I chatted with local actress Jenny Dalrymple about her upbringing and her stage career.
When did you know you wanted to be a performer?
I grew up in Potomac, MD, so not too far from Baltimore! I started dancing when I was 3 years old, began playing guitar when I was 7 years old, and was singing every moment I possibly could since I knew how to talk. When I realized I could merge all of my passions into one with theatre, I was absolutely in love. When I was applying to college it became very clear to me that musical theater was what I wanted to pursue, and my parents were very supportive of that, so I put all my effort into the college audition process and I ended up at Shenandoah Conservatory. Going to school so close to home was a dream. My experience there was incredible with amazing faculty and the most supportive and talented classmates and I am so grateful that I had those 4 years to shape me into the performer I am today.
You’ve played some iconic roles on stage. What was it like playing Sandy in “Grease?”
Sandy has a special place in my heart. I performed the production of Grease at Shenandoah Summer Music Theater. This was my first professional theatre contract! I learned a lot from this contract and it being in a place that I was so familiar with was very helpful. Telling the classic story of Grease was exhilarating and had been a dream of mine for a while.
What was your favorite song from that production and why?
There’s a video of me at 5 years old running around my house singing “You’re The One That I Want” so I think that had to have been my favorite song to perform as an adult too.
What was it like wearing Sandy’s leather jacket?
Putting on the leather jacket and showing Sandy’s newfound confidence was always such a fun transformation to experience.
You also got to play Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde.” Talk about that experience.
Elle Woods has been my dream role for as long as I can remember! I really feel like I relate to her so much. Growing up singing the songs from Legally Blonde brought me so much joy, and it was an emotional experience to bring that joy to the stage in front of an audience
What was it like having to do the beloved and infamous bend and snap?
The bend and snap is such an iconic part of that show! The audience always had such a hilarious reaction to it. SO fun.
You’re currently on tour with “Back To The Future.” What is it like being able to tour the country?
I have been touring with this show since the beginning, starting back in April of 2024. Bringing this show across the country for almost 2 years has been the greatest experience of my life. I actually was quite surprised at how much I fell in love with the touring lifestyle. I am so grateful for the experiences it has opened me up to, the reconnection with family and friends it has allowed for, and the ability to see parts of the country I thought I’d never see, especially at my age. This story is so iconic and being able to bring something that has been so beloved for so long to life on stage is truly incredible. We see so many audience members at the stage door dressed up as characters from BTTF which is so cool to witness. The translation from film to stage is magical, I feel lucky everyday that I get to be a part of something so special.
What can you tell us about your role (s) in “Back To The Future?”
My featured ensemble role in BTTF is “Clocktower Lady”, a very passionate and persistent member of Hill Valley’s community, trying very hard to “save and restore the clocktower” that was struck by lightning in 1955. Along with that character, I play many different ensemble characters throughout the show. I also understudy the role of Lorraine Baines McFly. Occasionally going on for such an iconic character is such an amazing experience and a dream come true.
Might be a dumb question BUT did you see the original film?
I am the youngest of four kids in my family, so I definitely remember the film being on in my house and my older siblings watching it, but the first time I really sat down and watched the whole movie by myself was when I was auditioning for this show, and I immediately understood why it is such a classic. It is a story that brings generations together, filled with so much nostalgia and heart.
Are you excited about performing at the Hippodrome in Baltimore?
I am so excited to be performing at the Hippodrome. Anytime I get to come back to my hometown and perform, it is definitely a pinch me moment. If someone were to tell little Jenny that this would be her life, she would be absolutely shocked. I can’t wait to connect with my community with this show in town. I am eternally grateful and going to soak up every moment in Baltimore this week.
“Back To The Future” lifts off at The Hippodrome on February 24th – March 1st! Buy tix