British Newcomer Jeanna de Waal on Her New Life as an American Idiot

Age and Hometown: 22. London, England.

Current Role: Struggling young mother Heather in a Broadway debut performance opposite Michael Esper in Green Day’s American Idiot.

The Early Days: After falling in love with acting at an arts-oriented boarding school outside London, de Waal headed north to the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, where she was lucky enough to appear in a workshop of The Boys in the Photograph, a musical by none other than Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ben Elton. “Crazy!” is the only word de Waal says she can use to describe the experience. "I thought they'd just pass all the work on to the teachers, but they came many times and were amazing." Elton became a mentor, helping de Waal secure her first post-university gig on the West End as a cover in his Queen musical We Will Rock You. After a year with the show and plenty of rock experience, de Waal set her eyes on Broadway.

Empire State of Mind: “When I came here I didn’t know anybody and didn’t really know the city,” de Waal says of her move to the Big Apple last fall, “but I absolutely love it. It’s more exciting, and there’s a bigger energy for new work. People are always doing workshops of new shows and working with new songwriters. They’re also willing to invite you out to discover cool little bars downtown.” It doesn't hurt that de Waal landed her first Broadway gig so quickly: "I originally booked a return flight for later this month, but I won’t be using that ticket!”

Becoming an American Idiot: De Waal's take on Heather, who's forced to grow up fast after becoming a mom? "Feisty," she says. “She’s got to be the type of girl who can hang out with the guys and give her own back to them.” Paired with Michael Esper as Will, de Waal remains onstage during scenes focusing on other characters, often locking lips with her co-star in intense makeout sessions. “Michael is definitely a very gorgeous guy, so I have no problem doing it,” she says with a laugh. Joking aside, de Waal feels empowered by her role. “She’s doing a huge thing by taking on the responsibility of having this baby. She’s very brave, and I hope I’m showing how strong a person she is.”