In TV, film and theater, Montvale native Alanna Smith's career is on a roll

Alanna Smith has always loved the spotlight. Long before she started acting, Smith cherished the attention of being center stage. "After my first dance recital — when I was 3 or 4 — I was dead center, in front of the whole company, bowing over and over, blowing kisses, thinking the whole audience was there for me and only me," she says. "I think that’s because my parents and siblings have always been my biggest fans, so I was always surrounded by a lot of love and support."

Although she now spends most of her time in New York City and Los Angeles, Smith considers herself a true Jersey girl. "As an artist, Jersey is in everything I do," she says. Smith grew up reading (201) at the breakfast table in Montvale with a pair of playful parents. Her mom, an Emerson native, was the comedienne of her high school shows and her dad is an amazing public speaker, she says.

Smith officially caught the acting bug at Fieldstone Middle School in Montvale. She continued to perform at Pascack Hills High School, went on to study musical theater at Ithaca College, and never looked back.

What was your first role on stage?

I played the crazy science teacher in an adaptation of "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" at Fieldstone Middle School. I really went for it. There’s a wildly incriminating 6th-grade photo of me with teased hair and cat-eye glasses that I’m sure will resurface to haunt me at some point. Shout out to our incredible director-playwright Susan Van Buskirk, who teaches at Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan now. To this day, I don’t know how she wrangled something like 80 kids in that cast. She’s a miracle worker! Somebody get her more coffee right now.

Tell me about performing during high school.

My two favorite roles at Pascack Hills High School were Adelaide in "Guys and Dolls" and Marian in "The Music Man." Getting to sing that iconic music on stage is a core memory for me. I’m putting it out into the universe that I’ll get to return to those roles someday; it would be such a full-circle moment. I couldn’t get enough of it in high school. I also did shows at Bergen County Players and in a summer program called Onstage at Ramsey High School. I learned from so many talented mentors and peers, and as arts programs continue to lose funding in public schools, I want to mention that I really found my purpose there. I played sports and did extracurriculars, too, but high school is a time of major transitions and big emotions, and having an outlet like theater gave us all a place to put those feelings. So go support your local emotional kiddos. You might be inspired.

How was your run in 'Cat on A Hot Tin Roof' in Philadelphia?

You know, as cliché as it sounds, this business comes with a lot of rejection. Sometimes — most times — that rejection leads to some of the best curveballs, roles I never dreamt of playing but somehow ended up there. But in this case, the chance to play Maggie in "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" wasn't one of those times. This one was a lifelong dream coming true, and I got to play the role at a time when I was ready for it. So I studied the script and dialect for months. I even took a trip to Mississippi for character research. It was deeply meaningful to me. Someone recently asked me what role I’d like to play next and it occurred to me, I better get back to the vision board because it was always Maggie.

Tell me about the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia.

I was an acting apprentice at Walnut Street right after college, and have since played some of my favorite roles ever there. It’s the oldest theater in America, so you get a sense that you’re a living part of history when you step on that stage. When I stop to think about the other artists coming through there, it blows my mind. I got to do a Tennessee Williams play there, and so did Marlon Brando! It’s just wild. I’ve also done some fabulous comedies there, including my favorite, Inga in Mel Brooks’ "Young Frankenstein," the musical.

How was it filming your lead role in the Crackle streaming network film 'Love Afloat'?

"Love Afloat" is your classic, feel-good rom-com. My character, Lorelei, is ambitious, artsy and talkative. Now that you know me, sound familiar? It was fun to play a character I felt close to. Although she’s a beautiful painter, and I’m everybody’s Pictionary nightmare. Movie magic!

What other roles might we know you from?

I made my TV debut as Melissa Alden on "FBI: Most Wanted," and since have had roles on "Evil Lives Here," "Power Book II: Ghost," and in the recent Disney+ film, "Chang Can Dunk." And if you’re thinking, “Hey, that’s the girl from the Drizly ads between episodes of "Real Housewives," you are also correct.

You have worked in television, movies and theater. Does the preparation differ for each setting, and do you prefer one medium to another?

Oh, don’t make me choose! I just love working. I love going from project to project. For me, the preparation is mostly the same between television, film and theater. I love the subtlety of working on screen, and the live audience element of working on stage. And I’ve been lucky enough to land some commercials, and I’ll tell you what, by and large… they have the best set snacks.

Any fond memories of growing up in Bergen? What are some of your favorite things to do here now?

I was always proud when people visited from out of town and we got bagels from Stein’s on Chestnut Ridge Road. I think I’m the only good Jewish girl who doesn’t live for a bagel (sacrilegious, I know), but I loved seeing people’s faces when they realized they were about to eat a pumpernickel the size of their head. That’s Jersey, baby.

My perfect day in Bergen would start off with an omelet and coffee at the Ridge Diner. Then a hike through Ramapo Reservation — this is making me homesick just talking about it. Next, maybe take a stroll through the shops at Tice’s Corner and grab lunch. The afternoon is up for grabs because there are always new spots to hit every time I come home, but then I would finish the day with dinner and a show at Bergen County Players in Oradell. I played Cinderella there. I think my picture is still on the wall.

Any recommendations for movies to watch this summer?

You have to see "Are you There, God? It’s Me, Margaret." So much New Jersey nostalgia. Margot Robbie can do no wrong, so I am psyched for the "Barbie" movie. I also loved the remake of "White Men Can’t Jump" starring Sinqua Walls and Jack Harlow. I’m a sucker for a good sports movie anyway, but this remake is perfectly fit for 2023, and the script is packed with punch lines.

What’s next?

I’ve started writing my own projects. Stay tuned.

Get to know Alanna Smith

Age: 31

Where can we find you online: www.alannajsmith.com; @alannajsmith

Where did you grow up: Montvale

Where do you live now: I currently split my time between New York City and Los Angeles

Education: Pascack Hills High School, Ithaca College

Future Aspirations: Star in the next "Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bergen County native Alanna Smith takes on TV, film and theater roles