Photo Courtesy of Theatre Tallahassee
In the world of theatre, landing a lead role is a huge step that takes talent and hard work. For Alessia Molina, playing Fanny Brice in Theatre Tallahassee's production of Funny Girl is not only a career-driven opportunity but shows the strength required as a woman in the arts.
"First and foremost, it shows a lot of perseverance and represents a lot of hard work," Molina says, reflecting on the significance of her role. While women in theatre have more opportunities than ever before, Molina points out that gender differences still exist.
"It’s still more likely for a man with no experience to land a lead role over a woman with years of theatre experience," Molina explains. Molina demonstrates that as a woman, she faces obstacles, but it’s very rewarding when she can overcome them.
For Molina, playing Fanny Brice is more than just stepping into a character — it’s about embracing her own identity. "Both Fanny and I come from very strong ethnic backgrounds. She’s a first-generation American with Jewish parents, and I’m a first-generation American with an Argentinian father and Italian mother," Molina shares.
Both Brice and Molina have a comedic sense of humor and they’ve faced similar challenges in pursuing their dreams, especially in the arts. Like Brice, who struggles for recognition in a male-dominated entertainment world, Molina has faced her own share of challenges.
As Molina continues to explore Brice’s character, the role has helped her grow as both a performer and a woman. She learned to be more confident in her stage presence and to exaggerate her expressions so that the audience can truly see and feel what she is experiencing.
Additionally, she also learned to project her voice and not hold back — she says it is a big part of being in this role and ‘owning it.’
Molina’s portrayal of Fanny Brice requires emotions and physical energy, and the pressure of playing such an iconic role can be overwhelming. Yet, she handles it with grace and perseverance.
Fanny Brice is a trailblazer. “If it wasn’t for her, we wouldn’t have female comedians today," Molina says. She expresses that regardless, we are all human and have flaws, but she focuses on what she can control — resting, eating well, and taking care of her voice.
Despite the demands of the role, Molina also balances her academic responsibilities at Florida State University. She manages her schedule by taking Mondays and Fridays off, which allows her time to rehearse and get ahead on her schoolwork.
Beyond academics and rehearsals, Molina also takes time for herself. She enjoys attending concerts by her favorite artist, Stephen Sanchez, which helps her release stress and recharge.
Molina’s advice to young women aspiring to lead roles in theatre is simple yet powerful: “Don’t lose faith in yourself. Surround yourself with the people who’ve supported you from the start— your ‘day ones.”
At the beginning of Brice’s journey in Funny Girl, she does not have support from others to follow her dreams and Molina can relate to that. Molina emphasized that it is important to have support from your ‘day ones.’ In this case, Molina’s mother pushed her to reach for the stars. Both female stars focused on their goals and refused to give up.
As she prepares for her next performance, Molina reflects on how much she’s learned throughout this journey.
This role has been a huge learning experience for Molina. It has taught her how to be a stronger performer and a more confident woman. She says that playing Fanny Brice is more than just a part — it’s a message about perseverance, resilience, and the power of following your dreams, no matter the challenges.
With her talent, passion, and commitment, Molina is proving that women not only belong in the spotlight — they thrive there.
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