St. Louis makes her Broadway debut after originating this role in the Las Vegas production of Rock of Ages.
Other credits include Justin Love (world premiere, Amanda), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet) and City of Angels (Alaura). She is a graduate of USC’s Thornton School of Music.
Full given name: Caroline Brickley St. Louis
Where you were born/where you were raised: Born in Santa Barbara, CA. Raised in Palm Desert, CA.
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
What your parents did/do for a living: My father is a doctor, and my mother is a watercolor artist!
Siblings: One older brother, Andy.
Special skills: I can beatbox, surprisingly!
Something you're REALLY bad at: Self control when it comes to late-night, post-show snacking.
First Broadway show you ever saw: Hairspray with my girl scout troop on our trip to NYC!
If you could go back in time and catch any show, what would it be?: Opening night of Sunday in the Park With George
Current or recent show other than your own you have been recommending to friends: It was The Bridges of Madison County. Sadly, it closed too soon. I also adore Matilda
Favorite showtune(s) of all time: “Rose's Turn” from Gypsy. “Lily's Eyes” from The Secret Garden. “It All Fades Away” from The Bridges of Madison County.
Some favorite modern musicals: Next to Normal, Sweeney Todd, The Secret Garden</i>
Some favorite classic musicals: Anything Goes, South Pacific
Broadway or screen stars of the past you would have most loved to perform with: Doris Day, Judy Garland, Gene Kelly
Your personal performance idols, living or dead: Judy Garland, Beyonce and Celine Dion
The one performance – attended - that you will never forget: My first live concert was Linda Eder at the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert, CA, when I was around 13 years old. She sang "Vienna" for her final encore and I stopped breathing.
MAC or PC?: MAC
Most played song on your iPod: Currently, it's a song called "Rather Be" by Clean Bandit. My dressing roommate Cristy Candler and I have a dance party to it every night before the show. It's such an upbeat feel-good song.
Most-visited websites: Playbill.com!
Last book you read: "The Gift of Fear" by Gavin de Becker
Must-see TV show(s): “Homeland” and “Scandal”
Last good movie you saw: "Her"
Performer you would drop everything to go see: Beyonce. And Audra McDonald.
Pop culture guilty pleasure: Reality Television. It's a serious problem.
Three favorite cities: Santa Barbara, Madrid and NYC
First CD/Tape/LP you owned: No Doubt's "Tragic Kingdom"
Favorite or most memorable onstage role as a child/teenager: It was definitely Annie. Although, my first role ever was “Milkmaid #2” in Oliver!, and I sang the crap out of my one solo, "Any miiilllkkk today, mistress?"
Moment you knew you wanted to perform for a living: This past Christmas, my family all sat down together and watched home videos. We got to my pre-school Christmas concert, and not only was I singing LOUDER than everyone else, I was also looking around to make sure every other kid was doing the right choral-ography. So, I don't think anyone was surprised that this ended up being my life passion.
How you got your Equity card: Rock of Ages! 3 months out of college, I got the role of Sherrie in the original Las Vegas company, and got my Equity card!
Favorite pre-/post- show meal: Pre-show: Dunkin' Donuts and sometimes a good salad from Lenny's. Post-show: Ajisai on 9th Avenue and 44th. I am OBSESSED with salmon sashimi. You can find me there after the show probably 3-4x a week.
Favorite liquid refreshment: Aloe juice!! I always have it backstage with me during the show. I'm also a big fan of pineapple coconut water.
Pre-show rituals or warm-ups: I like to go for a light run before the show just to get my blood pumping! I do lip trills and some opera warm-ups I learned from my voice teacher. Even though it's 80's rock, I still warm up my soprano register! Dance parties in the dressing room are also very common.
Some of your favorite bands not included in Rock of Ages: They aren't from the 80's, but I love Dave Matthews Band and Mumford & Sons!
Main difference between the experience performing the show in New York compared to Vegas: The theater is a lot smaller on Broadway which works really well with the show. It's such an intimate show where the narrator breaks the fourth wall, so I think it works better in a smaller space. We can really hear the audience feedback and we thrive off of that! There is an energy on Broadway that you can't find anywhere else.
Biggest challenge about this current project: Matinees!! In Vegas, we never had matinee performances. Rock of Ages is an extremely challenging show vocally, so I've really had to pace myself to get through the crazy 5-show weekend. Sometimes, my voice doesn't feel like waking up for a 2 PM performance, so I have to get up fairly early and go for a run to jumpstart the process!
Most fulfilling or fun aspect about the project: This may sound cheesy, but – the smiles on people's faces when they leave the theater. For 2 1/2 hours, you can leave your problems behind, let loose, and listen to your favorite 80's rock songs. I love being a part of it all. Sometimes, I can't believe that this is actually my "job."
Worst flubbed line/missed cue/onstage mishap: In Vegas, I came onstage for the date scene with my love interest Drew, and I completely forgot the words to "Waiting for a Girl Like You." Instead of singing quietly or stopping completely, I decided to scat unintelligible words, full voice, until my co-star joined in. It was SO embarrassing/terrifying.
Worst costume ever: I once had to play a soldier just to put more bodies on the stage, but it was right after a quick change where I was the First Lady, so I wore pearl earrings with my over-sized army costume.
Worst job you ever had: Not necessarily the worst – but definitely the most random. I taught English to university-level students in Korea for a summer.
Craziest audition story: I auditioned for Surf: The Musical (a Beach Boys jukebox musical) and I forgot all of the words to "Wouldn't It Be Nice." They asked if I had anything else with me, so I sang "In Short" from Edges because it was all I had. "In Short" is about a girl wanting to murder her ex-boyfriend. Let's just say… it didn't go over well.
If you could trade roles/tracks with anyone in the show for a week, who would it be?: I would love to play Justice Charlier just once! Although, I bow down to Ms. Theresa Stanley so I don't know if I could even do her role justice… no pun intended :)
Leading lady role you've been dying to play: Mama Rose. I know it's a loooong way off, but it is my ultimate dream role.
Leading man role you've been dying to play: Sweeney Todd!! I would absolutely love to play the Demon Barber of Fleet Street!
Something about you that surprises people: I minored in Spanish in college and studied abroad in Madrid for six months. I love the Spanish language more than English.
Something you're embarrassed to admit: After my first whole month living in NY, I still hadn't ridden the subway… I know! Terrible! I have now, though.
Career you would want if not a performer: Criminal investigator or a lawyer
Three things you can't live without: My loving and supportive family and friends, my cat Bailee, and throat coat (haha). That's also four things… whoops.
"I''ll never understand why…" ... flamin’ hot cheetos are so addictive.
Words of advice for aspiring performers: You gotta LOVE what you do. I would never trade it for the world, but it's a lot of hard work. Determination is just as important as talent.
