Trisha Paytas made her Broadway debut in “Trisha Paytas’ Big Broadway Dream” at the St. James Theatre in New York City on Monday, Feb. 3. Long-time followers of Paytas know that her lifelong dream was to be on Broadway, and she has now achieved it.
“I’m all for fresh perspectives in theatre and Trisha Paytas on Broadway is a bold move, especially because she has a huge following and could bring new people to the stage,” said Emily Harrell, president of APO and a senior theatre major.
Paytas is a 36-year-old American media personality. Being on the internet since 2006, she has garnered a big and diverse fan base.
In the early years of her YouTube career, Paytas faced multiple controversies regarding her videos. Backlash from her videos ensued from characters Paytas created or mimicked, some of which were that of another race, like her character “Trishii”, an Asian popstar to which she created a music video that was later taken down.
While being a YouTube star, Paytas has also grown an immense fan base on TikTok. With over 10 million followers and one billion likes, she is one of the most famous influencers on the internet.
Paytas asserts herself within the internet deemed pop culture icon status through music videos like Eminem’s “We Made You” and many YouTube videos, especially ones featuring David Dobrik, or the “Vlog Squad.”
Along with being an internet icon, she is also an advocate for eating disorders, previously posting her own experience and struggle with the disorder. In 2015 she brought the discussion to YouTube, inciting many other creators and fans to share their own experiences and tips to raise awareness of the disorder and others like it. She also strives to let her audience know that things do indeed get better.
Paytas takes inspiration from Taylor Swift’s monumental “Eras Tour,” with her own tour called “The Eras of Trish Tour.”
The show was a one-night-only musical that showed the life of an influencer as she pursued her dream on Broadway. The cast was filled with Broadway legends, such as Grammy, Tony and Emmy-winning actor Ben Platt, Golden Globe-winning actress Rachel Zegler, up-and-coming stage actress Joy Woods and Tony-award-winning actress Sutton Foster.
The story starts with Paytas having a nightmare she would never perform on Broadway. She soon receives help from multiple Broadway stars and achieves her dream. It is described as when Broadway’s biggest fan becomes its brightest star.
GCSU has a thriving theatre scene which includes Alpha Psi Omega, the theatre honors fraternity on campus with members from multiple majors and theatre interests. The theatre and dance program puts on many shows and recitals throughout the year that bring in family, friends and people who want to experience the joy of theatre.
“Theatre is meant to be fun and open to anyone,” said Jane Carr, a junior mass communication major. “It doesn’t have rules.”
Most recently, the GCSU Department of Theatre and Dance put on “At The Wedding,” a play about an unstable woman crashing her ex’s wedding, and then chaos ensues. The performance brought in a lot of people who would have never thought to go to a play but ended up enjoying it.
“I think that everyone should have a chance to experience the beauty of live performance, and this is her chance to do that,” said Ethan Rogers, a sophomore theatre major.
Paytas has become a big deal with today’s teens, and they have their opinions on her new rise to Broadway stardom. Theatre professionals and enthusiasts are welcoming to anyone who wants to try out or experience the theatre.
“While some might question her background, theatre has always been about pushing boundaries,” Harrell said. “Her presence could help evolve the space and make it more inclusive for a diverse audience.”