Promising Young Talent: An interview with Marcelle LeBlanc
Photo credit : Liesa Cole
Marcelle LeBlanc got her start in theater and musicals, now she carries both the love and the experience she got on stage into Netflix' "Fear Street Part Two: 1978" a love letter to teen slasher films of the era riding on the new wave of retro-horror films and series. Fans will also be able to see her in the upcoming Disney+ series "Just Beyond".
Previously, Marcelle was a guest star in the "Criminal Minds" episode Full-Tilt Boogie, and she can also be seen in films such as "Father Figures" and "Union," as well as brief parts in "Stranger Things" and "Cobra Kai."
We couldn't pass this wonderful opportunity to interview this rising star about her ongoing roles and her love of musicals, check it out:
Why don't you start by telling us a bit about "Fear Street" how'd you get involved with this project?
The Fear Street series is a trilogy of movies about the cursed town of Shadyside, and how a determined group of teenagers work to unfold the mystery and end the curse.
It’s based off the R.L. Stine book series, and they were written and directed by Leigh Janiak.
I am not traditionally a big horror fan, but when I got the audition and read through the script, I fell in love with it! I knew I wanted to be involved in this series and am so glad that I was able to.
You began your acting career at a very young age with musical theater, but are you a fan of Horror at all?
As I mentioned earlier, I’m not traditionally a horror movie fan. I’m a HUGE scaredy cat, but Fear Street definitely changed my mind about horror. Not just about this trilogy, it also exposed me to pop culture classic horrors like Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Carrie that I’m into now!
In any case, it seems horror is now more popular than it has been for decades, perhaps ever. Why do you think that is?
I feel like there has been more of a push back to the traditional “slasher” films that everyone knows and loves. It gives you that element or horror, but also a comedic element where you get to scream at your tv at certain characters for doing dumb things!! It’s what everyone loves about those movies
I imagine the pressure in preparing for a role in a film or TV is quite different than the pressure to perform on stage. Is the "rush" of nailing a scene in either different as well?
There is for sure an element of live theatre and preparing for a live performance that just can not be replicated. You only have one shot to nail it, and there’s a full house in front of you. It produces a lot of adrenaline that makes a live performance so much fun.
What are some of your favorite songs from musicals?
ON. MY. OWN.
Les Misérables owns my heart, and On My Own will forever be a very special song to me.
Music in general: what's on your playlist right now?
A friend recently reintroduced me to John Mayer, so he’s currently at the top of my playlist especially his live performance of Stop This Train. Other than that, it’s mostly soundtracks from Broadway Musicals!
Your dream role is "Christine" from Phantom Of The Opera, what is it about that play that fascinates you so?
I find this story to be very compelling and fascinating. Christine is such a complex character, and the role is demanding both vocally and physically. She is a musical theatre icon, and to play her would be a dream come true!
I suppose most activism and advocacies are noble, but I found your story with both to be very interesting. At just 14 you founded your own non-profit Org. "S.T.A.R.S." and you've also helped raise funds for Polycystic Kidney Disease research. Tell us a bit about both efforts, how/where can people reach out and contribute?
Growing up, I was a very shy, sad, and quiet kid. I was always the kid who was asked to take the group photo of everyone else, but never asked to be in the picture. That all changed the second I got involved in the arts. I know that the course of my life would be very different had I not gotten involved in arts educations. But what about the kids who want to get involved, but can’t? That’s why I started S.T.A.R.S. This is an arts scholarship program that provides the necessary funds for students to get involved in after school arts programs and make sure that no kid misses out on the life changing power of the arts.
On top of that, my family has done a lot of work raising money for the PKD Foundation in honor of my cousin, Molly Mae. She passed away from PKD at the age of 4 in 2017. Losing her was absolutely heartbreaking, and I want to do everything I can to help find a cure.
Finally, Can you tease any other upcoming roles or projects
One of my favorite projects I recently completed is the Walton’s Homecoming Special which will air this Christmas!! I play Mary Ellen Walton and I don’t even have the words to describe how much I love this project and the people I was able to work with!
I also have a role in the upcoming Disney + Anthology series Just Beyond, and an upcoming episode of Pen15, so keep an eye out for those!
MEET THE AUTHOR
Venezuelan-born raised and based.
I joined RIVAL Magazine after a few years of doing PR work for independent musicians of all stripes; understanding their struggles to be heard in a sea of constant ADHD noise and paywalled access to platforms, I now bring a willingness to always appreciate and encourage the effort and creativity that artists put into their work . You can also find some of my writings on LADYGUNN and We Found New Music.