Christine Dwyer: Defying Gravity

Christine Dwyer hails from right outside of Boston, Massachusetts, where she discovered her love of Boston sports and musical theatre. After graduating high school, she attended The Hartt School, University of Hartford, where she acquired a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre and a minor in English. Immediately after graduating, she trekked to New York City, so she could audition for the National Tour of the hit musical "Rent". She ended up booking the principal role of Maureen Johnson and left to tour the United States, Canada, and Japan.

After finally moving to New York City, Dwyer booked the 2nd National Tour of "Wicked" as the Elphaba understudy, under the direction of multiple Tony Award winner Joe Mantello. Through hard work and perseverance, Dwyer made her way through the ranks at "Wicked", quickly becoming the Standby for Elphaba and then taking over for the role of Elphaba. After her run as Elphaba on tour, "Wicked" brought her to Broadway, where she flew high for several years as the lovable green witch. Dwyer even played the role of Elphaba for President Barack Obama, and on the Tony Awards for the show's 10th Anniversary.

In 2016, Dwyer opened the 1st National Tour of "Finding Neverland" as Sylvia Lewellyn Davies, making her only the second person to ever play the role. This show was directed by Tony Award winner Diane Paulus. Dwyer also appeared in the National Tour of "Waitress", taking on the lead role of Jenna.

On June 4, 2016, Broadway Sings for Pride held a Broadway-themed concert, as part of "Pride 2016", in White Plains, New York. "Pride 2016" was a multiple-attraction, family entertainment event, presented by The LOFT: LGBTQ+ Community Services Center. Musical performances by Broadway stars and the New York City Gay Men's Chorus were highlights of the program. Broadway Sings for Pride is a multiple award-winning, non-for-profit organization that brings together Broadway talent, activists, and celebrities, to educate the public, raise awareness of the needs of LGBTQ+ youth, and support these young people, so that they may reach their full potential.

Dwyer performed the song "Defying Gravity" during the event, where Shefik served as Videographer. "Defying Gravity" is the signature song from the musical "Wicked", composed by Stephen Schwartz, originally recorded by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth on November 10, 2003, and released on December 16, 2003. It is mostly a solo sung by the main character of the show, Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West), with two small duets at the beginning and in the middle of the song between Elphaba and her friend Glinda, and a chorus part at the end in which the citizens of Oz sing.

Credits

- Videographer: Shefik