Alexandria Bradford will play the role of the Poodle in "101 Dalmatians" next month at the Log Cabin Playhouse in Murfreesboro. She is pictured with her proud grandmother, Becky Bradford, who owns the beauty shop in which Alexandria began her singing and acting career. (T-G Photo by Sadie Fowler)

She wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up, but Alexandria Bradford will settle on acting for now; the stage is what seems to be occupying this 5-year-old's time lately.

Murfreesboro Little Theater recently cast Alexandria in the upcoming play, "101 Dalmatians," and production is set for late February.

"I'm going to be a poodle," she said. "And I have to say some things in French...but I only know one word in French...French is hard."

The bright young lady, daughter of David and Shannon Bradford and granddaughter of Becky and J.D. Bradford Jr., has loved to sing and dance since barely old enough to walk, and she's gained quite an audience at the church she attends every Sunday.

"She sings 'Jesus Loves Me' before Sunday School every week," said her grandmother, who also owns Hair Changers salon. "When she first started singing at church she was louder than the song leader, but she's learned to calm down a bit."

Shyness has never been a problem for this East Side School kindergartener, who learned to sing in front of the customers at Hair Changers on Deery Street. In fact, her outgoing personality is what got her noticed by Joyce Johnson, who had a business relationship with the Bradford family.

"This little girl had talent and I knew there was something special about her," said Johnson. "I talked to my friend Dot Parker about her, and she also noticed her talent. We thought, 'This needs to be pursued.'"

Johnson's next step was to ask a friend of hers who teaches drama to come to Shelbyville to meet Alexandria. Johnson's friend visited Alexandria at her grandmother's beauty shop (where she goes after school) one day and she also saw something special in the charismatic child.

"She said it was like walking into a room filled with bubbles," said Johnson. "She also thought her talent should be pursued."

From there, Johnson approached another friend in the drama business who suggested Alexandria be brought up to Murfreesboro to audition for a part in "101 Dalmatians." She got the part, along with about 60 other kids ages 4 through 11.

Since then, the young actress has joined her co-stars in rehearsals twice a week, but that schedule will soon be intensified as the play draws near.

The play will be presented on four consecutive nights beginning Feb. 28 at the Log Cabin Playhouse, home of Murfreesboro Little Theater, 702 Ewing Blvd. Following that, performances will be made at various schools in Murfreesboro.

For more information or ticket reservations, call (615) 969-3980 or e-mail p3Theater@yahoo.com.