Center Stage: Becoming Queen of the Jungle
After taking a 30-year break from theater, Christina Smalley has returned to the spotlight with a vengeance.
Christina Smalley commands the stage as Queen Bon Bon in Broadway Maricopa’s Murder Aboard the SS Jungle Queen. 📸 Photography by Hans Creative Studios.
If you sat in the audience during Broadway Maricopa’s recent production of Murder Aboard the S.S. Jungle Queen, you undoubtedly remember Queen Bon Bon Bonooshka. She was fierce, she was hilarious, and she commanded the stage without speaking a single word of English.
But what you might not know is that the woman behind the gibberish, Christina Smalley, almost didn’t audition at all. In fact, before she recently returned to the stage, she had taken a nearly 30-year hiatus from theater.
For the debut of our Center Stage series, we sat down with Christina to translate her incredible experience. We talked about conquering automatic negative thoughts, the surprising secret to mastering fluent gibberish, and why stepping into the spotlight is the ultimate escape for a working mom.
Overcoming the 30-Year Imposter Syndrome
Like many adults in Maricopa, Christina’s life was full. Between working full-time as a Learner Success Advocate (where she spends 40 hours a week helping students overcome hurdles to graduate) and her role as a wife and mother, theater was a distant memory from her childhood in California.
When a friend from the Maricopa Chorus suggested she audition for a play, the automatic negative thoughts kicked in.
"I felt maybe it’s been way too long. I probably don't have it in me anymore," Christina recalls. "I thought, There's no way they choose me. I'm way out of it. I'd probably bomb my audition. It was self-imposter syndrome."
But after a little encouragement, she signed up at the very last minute. She landed a role in James and the Giant Peach, and shortly after, walked into the auditions for Jungle Queen. Knowing her demanding work schedule, Christina was up-front with the directing team. She explained that she couldn't commit to the massive time requirements of a major lead, but still wanted to be part of the fun in a supporting capacity. The directors listened, respected her boundaries, and handed her Queen Bon Bon.
Scenes from the jungle: The cast of Murder Aboard the SS Jungle Queen bringing the comedic chaos to life. Production photography provided by Hans Creative Studios.
The Art of Gibberish
During auditions, actors were given a 10-page packet of the script—a packet that didn't happen to feature the Queen. It wasn't until Christina accepted the role and opened the full, complete script that she discovered the hilarious truth: she had absolutely zero lines in English.
"A lot of people think I have it so easy because I have no lines," Christina laughs. "I'm like, well, actually, I've got the hardest job! My voice has to reflect my body, but it has to reflect what my interpreter is going to be saying. I had to react and act towards not only the audience but the people around me."
To prepare for the role, Christina turned to an unlikely source for inspiration: baby videos.
"I watched videos of babies and their reactions, and how they spoke their gibberish. They're talking. They know what they're saying. We have not a clue, but they know."
Theater as the Ultimate Escape
One of the biggest hurdles that keeps talented locals from auditioning is the fear of the time commitment. As a working mom pulling four 10-hour shifts a week, Christina understands the grind. But for her, the theater isn't work—it's a lifeline.
"Oh, it's an escape for me," she says. "This is Mommy time. Me time."
She credits the Broadway Maricopa production team for creating a culture that respects the reality of adult schedules. "As long as you're really upfront with your director and the production crew about what your needs are, they try their best... they will do their very best to accommodate."
That supportive environment allowed her to take risks on stage, leading to her favorite moment of the production. During one of the chaotic wedding scenes, Christina decided to go all-in on a comedic bit.
"I'm like, I'm gonna just give it a go and see what happens," she says. "And I got the entire room cheering for me... I can't tell you how awesome it is to be able to be somebody else, even just for a couple of hours."
Breaking character for a quick smile. After 30 years away from the stage, Christina Smalley proves that stepping back under the lights brings nothing but pure joy. 📸: Hans Creative Studios
Are You Ready to Follow the Yellow Brick Road?
Christina’s journey from a hesitant, 30-year hiatus to a show-stealing Queen proves one thing: the stage is waiting for you, whenever you are ready to step back onto it.
In fact, she loved the experience so much that she is auditioning for our upcoming summer production of The Wizard of Oz—and this time, her daughter is auditioning with her.
Her advice for anyone sitting at home, looking at the audition dates, and wondering if they have what it takes?
"In the words of Elsa: Let it go," Christina says. "In all seriousness, just breathe and go for it. What's the worst that's gonna happen? Don't be afraid to let your hair down and try something new. Or if it's been so long, don't be afraid to put yourself back in there. Because you'll never know what could have happened."
We want to extend a massive thank you to Christina for taking the time to share her story with us, and more importantly, for bringing so much joy, heart, and unforgettable energy to the Jungle Queen stage. She perfectly embodies the fearless, supportive community we are building here at Broadway Maricopa.
Are you ready to find your fearless?
Broadway Maricopa is holding open auditions for The Wizard of Oz across two weeks: Monday & Tuesday, May 4th & 5th, and May 11th & 12th.
Whether you have decades of experience or haven't been on stage since high school, we want you in the room.
👇 [CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AND SECURE YOUR AUDITION SLOT] 👇
(Your instructions and any necessary prep materials will be provided upon registration!)