Springfield Fourth-Grader Makes Off-Broadway Debut

Springfield's Alivia Clark is making her Off-Broadway debut in the musical "Little Miss Sunshine" at Second Stage Theatre in New York. The show is based on the film of the same name.

“It is so much fun,” Clark, a fourth grader at Pingry, said of her debut. “I love to sing and have wanted to be a performing artist since I was very little. It’s a great experience to work with such an incredible cast of veteran Broadway performers, and it’s a step in the right direction for what I want to do professionally.”

A member of Shirley Grant Management since the summer of 2012, Clark was chosen from more than 200 who auditioned for the children’s roles. 

“She is a great actress with great vocal ability and takes good risks with her characters. The show’s audition process took over a year, so Alivia made it through a long process. We’re very proud of her,” said manager Dave McKeown.

Clark previously appeared in Pingry's “The King and I” as well as other productions, including “Alice in Wonderland” at the JCC in Scotch Plains, and “The Granny Awards” and “Dear Edwina Junior” in New York. American composer Tim Janis recently invited her to sing in “The American Christmas Carol,” his annual concert at Carnegie Hall.

“At Pingry, I am learning to find my voice and to pursue my passions. Whether at Pingry or in the theater, everyone’s role, no matter how big or small, is important and is to be respected. It takes dedication and collaboration to make any show or project a success,” said Clark, who is working with tutors during the musical’s run to cover the material in Pingry’s curriculum. 

“Little Miss Sunshine” opened for previews Oct. 15, with its official opening night on Nov. 14. Record-breaking advance ticket sales have already extended the run until Dec. 15.

Clark studies voice, acting, and dance in New York and has studied in Springfield at Turning Pointe Dance Center and Front & Center for Performing Arts, as well as at Annie’s Playhouse in Far Hills and Paper Mill Playhouse in Millburn.