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“When I saw my first Broadway show, when I saw ‘Dear Evan Hansen,’ I met Michael Park and he was kind enough to invite me and my mom backstage,� Natale said. “He let me stand on the stage; I was like 12 and it was so cool. He said ‘You’ll be back one day, don’t worry about it.’ It was surreal going back this year and being like, ‘Wow, I’m standing on a Broadway stage and I’m performing. This is crazy.’�

While her journey back to Broadway certainly wasn’t easy, neither was her decision to perform. On the exact same day, her former classmates were performing “Hadestown: Teen Edition,� at the International Thespian Festival at Indiana University after receiving national recognition.

“It was very difficult for me,� Natale said. “I remember when I was trying to decide, I just thought back to when I was a freshman.�

“I won a Jerry Award that year for my performance in ‘Anastasia.’ I found out about the Jimmy Awards through the JerryÃÛèÖÊÓƵ that year, and I auditioned,â€� she recalls. “I didn’t get picked as a 14 year old, but itÃÛèÖÊÓƵ just been my dream ever since I was that age: To go to New York and to do this.â€�

“I hadn’t had the opportunity to audition again until this year. My momÃÛèÖÊÓƵ always told me, ‘if itÃÛèÖÊÓƵ supposed to happen, it will.’ I thought I might as well audition and give it a shot. I honestly didn’t know if I would get picked or not. I really didn’t think I would...I’m very, very grateful that I got the opportunity to go.â€�

With Natale in New York, Sophie Andersen stepped into the role of Hermes at the Indiana University festival. She and the rest of Parker Arts Academy cast had to adjust to the change, but they were supporting their classmate every step of the way.

“Lucy has been dreaming of this her whole life, or since she was in high school at least, and we wanted her to have that opportunity to go and flourish in New York,� said Parker Arts Academy Director Colin Swanson before the performances. “We knew that it was going to change a little bit of our cast and our how we were going to have to rehearse this time...We’re really excited for her, and are going to be cheering her on.�

Performing a character medley, Natale also had to adjust around new cast members for her showcase.

“It was really kind of strange,� Natale said. “But it was really cool because the talent of other people that I was around just brought out a new side of my character.�

“When I was trying to figure out what to do with Hermes, I was honestly a little lost...once I kind of figured that out I feel like I did a really great job forming it. But being around the dedication and the passion of the other students who were there — there were actually four other students who were nominated as Hermes — I feel like I fed off of a lot of other peopleÃÛèÖÊÓƵ ideas.â€�

Natale is now embarking on a new journey at Carnegie Mellon University, studying vocal performance. Luckily her experience in New York was an exciting way to kick off adulthood; and to learn life lessons.

“The first day, I felt imposter syndrome to the max,� Natale said. “I was like, I don’t know how I got here. This is crazy. But as the week went on, I just felt honestly inspired.�

“All of my peers, they were so nice...it was supportive. It was a great environment. And that imposter syndrome went away by the third day, and I just felt loved. I felt like I was where I belong. The best thing about theater is really the family and the connections that you make. Leaving all of my new-found friends was honestly really sad.�

The goodbye to Parker Arts Academy was likely even more difficult. Luckily for Natale, having the resources and support for arts and theatre development at home certainly helped on the trip back to Broadway.

“Having the opportunity for Parker, I would say, really made it a well-rounded community for her,â€� said LucyÃÛèÖÊÓƵ mom, Stephanie Natale. “She was able to really access theater professionals in Janesville, as well as Madison.â€�

“Once she started realizing this was something she wanted, we really sought out guidance from the different coaches for her and Parker. There definitely were some people along the way that really helped her out, which I think was great. IÃÛèÖÊÓƵ all about having people that encourage you and help you along the way. I think sheÃÛèÖÊÓƵ had some really great people in her life, which has really helped.â€�

One instructor that pushed NataleÃÛèÖÊÓƵ career at Parker was Michael Stanek.

“He was our choreographer for a long time,� Lucy said. “I don’t think I would be where I am today without his specific guidance and help. I remember my freshman year, I didn’t want to dance. I (thought), ‘I can’t dance, I’m terrible at it. This is not something I’m ever going to be good at.’ But he put me in the dance ensemble, and he gave me those opportunities to grow and learn. Now, I consider myself a pretty decent dancer.�