It’s almost time, Leakies! LeakyCon is upon us and we’re so excited to see many of you there. We have already talked the other two LeakyStars finalists, Kirstyn Hippe and Patty Pierzchala. Time to meet Denley Messerly!
LeakyNews: How did you get started in music? How long have you been performing and what instrument(s) do you play (if any)?
Denley Messerly: I had the luck of attending N.B. Cook Elementary School of the Arts, so I’ve been performing since I was five. I’m primarily a dancer; I started ballet classes in first grade and began choreographing in high school. Middle school was where I really started acting in plays and musicals, but it wasn’t until after I graduated college that I became the least bit confident in my singing ability. I play ukulele and the tiniest bit of guitar.
LN: You don’t have any other music videos up on YouTube – any plans to post more?
DM: I would love to create more! I’m at the mercy of others collaborating with me, since my stubby fingers are horrible at playing piano, and that’s what most of my sheet music is.
LN: So, your entry was done in character as Ginny. Can we expect more Ginny at LeakyCon?
DM: Ginny will absolutely be back at LeakyCon!
LN: Excited to hear that! So, what is your favorite song to perform?
DM: The two songs always in my audition book are “Life of the Party” from Andrew Lippa’s The Wild Party and “I Know the Truth” from John & Rice’s Aida. My favorite songs to just rock out to are “Grace Kelly” by Mika and “Winding Road” by Ayaka and Kobukuro. (I am so horrible at giving out single answers to questions like these!)
LN: After LeakyCon, what’s next for you musically?
DM: I’m on the choreography team for a production of Hairspray, and I’m actually missing the third weekend of their run to come to LeakyCon. (Break many legs you guys!) For me personally, I’ll be Christine Colgate in the musical Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at Pensacola Little Theater in September.
LN: Who is your favorite musician/group of all time?
DM: Augh, that is such a difficult question. Favorite individual artist is Julia Nunes, who inspired me to pick up the uke, favorite band is fun. thanks to their fantastic concerts. I share a birthday with Mozart; he’s my favorite classical composer. People from theater that I love include Andrew Lippa, Bob Fosse, Kander & Ebb, Kerrigan & Lowdermilk, Howard Ashman, and Alan Menken.
LN: Favorite Harry Potter book?
DM: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.
LN: Hogwarts house?
DM: Ravenclaw all the way!
Thanks, Denley! Well, that’s all folks. Make sure you check out all three finalists and come hear their performances at LeakyCon! The LeakyStars finals will be on Saturday, August 11 at 5:30pm on the Main Stage.
