Jalynn Steele, who made her Broadway debut in The Lightning Thief, is currently back on the Main Stem in the revival of the international hit musical Mamma Mia!
And, she is making history as one of Broadway's newest Dancing Queens.
Steele is the first Black actor to play the role of Tanya full-time on Broadway, and she is doing so in a dazzling performance that charms audiences eight times a week at the Winter Garden, where the original production first opened nearly 25 years ago. The ABBA hit returns to Broadway with its national touring cast, a company that also features two other Dynamos, Christine Sherrill as Donna and Carly Sakolove as Rosie, as well as Amy Weaver as Sophie, Rob Marnell as Harry Bright, Jim Newman as Bill Austin, Victor Wallace as Sam Carmichael, and Grant Reynolds as Sky.
Off-Broadway Steele played Dr. Simone in Sistas, while her touring credits include Mamma Mia! and Fosse. Regional theatre audiences have seen her performances as Justice in Rock of Ages, Pharaoh in Joseph, and Mrs. Corry in Mary Poppins. Her screen credits include Titanique The Musical: Livestream and Sesame Street.
In the interview below for the Playbill series How Did I Get Here—spotlighting not only actors, but directors, designers, musicians, and others who work on and off the stage to create the magic that is live theatre—Steele shares why she believes Mamma Mia! continues to resonate with audiences years after its debut and opens up about her early days in New York, how a choice between a meal and transportation back to her apartment questioned her resolve for staying in the business.
Where did you train/study?
Jalynn Steele: I graduated from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, with a BFA in Musical Theatre, cum laude. Although my studying of life and people started when I was five, singing and growing up in church.
Was there a teacher who was particularly impactful/helpful? What made this instructor stand out?
Two teachers that really impacted my life and learning my craft. 1: My mom. As a music teacher, she instilled music in my life in the womb. She was also the one who would hear a song, gather me and my siblings around her piano, and make us learn and sing that song in harmony, and not stop til we got it right! She is my biggest supporter and has always been a guiding force in my career. 2: My high school theatre teacher Mr. Sheffield, who took a chance on the unpredictably hyper girl who loved to play dress up and pretend. I was able to focus and hone my skills in theatre under his tutelage. He also helped encourage my college major. Thanks, Sheff!
How would you describe your Tanya?
She’s a mixture of a few of my childhood influences: a dash of Jasmine Guy in A Different World, a sprinkle of Jackée Harry in 227, a smidge of Tichina Arnold in Little Shop and in Martin, and a big scoop of me. My Tanya’s classy, brassy, and whole lot of loving fun.
Do you have a favorite moment in the show for her?
I have two favorite moments for Tanya. 1: The bedroom scene. Tanya gets to play with Donna and Rosie [Christine Sherrill and Carly Sakolove] to create this culmination of friendship, love, and laughter night after night, and it’s always a great time launching myself onto the bed for the “don’t let them see you” line. 2: Of course, “Does Your Mother Know” with Pepper. Justin Sudderth is a talented, willing, and able scene partner who "yes, and"'s me every time we do it. Singing, dancing, kicking, and falling around the stage with all my DYMK ensemble is a favorite of mine.
Why do you think Mamma Mia! remains a hit so many year after it premiered?
It’s a classic show with a joyful storyline that has stood the tests of time. This show is about love, friendship, women’s empowerment, the frivolities of life, and discovering who you truly are by knowing where you’ve come from. I truly believe deep down people today still value those core elements. Also, ABBA’s music gets in your head, and it is living rent free in your mind for-ev-er! Mamma Mia! has the perfect blend of heart and staying power.
Other than Mamma Mia!, do you have a favorite theatrical experience as a performer?
Playing Sally and Others in The Lightning Thief. I also debuted on Broadway with that role. That was also another tour that ended up going to Broadway.
What made that role/show so special?
It was the most characters I’d ever played in a show before and also the first time I used my head voice in a show, and I learned to love it. I’m known for belting and screlting, so to play Sally and sing “Strong” so sweetly to Percy [Chris McCarrell] was really special.
Do you have any dream stage roles and/or actors you would like to work with?
Whatever role I receive is a dream. To be able to create a whole new character with any role is what we do as actors. When I’m given a role, whether it’s been played by hundreds of people or I’m debuting it, I treat it as a new creation and my iteration of this person at this time in my life. Each role I take on is a world premiere; that’s the dream.
As far as people I’d like to work with, I feel the same. I both love and would love to work with anyone willing to have a good time, be vulnerable, care free, yet respectful to the craft.
Tell me about a time you almost gave up but didn’t.
When I first moved to New York in 2001, the money flew very quickly out the window. The $2,000 I moved here from Texas with was gone in a flash. It was a balmy summer day, and I had to choose taking the train or having enough for two items on the 99 cent menu at McDonald’s. I chose the food and decided to walk all the way from 45th (home base for handing out Chicago flyers) to my home on 110th Street in Spanish Harlem. It was a moment I felt like I made a huge mistake in moving to New York, looking over my life’s choices that led me to here.
I remember as I walked up Park Avenue looking at all these retail shops and fancy restaurants that I could not afford, I had to remind myself of the dream I had when I moved here. The dream to do what I love, performing, and make a real living from it. Hoping that one day I’d be able to shop at all these stores I was passing by and eat at these upscale restaurants. I would not have to make the tough choice of food or transportation. With tired, sweaty, and sore legs, still slightly hungry from my cheap meal, tears flowing from my eyes, I kept repeating that night as I walked, “I’m gonna make it one day, I’m not gonna stop til I get to Broadway.” I promised myself, no matter what, this dream of mine was bound to come true. I said a prayer and kept on walking until I made it home.
I thank God I never had to make that choice again to this day.
Tell me about a job/opportunity you really wanted but didn’t get.
Hadestown right before the world shut down. I was in callbacks for the national tour on March 12, 2020, and though I thought I gave one heck of an audition, the world had alternate plans. That very same day Broadway turned its lights off and COVID quarantine began.
How did you get over that disappointment?
Like every other performer, we had to find different means of being creative, and I turned it into an educational time for me. I could not perform, so I figured I would learn how to use Logic, Final Cut Pro, some essential Spanish, and even made a few satirical videos.
What advice would you give your younger self or anyone starting out?
Little Jalynn…learn how to play piano! It’s a great teaching instrument, wonderful tool musically, and it is just super beneficial. My mom was a piano teacher, and I wanted to do everything but piano. I played volleyball, gymnastics, track, dance, shot put, and discus—anything but sit at that piano and learn how to play.
In such difficult times in this country and around the world, how do you think theatre can play a positive role, either for yourself and/or the community at large?
Being the first Black woman to play Tanya in Mamma Mia! full time on this Broadway stage is a monumental moment for all those that look like me.
Just today a young woman told me how she grew up listening to Mamma Mia! and thought she could never play any of the parts. The casts she saw were not diverse, and with lyrics like “I am the girl with golden hair,” she felt like no one that looked like her could be a part of this show. But seeing me come out on stage in a principal role gave her the inspiration and courage to know that she could do it, too! I told her she could do anything she set her mind and will to do. It was really a beautiful stage door experience to talk to this young lady and her mother and just further let me know what I’m doing on this stage is bigger than just me. Our show reflects our world in all its beautiful colors, shapes, sizes, genders, and orientations! They have put together a gorgeous melting pot of people, and it’s an honor to represent and be a part of it.
What is your proudest achievement as an actor?
Anytime I’m able to inspire someone to be their wonderful unique and individual selves in this world, I feel like it’s an achievement.
Lena Owens, Amy Weaver, and Haley Wright in Mamma Mia!
Christine Sherrill and company of Mamma Mia!
Jim Newman, Victor Wallace, and Rob Marnell in Mamma Mia!
Jalynn Steele, Carly Sakolove, and Christine Sherrill in Mamma Mia!
Grant Reynolds and Amy Weaver in Mamma Mia!
Grant Reynolds and company of Mamma Mia!
Jalynn Steele, Christine Sherrill, and Carly Sakolove in Mamma Mia!
Company of Mamma Mia!
Justin Sudderth, Jalynn Steele, and company of Mamma Mia!
Amy Weaver and Christine Sherrill in Mamma Mia!
Company of Mamma Mia!
Grant Reynolds and Amy Weaver in Mamma Mia!
Amy Weaver and company of Mamma Mia!
Jalynn Steele, Christine Sherrill, Carly Sakolove, and company of Mamma Mia!
Christine Sherrill in Mamma Mia!
