First Date Star Krysta Rodriguez on Her Little Mermaid Costume Obsession & Scary Movie Phobia

Halloween is the most theatrical holiday, so it makes perfect sense that Broadway actors—who understand the value of rocking a costume—would embrace the spooky season. We asked your favorite stage stars to share memories of yummy treats, silly tricks and the best and worst costumes they ever wore—with a photo! Happy Halloween!

KRYSTA RODRIGUEZ (Casey in First Date)

What was your favorite Halloween costume of all time, and how old were you when you wore it?
My favorite was actually pretty recently. My parents and my niece and nephew do a group costume every year and go trick-or-treating at Disneyland. They live in California, so I never get to do it with them but two years ago I happened to be there, so we went as the the Jetsons [see pic below]. My mom and I made all the costumes. It was literally weeks of us sitting at dueling sewing machines! We did everything ourselves, so it made it extra fun and I think we look awesome.

What’s your favorite Halloween candy, and why?
Since I'm allergic to chocolate, my candy options are limited. I usually try to run for the Starbursts and Skittles before everyone else can get to them. And I LOVE caramel apples. Those are my weakness.

Have you ever dressed up as a Broadway character? If so, which one?
At the time it wasn't a Broadway character, but technically it is one now: I was obsessed with The Little Mermaid as a kid—so much so that I dressed as Ariel for three Halloweens in a row. But not just mermaid Ariel. I was every phase of Ariel throughout the movie. The photo above is me as “Fancy dinner with Prince Eric” Ariel. I'm not kidding. Obsessed.

What is your favorite Halloween horror movie, and why?
I hate scary movies. I never like being scared or have nightmares. So the closest I get to a Halloween movie is The Nightmare Before Christmas. Its perfect cuz you can watch it all season. And I love Hocus Pocus, of course.

What is your Halloween costume this year?
I think it will probably be Casey from First Date ;-)

What do you love most about Halloween?
I love watching people get creative. Seeing a costume that you can tell someone put effort into and had a good time doing is always the best. And the little kids are the cutest!


Keep checking back for more Halloween memories from your favorite stars.