The MNY Spotlight
Meet Ginna Claire Mason, Nashville-born Broadway Actress
This week’s Tastemaker, Ginna Claire Mason, is a Nashville-born Broadway actress who has enchanted audiences with her performances as Glinda The Good Witch in "Wicked" and in Hallmark’s "A Holiday Spectacular". Her love for the world of theater blossomed at a young age, and eventually led to her dream of playing the role of Glinda. It all started when she confided in her mother during a performance with the original cast, telling her that she would one day play the role herself. Since then, she’s brought her own unique magic to every role, proving herself to be a true theatrical force.
Ginna wears the Cecily Mini Dress
Hi! My name is Ginna Claire! I’m a Nashville native that moved to New York after college to pursue a BIG dream.
My parents raised me on the music theatre classics like My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, Cats, etc. So I have always loved the story telling medium and got involved in community theaters from a young age. When I wasn’t doing a drama camp or a local production, I would recruit my three brothers to help me stage performances in my living room- bless them! The first Broadway show I ever saw was Les Miserables. I’ll never forget it. I sat in row K at the Imperial Theatre, and told my mom at intermission that I wanted to be an actor someday. A couple years later, I had the good fortune of seeing the original cast of Wicked, and told my parents at intermission that I was going to play Glinda someday! There was a lot that happened between that moment and when I got to actually take my turn in the bubble- many regional theatre productions, rigorous training, and, of course, rejection. But I am so honored I got my chance to step into Glindy girl’s sparkly shoes at the Gershwin.
Follow Ginna on Instagram @ginnaclaire
Growing up I took singing, and acting, and dancing lessons. For college, I went to Elon to pursue a BFA in Music Theatre. Since moving to New York, I found my incredible voice teacher, Deric Rosenblatt. Just because you’re a professional doesn’t mean you ever stop training!
What appealed to me about Glinda at a young age- the gorgeous gowns and spunky songs- shifted over the years. I grew to admire her strength, her heartfelt actions, and dynamic journey through Oz. I even believe my “version” of Glinda grew and changed over the years that I got to play the character. I think casting does an amazing job of hiring girls that will respect the integrity of the original direction and that they also trust to bring the best version of themselves to the role.
We live in a big, beautiful world and theater should be a reflection of that. Without the vibrancy and representation of all backgrounds and cultures and communities in the industry, we lose much of the transformative power of storytelling. I hope to see theater evolve to a place where representation and inclusivity is no longer notable because it is simply the norm.
Wicked was definitely a life-long dream come true! But more recently I starred in a Hallmark movie called A Holiday Spectacular! I worked alongside some amazing actors including Ann-Margret, Carolyn McCormick, and Eve Plumb. I also loved that it was a period piece! The story is set in 1957, and I had the opportunity to dance alongside REAL Radio City Rockettes! I am newer to working on film, so I tried to be a sponge and learn everything I could from this thrilling, challenging opportunity!
I just filmed something brand new that I am very excited about. I can’t share specifics yet, but soon enough!
I can’t get enough of MJ, the Musical. I have seen it four times. Myles Frost’s performance is not to be missed.
Everything! I love that the materials are very high quality. The style is classic, timeless. The items I own are pieces I will want to wear again and again.
