The Hollywood classic ''The Music Man'' was hit on the big screen. And 40 years later it's a hit on Broadway with the help of 12-year-old Tiler Peck.
"Acting is really fun because you get to play so many different characters that you're not even in real life and its just really fun," Peck said. In New York, her dance and singing routine as the mayor's daughter is part of a sell-out Broadway show where the lead will soon be played by Will and Grace TV Star Eric McCormick. "I know its a lot for a 12-year-old and already be on Broadway and that's why I wanted to go because you know, I might not ever get this chance in a lifetime, but at the same time, I'm always thinking about here," Peck said.
Tiler first performed at Christa McCaluffe Elementary School in first grade at the school's talent show and Christmas show. And that was just the beginning. Her impressive list of credits includes movies, television shows and commercials, along with special skills like competitive rollerblading and Bungee jumping.
Tiler's mom Georgia was a professional ballet dancer and says her daughter is the real deal. "The assistant choreographer Susan Stroman, who is the biggest choreographer in New York, says they have never seen a child come into the industry like she is, she's a triple threat, she sings, dances and acts," Georgia said.
So by know, you're wondering, how does she do it? Most of her class time is spent through independent study set-up by the school using the Internet. She rents an apartment in New York, and her grandmother stays with her full time. And her salary is about $70,000 -- not bad for a 12-year-old. But, according to Tiler's friends, the budding Broadway star is not one to brag or even talk about her Big Apple experience.
"She's just a talented ordinary kid," said Rebecah Gonzales, Tiler's friend."She's sweet and gorgeous, and I look up to her," "Its amazing. She has a great voice and dances and stuff and she's really nice," said another friend Thomas Warren. "I just don't think it's right when people talk about themselves," Peck said."I just think it's rude, because I know a lot of kids would like to be where I am."
