At the young age of 11 years old, Frankie McNellis moved from Gilbert to Los Angeles to pursue a career as an actress, dancer and performer—a journey she says was at first scary and exciting but led her to an industry she fell in love with. Here, the now 16-year-old shares some fond memories while in Gilbert and her biggest takeaways while on set of Netflix’s 13: The Musical.
PHOTO BY BRETT ERICKSON; STYLED BY ADEEL KHAN; HAIR BY MIKA FOWLER; MAKEUP BY JULIANNE KAYE
What was your favorite place to spend your free time in Gilbert?
If I wasn’t training in dance class or music lessons, I would be at home in my music room. I always loved playing music with my dad, and I still do!
Where is your favorite place to eat in Gilbert?
I love Oreganos. Whenever my family and I go there, we always order calamari, cheesy bread and the pizookie.
What inspired you to pursue a career in singing, dancing and acting at the young age of 5 years old?
My dad is a musician, so I got a lot of my musical talents from him. My parents noticed that from a very young age I could carry a tune easily, so my mom decided that I needed to start music lessons as well as dance classes. I started playing piano and dancing when I was 5. I picked up the guitar when I was 10 years old because my hands were finally big enough to reach the fretboard.
What was your favorite part about working on the set of 13: The Musical?
I think that one of my favorite parts would have to be just getting to work with my best friends who love doing the same thing as me. Going to work every day was like going to hang out with my friends and have fun doing what we all love.
“GOING TO WORK EVERY DAY WAS LIKE GOING TO HANG OUT WITH MY FRIENDS AND HAVE FUN DOING WHAT WE ALL LOVE.”
What was it like leading the song “Opportunity,” which was known as the most elaborate musical number in the film?
Working on this number was honestly the coolest experience of my life. I think ‘Opportunity’ is such a unique number in the film because not only does [my character] Lucy break the fourth wall, but there is so much going on. In one section, you see me on a football field with cheerleaders and marching band, and in another, you see Lucy and Brett winning prom queen and king.
What has been your biggest takeaway of this new feature film, and why should viewers watch it?
One of the biggest things that my character learns from 13: The Musical is that friendship and family are so important. Boys come and go, but your best friend will always be there for you. I hope that the viewers take away the same message.
What’s next for you?
I can’t tell you much, however, I can say that I am currently working on music and I am so excited for everyone to hear soon!
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