For Isabella the face had to be “Next Big Thing” actress Zoey Deutch, star of the romcom hit Set It Up. According to New York magazine, she has a “face between Natalie Portman and Jennifer Lawrence” and is “high octane, screwball funny, like Lucille Ball.” Just the sort of spirited ‘can do’ girl Isabella needs to be if she’s going to make it on the stage.
Five things you might not know about Isabella
- She hates surprises. She’s had some major shocks in the last year, and although they’ve had happy outcomes, she doesn’t want any more unexpected incidents.
- She’s wise way beyond her years. So even though she’s a decade younger than Sebastian, she’s his equal in smarts, determination and grass roots common sense. And she’s sharper than her step mother Huldah.
- She’s got her own instinctive locked down style that fits any occasion, and she’s been an early adopter of the new idea (for the 1860s) that it’s possible to be original and a lady. It’s out with bustles and elaborate detailing, and in with more practical styles for easier movement: shorter skirts worn with elastic sided boots for day wear, masculine cuts on jackets, waistcoats, cravats and shorter riding habits.
- She’s a fan of eating her main meal of the day at 6pm – also a new fashion for the times – but only of course when she’s not performing. And she loves French food.
- Her favorite color is red.
