Broadway Baby: Transforming Imperfections into Art
For as long as she can remember, Clare Elizabeth Dea has been a hairbrush singer. At just four years old, she was mesmerized by Young Talent Time, dreaming of one day gracing the stage herself. With a background in ballet and musical theatre, she spent years pursuing the traditional path to success—training, auditioning, and chasing the dream of making it big. But Clare’s journey was never meant to follow a straight line.
As a teenager, she discovered she had Poland Syndrome, a rare congenital condition that prevented one of her breasts from developing. The shame was overwhelming. She felt like a freak, masking her insecurity behind a carefully curated facade. Even after undergoing plastic surgery—where she now proudly proclaims she has “two amazing-looking boobs”—her inner world remained unchanged. It was only through years of therapy and deep inner work that she finally found peace within herself. This journey inspired her to publish her book The One Breast Goddess: Transforming Shame Into Beauty, which led to various speaking opportunities, including an invitation from TEDx.
Through this process of self-discovery, Clare had a revelation: she wasn’t just here to perform—she was here to tell stories that mattered and take audiences on a transformational theatrical experience. Instead of waiting for permission from the industry, she took control of her narrative, writing and producing her own shows. She combined her love of musical theatre with her deep fascination for psychology, spirituality, and the human experience. This fusion became her signature style—transformational, hilarious, and raw performances that leave audiences deeply inspired to embrace their imperfections and follow their authentic path.
Over the past five years, Clare has toured her shows across Australia. During COVID, she even pivoted one of them into an online reality dating show to help singles find connection during the pandemic.
“She whips them into a frenzy.” — Weekend Notes
Her latest show, Broadway Baby, is her most personal and audacious yet. It takes a deeply intimate turn, delving into her journey toward motherhood. At 42, Clare is in the midst of IVF—a process filled with hope, heartbreak, surrender, and resilience.
“IVF is a rollercoaster,” she shares. “And in many ways, it mirrors Broadway Baby. The show explores the expectations placed on women, the pressures of success, and the question: What happens when life doesn’t go to plan?”
For years, Clare wrestled with whether she wanted children. She loved her career, her independence—her sleep! The pressure to “do life the right way” weighed heavily on her. Was she too selfish to be a mother? Was she even meant to be one? These questions haunted her until, eventually, something shifted. Now, as she embarks on IVF, she’s navigating one of the most sacred and vulnerable journeys of her life—and bringing that experience to the stage.
“There’s so much shame around questioning motherhood,” she says. “Whether someone dreams of having kids, struggles with the decision, or doesn’t want them at all, it’s deeply personal. Society tells us there’s a ‘right’ way, but I’m learning there isn’t—there’s only your way.”
While Broadway Baby is undoubtedly Clare’s most personal show, it’s also her most collaborative. This time, she’s not going it alone. She’s joined by the incredible Suzanne Andrews on piano, who not only accompanies her but also helps weave the story musically. Then there are The Hot Daddys—two phenomenal WAAPA graduates, Patrick Friedlander and Curtis Kossart—who elevate the production with dance, tricks, and electrifying stage presence. She also has been developing her skills with singing teacher and creative mentor Claira J.
Broadway Baby shines a light on the addictions that have stemmed from Clare’s deep desire to be perfect, to feel “good enough,” and to fit into a society that, at times, she’s not even sure she wants to fit into.
“The more I share my truth, the more permission I give others to do the same,” she explains. “I used to think I had to be polished and perfect to be worthy of the spotlight. But real magic happens when I show up fully—messy, vulnerable, unfiltered.”
Clare got an early taste of the spotlight at just 19 when she was cast as a cheerleader in The Club, one of Australia’s first reality TV shows. For six months, she appeared on primetime television every week, with people recognizing her on the street. In her 20s, she became a well-known performer in India, her face appearing on magazine covers, newspapers, and TV. But behind the scenes, she wasn’t being paid properly and often found herself in unsafe situations. The experience was a wake-up call.
“Fame amplifies who you already are,” she reflects. “If you’re insecure and disconnected, it can swallow you whole. But if you’re grounded in your truth, it can be an incredible platform for impact.”
And that’s exactly what Clare is focused on now: impact. Through Broadway Baby, she wants audiences to walk away feeling seen, inspired, and ready to take center stage in their own lives.
“Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s for everyone,” she insists. “It’s how we express who we truly are, beyond the roles and expectations placed on us. Broadway Baby is a celebration of that. It’s about belting out your truth—sometimes literally!”
On Sunday, April 13th, expect a mix of dynamic song and dance numbers, cheeky comedy, and plenty of surprises along the way. And because Clare lives out her shows so authentically, the ending is always improvised—so even she doesn’t fully know what’s coming!
“This show is my love letter to anyone who’s ever doubted themselves, felt like they were ‘too much’ or ‘not enough.’ It’s about reclaiming your story, standing in your power, and knowing that—whether on a stage, in life, or in love—your voice matters.”
Season Details
Venue: The Round – Studio
Date: Sun 13th April at 8pm
To see Clare, book now at: https://www.theround.com.au/whats-on/broadway-baby
