MEET EMILY QUALMANN FROM DISENCHANTED!

Before she steps into the spotlight as Sleeping Beauty in the hit musical comedy DISENCHANTED!, Emily Qualmann gave us the inside scoop behind the life of a princess. With powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp timing, and a wink of self-awareness, she’s helping to rewrite the stories we thought we knew — and reminding audiences that “happily ever after” looks a little different when the princesses finally get to tell their side.

What is your favorite part about touring in DISENCHANTED!?
My favorite part about touring is performing in so many different kinds of venues. Some are grand, historic touring houses, while others are intimate comedy spaces. I love the roar of a big theatre, but I also love how close we get to audiences in smaller venues — sometimes we’re right in their faces, high-fiving, and getting responses back!

This show works beautifully in both settings: some numbers are huge ensemble moments perfect for a big stage, while others thrive on that up-close energy. I also love seeing the wall tags left behind by past productions — once, I found Carol Channing’s signature backstage and thought, “Wait… I’m using the same bathroom she once used!?” That was surreal. Meeting locals in each city is also a highlight — I love hearing their stories and getting the best food and hangout recommendations.

How do audiences respond to the show?
Honestly, I feel like a rockstar onstage with this show. The opening is strong, fast, and hilarious, and the audience immediately connects because they already know these characters. Once they realize it’s the princesses they love — but fed up and telling it like it is — they lose it.

And while the comedy is nonstop, what surprises people is the ending. After all the laughs and sing-alongs, there’s a heartfelt message that really lands. I’ve even heard sniffles in the audience. Without giving too much away, it’s a story arc that leaves people with something meaningful to take home, no matter their age.

Were you a fan of these princesses growing up, and how has that played into your performance?
Absolutely! They were my idols growing up — and Aurora was my favorite. I even had an Aurora shampoo bottle. What’s funny is that as a kid, I never thought to question those fairytales the way DISENCHANTED! does.

I also never imagined I’d play her. She’s usually portrayed as this elegant blonde bombshell, while I have a curly black mullet and was always the loud, funny kid in class — not the quiet, demure princess. But in this version, Sleeping Beauty is bold, confident, and dreaming of being a cabaret star, which feels like me to a T.

When I got the call that they wanted me for this role, I thought, “Are you sure?” But stepping into it has been such a gift. I get to embody the princess I loved as a child, while also bringing my own personality to her. Honestly, it’s been healing for my inner child — a reminder that you can still be the princess while being unapologetically yourself.

Do you have a favorite song or moment during the show?
I have to say, I love the opening number. Hearing the audience realize what they’re about to experience is like nothing else. The song wastes no time cracking the story wide open — it’s packed with insane vocals, sharp comedy, and hilarious dialogue. Honestly, it feels like a full play within one song. It sets the tone perfectly and launches the show like a rollercoaster ride.

Have you been to Des Moines or Iowa before?
Yes! This is actually my second time here. I first came through with the Broadway National Tour of Fiddler on the Roof in 2022, and I’m so excited to be back. Des Moines was one of my favorite stops — I was here in the fall, and I still remember the gorgeous weather, spending hours walking through the city and soaking up the nature.

The audiences were so kind and welcoming, and people even recognized us around town, which was such a special feeling. And I have to give a shout-out to the downtown barcade — that became a favorite hangout of mine. I can’t wait to spend another amazing week here this fall.

How did you get into this career?
I got the solo “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” in preschool — and it was all downhill from there! In all seriousness, I’ve known since I was a kid that I wanted to perform. My brother actually beat me out for a musical-theatre class in middle school, which totally lit a fire under me. I started voice lessons soon after and was lucky to have incredible teachers who took me under their wing.

My first lead role was Reno in Anything Goes in high school — that’s when I knew I wanted to do this professionally. My voice teacher in Florida was a graduate of The Hartt School in Connecticut and encouraged me to audition there. I did, got in, and earned my BFA in Musical Theatre.

After my senior showcase in 2019, I signed with The Roster Agency, who I’ve been with ever since. They’ve helped me book some incredible opportunities, including a six-month Off-Broadway run in The Office! A Musical Parody and my first national tour as “Tammy” in Escape to Margaritaville — where I even got to sing “Margaritaville” with Jimmy Buffett himself! I’ve been so lucky to travel, perform, and meet amazing people along the way.

Why should people see DISENCHANTED!?
I always say this show is for Disney fans and for people who aren’t Disney fans at all. It features the princesses you know and love, but flips their stories on their heads — poking fun at the old-fashioned fairytales while giving them a fresh, funny, and empowering twist.

It’s a wild night out filled with powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp comedy, and so much heart. The cast is unbelievably talented, and the show somehow manages to be hilarious, chaotic, and deeply meaningful all at once. It’s just a genuinely great night of theatre with a thoughtful message underneath all the laughs.

Anything else we should know about you or DISENCHANTED!?
I’m a triplet — which probably explains my lifelong need for the limelight! And just a heads-up: DISENCHANTED! is definitely an adult show. It’s full of humor and heart, but it’s not one for the little ones… unless you’re ready to answer some interesting questions on the car ride home.

See Emily Qualmann as Sleeping Beauty in DISENCHANTED! at the Des Moines Civic Center.
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