"I took myself to see the 1999 version of Kiss Me, Kate right after I moved to New York. I wanted to be up on that stage dancing! I thought of how amazing it would feel to dance 'Too Darn Hot' every night. I dreamt of being on Broadway. Never would I guess 20 years later that I’d be standing in the Legacy Robe and living out my dream. The Legacy Robe to me represents our beautiful community and the hard work and perseverance of ensemble members. I love being a part of this community. It has become part of the fabric of my existence. After nine Broadway shows, I’m honored to put on the famous Legacy Robe that represents my people and all of the those before me who stuck to their dream. I was truly overwhelmed while being presented the robe by my dear friend Ryan Worsing, who I did Finding Neverland with, in front of this amazing company of Kiss Me, Kate. When I realized so many of my friends and colleagues who had received the robe in the past came to surprise and support me I was flat-out emotional. They all know how hard I have worked to be where I am. I felt so much love and excitement from everyone. I moved to New York as a teenager with two suitcases and a dream and all of these years later, I’m still living it!"
Name: Erica Mansfield
Show: Kiss Me, Kate
Hometown: I was born in Paris, France but I was raised in Houston, Texas! (There are a lot of Texans in my cast!)
Broadway Debut: My first Broadway credit was Mamma Mia! I went on tour with it in 2003 and went into the Broadway company in 2006!
Professional Training: In my younger years, I had a wonderful dance teacher in Texas (Suzanne Semans Studio) and I was also lucky enough to study at the Broadway Theatre Project directly with such people as Ann Reinking and Gregory Hines. When I moved to New York I didn’t go to college but I crafted my own training here and learned from experience. I studied dance with my favorite teachers at BDC (and ended up in shows with some of them, like Josh Bergasse and Andy Blankenbeuhler). I studied acting at several studios such as The Independent Studio for Actors, The School for Film and Television and I even took my first musical theatre class at TVI with Tara Rubin when I was 18. She cast me in my first Broadway show! Vocally. I have an amazing teacher named Donna Reid who has helped me through my whole career.
Year Joined: I joined Actors’ Equity in 2000.
How I Got My Equity Card: I passed up my card a couple of times but took it at The Westchester Broadway Theatre in 2000 when I was playing Marty in Grease. They needed me to be Equity to be dance captain.
Broadway Chorus Credits: 9 Broadway Chorus Contracts: Mamma Mia!, How to Succeed..., Evita, Pippin, On the Twentieth Century, On the Town, Finding Neverland, Bandstand, Kiss Me, Kate
Fun Fact: When I’m not performing I am working on my hosting career! I’m a freelance contributor for NBC, working on lifestyle segments for them. I also work for my mom’s company, consulting with TV stations around the country helping their news talent with their image. Oh yeah....I have the most adorable dog! The love of my life: Rylee the pomsky.
Mansfield poses with the Legacy Robe. Photo by Walter McBride.
Mansfield rejoices with her Kiss Me, Kate cast. Photo by Walter McBride.
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Watch the video of the ceremony
