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#69 - Alison Luff: The Power of 'No'

Get ready for a healthy dose of inspiration, because Alison Luff's story is about to take your breath away. This talented triple threat has dazzled audiences in everything from Waitress to Wicked to a swashbuckling turn as a singing pirate (because, why not?!)... Read More

1 h 11 mins
Jul 17

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Get ready for a healthy dose of inspiration, because Alison Luff's story is about to take your breath away. This talented triple threat has dazzled audiences in everything from Waitress to Wicked to a swashbuckling turn as a singing pirate (because, why not?!). But Alison's journey to the top wasn't always a cakewalk. Tune in to hear how she navigated the ups and downs of the industry, learned to trust her gut, and proved that sometimes the biggest risks lead to the greatest rewards. With her infectious energy and a heart of gold, Alison is the ultimate reminder that with hard work and a little bit of faith, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

From her early days as a tiny tot performer to her current status as a Broadway powerhouse, Alison has always followed her passion for the stage. Even when it meant missing out on prom or juggling the demands of motherhood with the bright lights of Broadway, Alison never lost sight of her dreams. And it's paid off in a big way. With a string of memorable roles, a side hustle as a rockstar, and a healthy dose of humor, Alison is a true force to be reckoned with. So, buckle up and get ready to laugh, cry, and be totally inspired by this unstoppable woman's journey. Trust us, you won't want to miss Alison's take on failure, imperfection, and what's next for this rising star.

Grab Tickets to The Who’s Tommy before the show closes on July 21st.

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EPISODE TAKEAWAYS

  • The power of "no": The most pivotal moments in my career have been the result of my saying "no" – a testament to the importance of discernment and trusting my instincts.
  • A New York City dream, sans safety net: Alison arrived in NYC in 2008 armed with neither a college degree nor an illustrious alma mater. She relied on her raw talent and tenacity to carve her path.
  • Intuition as a guiding force: Alison possesses a keen sense of self-awareness, always listening to that inner voice that tells her what's right for her career and life.
  • Motherhood meets Broadway: Two weeks pregnant, Alison took on the role of Mrs. Walker in The Who's Tommy in Chicago. Her baby boy soon became a beloved fixture backstage when the show transferred to Broadway, a testament to the warmth of the theatre community.
  • Early beginnings, boundless support: Alison's journey in professional theatre began at age 9 with a starring role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Her supportive family fostered her talent from the very start.
  • Prioritizing passion over tradition: Theatre was Alison's first love. She never regretted missing milestones like Prom; performances were where her heart was.
  • A risk that paid off in spades: During a Mamma Mia! tour hiatus, Alison auditioned for a regional show despite the security of her touring contract. The universe responded immediately: she was offered a lead role in the Broadway production of Mamma Mia! the moment she gave her tour notice.
  • Musical talents extend beyond the stage: Alison and her husband, Matt Magnusson, express their creativity as the band Big Sur Bound, with an album to their credit.
  • Embracing the imperfection of art: Alison believes that "you can't be a perfectionist with art because there is no such thing as perfection." This mindset frees her to take risks and fully express herself creatively.
  • Failure as a teacher, not a shackle: Alison's approach to failure is not to dwell on it, but to learn from it and move forward. This perspective allows her to continually grow as an artist.

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