When entering Meg Donnelly’s dressing room at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, be prepared for a dazzling display. From sparkles to corsets to Polaroids, there’s no shortage of glamour here. With a disco ball she personally installed and a whopping 15 costume changes, Donnelly certainly keeps things exciting behind the scenes.
Donnelly, currently playing Satine in the Broadway show, navigates through approximately 15 different looks each night. Her current favorite ensemble consists of a pink corseted outfit complete with shorts, giving her a feeling of “girly and cute,” almost reminiscent of Glinda, the Good Witch.
The real challenge for Donnelly lies in the lightning-fast costume changes, some happening in just seconds. She recounts the difficulty of learning to sing while wearing a corset and even more so, swinging in one. The show’s quick transitions, like the one before “Come What May,” keep her on her toes, along with a dramatic costume reveal during “Diamonds.”
Before the show, Donnelly follows pre-performance rituals to prepare, including arriving an hour early to perfect her stage makeup, which she has had to learn on the job. What was initially stressful has become a calming moment of listening to music and focusing. Throat steam, numbing lozenges, and glitter highlighters are all essential for her pre-show routine.
Amidst the sequins and stage lights, Donnelly’s dressing room is a personal space filled with Polaroids and gifts from fans. It’s a special place where friends, family, and former castmates, including her “Zombies” co-stars, have visited and left their mark. Her boyfriend, Drake Rodger, has been a constant support system, attending her performances and planning to be there for her final show.
Performing regularly on Broadway requires a balance of healthy choices and quick fuel options. Donnelly stocks her fridge with electrolytes, grapes, and Kind Protein Bars for easy snacks before shows. Her go-to pre-show meal of chicken and rice may not be the most exciting, but it gets the job done.
With a disco ball shining in her dressing room, Donnelly brings a sense of sparkle and heart to “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” every night. Her ability to make the challenging role of Satine look effortless is a testament to her talent. As her run in the show comes to a close, one thing is clear – she wouldn’t trade this experience for anything.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.