Some girls have all the luck – and Ally Smith, 26, of Concord, happens to be one of them.
Well, we can’t speak for her entire life, but she can count Feb. 12 as one of her luckier evenings. Not only did she perform in Neil Berg’s “100 Years of Broadway” at the Capitol Center for the Arts after winning a contest, but when she was done singing – her boyfriend, James Thorpe, got on stage, delivered a heartfelt speech and then dropped down on one knee to pop the question.
It happened to be James’s lucky evening, too, because Ally said yes and the couple are now hoping for a fall 2011 wedding.
After talking with Ally, we got the sense that it wasn’t just chance that brought her to that very moment. The girl’s got boatloads of talent and determination, which explains how she earned the opportunity to get on the Capitol Center’s stage. To top it off, she’s super sweet and cute as a button.
You’ll think so, too, after reading this interview with her. But keep in mind, all you eligible bachelors out there, she’s taken.
How long have you lived in Concord?
I was born in Concord, went to Plymouth State and graduated in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in music theater. I then went to work at the Walnut Street Theater in Philadelphia as a Dorothy Haas acting apprentice. After that, I did three national tours: My Little Pony Live, “The World’s Biggest Tea Party,” and two tours of Sesame Street Live – “Elmo Makes Music” and “Elmo’s Green Thumb.” When I came back to Concord after three years on the road, I worked at Concord Dance Academy and last summer had the opportunity to teach hip-hop and creative movement at Eastman and Broken Ground schools.
What do you do for a living?
I work in special education at Bow High School and part-time at Starbucks. This winter, I am gearing up to work as a judge with OnStage America (a national dance competition).
You dance and sing? How did you get involved in both?
I grew up dancing at Concord Dance Academy and have always had a flair for the dramatic. I began dancing at 4 years old and loved everything about being on stage – the lights, the applause, the energy and excitement.
During my senior year at Concord High School I was in my first musical, “Anything Goes.” I was hooked. My dad is Carl Smith, the leader of the band Club Soda, and he has always been super encouraging and never made me have a “plan B.” Being in the industry has been his life, and he was thrilled when I decided to go down that path, too. When I got to college, I decided to major in it and have been singing and dancing ever since!
Where did you hear about the “100 Years of Broadway” contest?
My grandmother brought a copy of the Monitor (Ed. – an article ran on Jan. 21 announcing the contest) to me and said “If anyone can do this, you can.” She is the best and was so excited when I told her that I had not only entered, but won!
What did being a winner entail?
I had to upload a video of myself singing a Broadway show tune to YouTube and then submit it to the show’s producers. The winners and runners-up were invited to sing at the end of the show with the entire cast. As the winner, I sang the female solo in “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent.”
Were you nervous to get on stage?
No matter how many times I get on stage, I still get butterflies and still want to do my best. I had a rehearsal with the cast before the show and they were very encouraging and kind so it made me less anxious.
Now onto the juicy stuff – you got proposed to on stage. How did you and James meet?
Well, he took me on a motorcycle ride in high school, so we have known each other since then, but we only reconnected last March when I came home from tour.
When did you get an inkling he was going to pop the question?
I had absolutely no idea! Both of us knew we wanted to spend our lives together, but the where and when wasn’t something I had any clue about. He was so sneaky! He had this amazing ring made at Capitol Craftsmen and was writing his “will you marry me?” speech right under my nose. I’m very lucky to have such an amazing man in my life.
When he asked the question in front of ALL those people, how did you feel?
It was almost a full house, and both of our families were there. When he first was introduced, I thought he was just bringing me flowers on stage. I thought “Aww, that’s really sweet.” But when he got down on one knee, I was in complete shock. He pulled off a really classy and sweet proposal, and of course, I said yes.
To see Ally’s performance and the proposal, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9twRv3nqNv4
