I was in the middle of a performance of Cabaret (playing Fraulein Schneider), when I suddenly realized something … The man playing Herr Schultz had on (old) age makeup. I did not have on age makeup. No one asked me to wear age makeup. Clearly, I no longer need age makeup. OMFG. When did…
I was in a production of Oklahoma in Burbank, California. I had agreed to be in the ensemble because they needed someone to sing the high soprano parts. I had not auditioned for the show because I had just done three shows end-to-end and I wanted/needed a break. I agreed to sing the part. I…
Our high school (John Glenn HS) put on a variety show (Kaleidoscope) in the Spring of each year. I participated every year; sometimes a lot, sometimes not so much. And, of course, my senior year, I was very involved. Our school benefitted from a school board that was very pro-theater and music; so this year,…
As I’ve said before, theater is hard work. It can also be dangerous work. I’ve had a few tumbles and such on stage, but three times (that I can recall) I actually drew blood. First, when I was in the Fischer Troupe in Frankenmuth, Michigan. We had these faux footlights on the stage. They were…
I have done two musicals through a college. Let me tell you something – if you have a chance to do a show through a college – do it. It is a different world. They have a full costume department, staffed by people who are excited about doing costumes. Often – new costumes, made just…
Side Show is a wonderful musical that is almost never done. Unlike most musicals, the themes are dark and it does not have a happy ending. It is the story about the rise to fame of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton and their personal unhappiness. It is a story about prejudice. It is a…
I had an audition on Friday. It went pretty well, and I was hoping for an e-mail inviting me to call backs. For some reason, it never occurred to me that they might telephone. My cell phone rings. I don’t recognize the number. Must be a telemarketer. I HATE telemarketer calls. I REALLY HATE telemarketer…
I used to simply love auditions. Now it’s more of a love/hate relationship. I still love seeing what other people choose for their audition songs, and how they perform them. I still love seeing the acting choices people make in their auditions. I will always and forever HATE dance auditions. Sorry choreographers, it is nothing…
I have played the role of Miss Hannigan a total of three times, and I would LOVE to play her again before I die. I love Miss Hannigan. And what I find interesting is the biggest fans of my Miss Hannigan are usually the mothers of the children in the show. This is for two…
If you lived in the Bay City area and you did musical theater, eventually, you would work with Patricia Ankney – also known as Miss Pat. Miss Pat was short and fat, was a good, but demanding, director, and had a nasty temper if you got on her wrong side. In her later years, she…
Thoughts from a Fat Old Lady 