Noel's Acting Studio Actor · Director · Choreographer

Off the stage

Stories & highlights

A few favorite moments, backstage tales, and career highlights — the fun stories behind the credits.

American Girl 'Julie Tells Her Story' book cover
The 'Julie Tells Her Story' cover — Noel's likeness became Julie's mom, Joyce Albright.

The American Girl Revue

One of the highlights of my performing career was spending several years with the American Girl Revue, where I had the joy of performing more than 500 shows alongside an incredibly talented company of artists.

One of my favorite memories was when American Girl used my image to introduce Julie's mom, Joyce Albright, in the then-new Julie book series set in the 1970s. Bringing Joyce to life on stage at the Los Angeles premiere of Julie's story was such a special experience — one I'll always treasure.

The Princesses company at the 2012 ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop
The Princesses company at the 2012 ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop.
Composer Stephen Schwartz with a member of the Princesses workshop
Mentored by one of musical theatre’s greatest composers, Stephen Schwartz.

2012

Princesses — with Stephen Schwartz

One of those 'pinch me' moments: I had the incredible privilege of portraying Rapunzel in Princesses as part of the 2012 ASCAP Musical Theatre Workshop, under the mentorship of Stephen Schwartz.

To collaborate with a wonderfully talented cast and creative team while receiving direct feedback from one of musical theatre's greatest composers was both humbling and inspiring. Workshops like this are where new musicals begin to take shape — and getting to be part of that creative process was an experience I'll never forget.

Awards program nominee list: Noel Britton for The Heiress, alongside Debbie Reynolds
Lead Actress nominees — Noel Britton for The Heiress, listed alongside Debbie Reynolds.
The 2004 Artistic Director Achievement Awards program cover
The Artistic Director Achievement Awards, El Portal Theatre.

2003

The Heiress — one show, two life-changing memories

In 2003, I had the privilege of playing Catherine Sloper in The Heiress. It remains one of the most meaningful productions of my career, for so many reasons.

That year, I was nominated for an Artistic Director's Achievement Award alongside five incredibly talented actresses — including the legendary Debbie Reynolds, nominated for her performance in Love Letters. Just seeing my name listed alongside hers felt surreal. To ultimately receive the award was an honor I'll never forget.

But as meaningful as that recognition was, The Heiress gave me something even more extraordinary. It was during that production that I met the actor playing my love interest, Morris Townsend — my future husband, Alexander Lvovsky.

Some shows leave you with wonderful memories. This one changed the course of my life.

The Chantillys beside the Geffen Playhouse 'It's a Wonderful Life!' poster
With the Chantillys at the Geffen Playhouse benefit reading.

2011

It's a Wonderful Life at the Geffen

Another 'pinch me' moment came in 2011, when I performed in the Geffen Playhouse's benefit reading of It's a Wonderful Life.

I was part of a female vocal group known as the Chantillys, performing Christmas carols throughout the evening. During rehearsal, director Bart DeLorenzo invited us to join the cast onstage for the show's final number — and suddenly I found myself sharing the stage with an extraordinary cast that included Annette Bening, Peter Gallagher, Shirley Jones, Bryan Cranston, Leslie Jordan, and so many other incredible artists.

What I remember most, though, wasn't the star power — it was sharing the green room with them. Peter Gallagher was genuinely warm and welcoming. Shirley Jones was exactly what you'd hope she'd be — a true light. And Annette Bening couldn't have been more kind, gracious, and down-to-earth.

Sometimes the greatest gift isn't getting to work alongside people you've admired — it's discovering they're every bit as wonderful as you hoped. I'll always treasure that evening.

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