that’s what makes the show so special and different.”
Her character, Danielle, an original role Adrienne created, is possibly one who will get worthwhile advice in the show. Danielle is the Queen Bee of Jackson High School, the fashionable “it girl,” and admired by all.
She’s the high school’s Ms. Popular, who heads the school’s dance team. A hard worker, Danielle is willing to do whatever is necessary to make her life better.
While the Adrienne and Danielle have many similarities, they are also very different. When asked if she was a Queen Bee in high school, Adrienne replies, “Absolutely not. Danielle is way cooler than I ever was in high school. I was involved in a lot of things but I went to a performing arts school, which made it difficult to go to sports games and get involved. I didn’t get involved with school as much as Danielle.”
But, one characteristic they do have in common is both are stylish trendsetters. After being on the "Best Dressed" list for this year’s Tony Awards, Adrienne has proven that her talent goes beyond the Broadway stage. And, she doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon.
“To be given the chance to lead a brand new Broadway show and create a role is amazing. I treat it like my baby because I made this role and it’s just been a joy doing it every night,” Adrienne states.
While she’s ecstatic to have the opportunity to portray Danielle every night on Broadway, Adrienne has another role that would be a dream come true.
“Dorothy in the revival of 'The Wiz,'" says Adrienne. "But, I do thank God that Danielle is a character that showcases all of my talents: singing, dancing and acting.”
There’s no doubt that Adrienne will go far and continue to grow as an actress and performer. She’s blessed to have an understanding family who supports her in all that she does, including her father who is a pastor.
“My family is extremely supportive of me no matter what I do. But I also make sure I’m very careful in the roles that I choose, not because of them but because of me. I always want young girls to see me in a positive light,” Adrienne adds.
Her advice to those young girls is to “continue working hard, keep faith and a positive attitude around you at all times and believe in yourself.”
For more information on "Bring It On: The Musical" visit: bringitonmusical.com
For more in Adrienne, visit her website adriennelwarren.com and follow her on Twitter @adriennelwarren
*Scroll down to see highlights from "Bring It On: The Musical"
