https://leavenworthsummertheater.org/
I am beyond thrilled to post that I will be returning to the hills of
Leavenworth Washington to “Sing Once More” in the majestic mountains!
I am honored to have been offered the opportunity to perform the roles of: Maria in The Sound of Music, Marian in The Music Man, and Lily in The Secret Garden.
Last year I was offered the role of Lily in The Secret Garden and I had the honor to understudy Maria in The Sound of Music. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic The Secret Garden was postponed to the summer of 2022. After lots of “praying to the theater Gods” that I would be considered for the role again; I was over the moon when I received this incredible offer.
Three dream roles in one summer, in the fantastical land of Leavenworth, WA. I could just SING with joy!
These roles and characters have been childhood companions, inspirations, and guides. It is an abundance of gifts to be so rich with opportunity. This will truly be a wonderous summer.
I can offer tribute to the beautiful Rebecca Luker who originated the role of Lily and revived the roles of Maria and Marian. I continue to be inspired by the voice, grace, and art of Dame Julie Andrews. These roles, these women, and these productions capture the strength and beauty of strong, beautiful, resilient women and are the standard bearers to all of us who follow!
The shows will be running from July 8th-August 28th!!
https://leavenworthsummertheater.org/Photo includes: (L to R) Top: Meredith Wilson (The Music Man), Rodgers and Hammerstein (The Sound of Music), and Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon Bottom (The Secret Garden) Bottom: Rebecca Luker as Marian, Maria, and Lily.
Above: Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music and Leavenworth Summer Theater
Pictured above: Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman (The Secret Garden) and Rodgers and Hammerstein (The Sound of Music)
I am extremely honored and blessed to share that will be performing the role of Lily in The Secret Garden as well as understudying the role of Maria in The Sound of Music in Leavenworth, Washington this summer 2021!
The run of these shows is from July through August at Leavenworth’s beautiful outdoor theater in the mountains- Weeeee!!
The Secret Garden is a beautiful musical. The story is part of my childhood and it’s message is lifelong. The role was originated on Broadway by Rebecca Luker, who passed away this year from ALS. I hope to carry her legacy – she was an true inspiration and idol.
Understudying the role of Maria is a dream come true. Not only did Rebecca Luker also play Maria in the Broadway revival but Julie Andrews has always been an inspiration as an artist and a person- I had the honor to watch her in her recent book interview live. The Sound of Music is a part of my life and part of what brought me to my calling.
I cannot imagine following the footsteps of two more gifted and genuine artists. I look forward to a summer of music in nature and in the mountains, not to mention my first time performing and sharing wonderful stories for a live audience in what feels like a life time
Recently I was the recipient, of a grant from the MA Cultural Council. My idea was to put on a entertaining performance, for all ages, while providing an outlet for artists to use their creative juices during the COVID-19 pandemic. I teamed up with the Cultural Council, MMTV, and asked some performers to join me to help create this vision. I chose the month of February (Valentine Month) for Love All Ways to celebrate the message of the universal and limitless language of Love and music. I described this experience as follows,
“We embrace the freedom to reinterpret songs, some of which may be familiar to you, and turning them on their head. We have fallen in love with these songs and are eager to share this new way of hearing and seeing them performed. The musical theatre term for most of what we are performing is “gender bending.” This is interpreting music that is traditionally attributed to male or female identifying characters and/or performers and rendering a more fluid interpretation. We have had a wonderful time singing songs we love and hope you will enjoy the experience as much as we have in assembling it for you. As we navigate through COVID-19 we find our friendships and music carry us through even though we cannot all be together and cannot celebrate in person.
Thank you MMTV, Melrose Cultural Council, and my fellow performers for making this possible, and spreading love and positivity as we navigate through this time. “
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I needed another stress mechanism, besides my usual of baking. I started doing yoga. I already have a love for and experience with Alexander Technique and I felt yoga would provide me with the opportunity to be able to use the Alexander work as I also find a new sense of self.
I started to do Yoga every other morning, and then it became every day, sometimes before my classes, before bed, or after a run. I started to get very comfortable very fast. Every day I wanted to master a new yoga pose, and the next thing I knew I was on my head in a headstand.
In my vocal lessons I work on body alignment, with a 45 degree curve in my back, it is especially important. I found if I was in a headstand, I had the alignment I searched for in my lessons standing. If I gave into any of the detrimental curves-I would fall. If I moved a part of my neck or jaw forward- I would fall.
I began to sing on my head, not feeling any the tensions I would have standing, because if I did.. I would fall. Initially, I would use a wall to help support me- it was a lot to think about without the wall. But over time I was able to sing like this without the wall (granted the wall did help me stay in it longer, but part of the fun and challenge was to do it without).
The Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorite Musicals. Christine fascinates me and she has a great deal of strength. I knew if I could sing Christine’s music on my head, I could do it anytime. So, of course, I go for the E6 (aka the high note) at the end of the song “The Phantom of the Opera.” Below is the outcome…
Before COVID-19 hit, I had the pleasure and opportunity to play one of my favorite powerful female leads, Belle in Beauty and the Beast.
After being in this musical twice already; once at a young age as Chip, and once as an unforgettable and renowned “lady with babies,” I was eager to share my version of Belle.
One of my favorite parts of creating Belle was reading one of her favorite books the original King Arthur. From page one, I knew who Belle was. I knew why this was one of her favorite books. I knew why she wanted to share the power of reading with the Beast and the ability it had to transport you to another world, just like art and and theatre.
I made the choices about her past, and discussed with the wonderful director, Samantha Bower, the introduction and significance of a necklace from her mother. Belle does not usually have this piece of jewelry, but that was one of the things I loved about creating my version of her. As the rehearsals turned into tech week which turned into performance week I had become Belle.
The cast was a delight to work with and “Chip” and I had a very special relationship, one day she will be Belle too! She was also quite the artist (see photo below).
After the matinee performances I met some of the children in the audience, some of the boys and girls pulled off the iconic Golden ball-gown better than I did! They were mesmerized by the power they could see Belle had. Touching the the heart of just one audience member, is enough for me.
It was with such pleasure and honor to share her story.
