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LOS ANGELES—For many kids who watched “The All-New Mickey Mouse Club (MMC)” in the late 1980s to early ’90s, Deedee Magno-Hall was that cute Asian Mouseketeer who went on to become a member of the pop group, The Party. Now a musical theater performer with Broadway credits, Deedee looks back at those days with pride.
“On the ‘MMC,’ they hired kids from all over the country,” said Deedee who stars in “The Who’s Tommy,” which is on an extended run (until June 21) at the East West Players in Los Angeles.
What was that like, being on “MMC?”
“MMC” was such a fantastic stepping stone. I learned so much in that show. It was like a “Saturday Night Live” for kids. We sang, learned choreography, acted out comedy skits, shot music videos, interviewed special guests and managed to fit in time for school.
We performed and taped our show in front of a live studio audience on a sound stage at what is now Hollywood Studios, Disney World, in Orlando, Florida.
I was an original cast member. As the cast grew in number over the years, I remember being blown away by the talented young kids joining the show!
What were your memories of other Mouseketeers like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake and Keri Russell?
I remember Britney and Christina were inseparable; Justin was very energetic; Ryan (Gosling) knew how to flirt with the camera.
Keri and I accompanied my brother Dave to his senior prom; it was my junior prom. The next year, I asked JC Chasez (from “MMC” and ’N Sync) to be my senior prom date. We double-dated with my best friend, Mylin Brooks (“MMC”), who was dating Tony Lucca (“MMC” and “The Voice”) then. Tony and JC were best friends.
We were kids who just happened to have unusual childhoods. I only have fond memories of “MMC” and then later the singing group called The Party, which took us around the world!
As a former child star, how were you able to stay sane and grounded?
I owe everything to my parents, brother and sisters (Dayna and Darlene). When I joined “MMC,” the entire family moved from San Diego, California, to Orlando, Florida. My parents looked for new jobs. My siblings had to adjust to new schools and make new friends.
What’s your stand if your kids also choose to become performers?
Honestly, without being biased, our boys have pretty good ears for music and can cut a rug on the dance floor. They are hilarious hams for us at home but on stage or in front of a crowd, they tend to be shy.
Their interests are constantly changing. We will continue to nourish and encourage their strengths. We just want them to be happy and healthy and be the best that they can be.
What do you consider the best five moments so far in your career?
I have been incredibly blessed in my life and career. I have had the chance to play amazing dream roles, work with wonderful people, travel the world, record albums, act on TV and in films, voice a cartoon character (Pearl in “Steven Universe”), fall in love with my true love night after night and come home to my happy, healthy boys. There’s no way I could choose only five best moments. I only pray that there continues to be more best moments to come.
What are your dream roles?
I was a huge fan of “Wicked” before I got to play Nessarose. I would love to be Green (Elphaba) someday. It would be fun to explore film and TV again. I love being on stage. Perhaps a straight play, which I’ve never done. And writing my own show is definitely a goal of mine.
(E-mail the columnist at rvnepales_5585@yahoo.com. Follow him at https://twitter.com/nepalesruben.)