Reva Rice is an American musical theatre actress and singer who played Pearl in numerous productions of Starlight Express from 1987 to 1995, including Broadway, the 1st US tour, Las Vegas, and both the 'old' and 'new' productions in London, having been initially cast for the revamped production, but arriving early when her predecessor fell pregnant and could no longer perform[1].
Rice also played the gender-changed "Mama" in the 2018 Bochum revamp.
In Depth Interview with Broadway World.
Starlight Express Credits[]
Bochum - 2020-21 - Mama (cancelled due to COVID)
Bochum - 09/2021 - 2022 - Mama
Bochum - 06/2022 - 05/2023 - Mama
Biography (2018)[]
For the two-time Broadway-world winner Reva, this year a circle closes: In 1987 she was the first Pearl on the Broadway, New York, and will be the first Mama at STARLIGHT EXPRESS in Bochum in 2018 - just in time for her 30th anniversary. After her first engagement on Broadway, Reva starred "Starlight Express" as first cast Pearl further on the first North American tour, to London and Las Vegas. She subsequently appeared as Velma Kelly in the Broadway production of "Chicago" and was part of the first national tour of "The Color Purple". In her home town of Las Vegas, she also starred in the musicals "Signed Sealed Delivered" at the Venetian Theater, "Spamalot" at the Wynn Theater and "Vegas! The Show "at Planet Hollywood's Saxe Theater.
Biography (1993)[]
Reva Rice (Pearl) returns to the U.S. after starring in the re-opening of Starlight Express in London, England where her single from the show, "Next Time You Fall in Love", was released. She originated the role of Pearl on Broadway, subsequently touring the U.S. before being invited to London. Audiences may recognize Reva from her numerous appearances as a vocal finalist on Star Search. Born and raised in Toledo, OH, Reva's training began with dance, theatre and piano lessons at age five. She has done everything from organizing her own dance troupe and school to performing for Walt Disney World, in addition to national commercials and guest appearances on Donahue and The Tonight Show (with Jay Leno). Reva is pleased to be involved once again in Starlight Express and that's due to her love of skating, which she also began at an early age. Reva is a self-taught skater and singer whose future plans include establishing a recording career as a singer, writer and producer.
Biography (1987)[]
REVA RICE (Pearl) is a native of Toledo, Ohio, and a graduate of the Boston Conservatory of Music, after which she created her own dance company (Reva's Dance Shop). Less than a year ago Reva hit New York and is making her Broadway debut starring in Starlight Express.
Gallery[]
Broadway[]
US Tour 1[]
London[]
Las Vegas[]
Bochum[]
