Danielle Steers makes an unforgettable, showstopping New York stage debut as the fierce mutant badass Zahara in the New York premiere of Jim Steinman's rock musical Bat Out of Hell
. When she sing's "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad", you can feel the energy in the room shift because of the power and style of her unique voice. The West End actress co-starred in Bat Out of Hell's previous London, Toronto, and tour engagements, and now brings her performance to off-Broadway's New York City Center.BroadwayBox caught up with Danielle to talk about creating her brave Zahara, discovering her voice, and living in NYC for the first time.
1. What about Bat Out of Hell, the family, and the fans have kept you a part of this production?
Bat Out of Hell has been a huge part of my life for the past three years, I started my Bat journey in November 2016 and it has been a whirlwind since then! We are all very much a family—you have to be when the show is so demanding and challenging. The fans are the best! They’re so supportive, and I also love how they don’t just focus on the leads but appreciate every single person working on the production! I have the best time on stage with my Bat family (old and new) and the reaction from the audience is electric and that’s why I’m still here!
2. How does Bat Out of Hell feel different in NYC than other productions?
This is quite a different production; it’s slightly scaled down in terms of set and cast. Some of the effects were not possible to do here with us using the tour set, but I don’t think it takes anything away from the show itself. It definitely took some getting used to but now it feels just as good!
3. What is your favorite thing about Zahara? What qualities did you most want to infuse her with?
Zahara is everything I want to be! I created her, so I put a lot of myself into her, but also made her super tough! She’s an absolute queen and I wish I was as brave as her! I also wanted people to see a softer side of her.
4. When did you first feel like your voice was special?
I don’t know if I would call it special (haha), but thank you. I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. I will never forget when I was around the age of 9 or 10, my mum sent me to my room for being naughty, and I went to my room and was singing in my mirror. My mum shouted up the stairs, “And you can turn that radio off!” And I said, “It’s not the radio, it’s me singing.” She replied, “Oh, you’re very, very good. Now get to bed!” I think that was the moment that I realised I could sing! Haha!
5. Who are the voices and artists that helped to shape you as a singer?
Growing up, I listened to The Carpenters a lot, so I didn’t have much of a vocal range when I was younger and everything I sang was very low. As I grew a little older, I became obsessed with Queen, Bon Jovi, and Journey and that shaped my voice to be more rocky and I’m very grateful for that.
6. What’s on your New York bucket list while you’re here?
Well, this is actually my first time in New York! So, I’m trying to see as much as I can. I saw my first Broadway show when I first got here and that was a huge tick on my list. I really want to visit Coney Island though! But I do have a long list of things to see.
7. Outside of Bat Out of Hell, what’s been your favorite UK credit and why?
That’s a tough one! I think probably Legally Blonde. It was my first West End musical so I hold it very dear to my heart, and I had so much fun! I had 17 costume changes and 12 wig changes and I loved it!
8. Tell us a memorable audition story.
My most memorable ones are my worst ones, and the most embarrassing story I tell whenever I get asked this question is when I was auditioning for The Lion King. I was running very late to my audition—as I was stuck in traffic—and I jumped in a taxi and whilst in the taxi, I was so nervous that I was sick into my handbag. When I finally arrived at my audition, I was waiting to go into the room and as the runner called my name I turned to run to the bathroom and was sick all over the steps. It was not my finest moment! Needless to say, I didn’t get the job! Haha.
9. Zahara is so fierce and strong. Who was a fierce female character that meant a lot to you when you were growing up?
My mum, of course. She’s the strongest woman I know and I look up to her so much! Also, Beyoncé because well...she’s Beyoncé!
10. If we were to attend a Danielle Steers concert, what are three songs you would definitely have on your set list? What do you love to sing?
My go to songs would be “Open Arms” by Journey, “This Is My Life” by Shirley Bassey, and “I Know Where I’ve Been” from Hairspray. Quite an array of songs. =D
Hurry to New York City Center before September 8 to see Danielle Steers as Zahara in Bat Out of Hell.
