“There are more actresses than actors, and they chase after fewer roles. Thus the women in this section deserve to be celebrated not just for their art, but for their courage, optimism and perseverance. In Shakespeare’s time, women’s roles were played by boys, and to this day women’s characters are often written by men; when the day comes that there is true equality on the stage, women like the ones in this section will be responsible for it.” – Tim Treanor
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Featured here: MaryLee Adam, Lise Bruneau, Lauren ‘Coco’ Cohn, Colleen Delany, Eleasha Gamble, Jacqueline Grabois, Ellen Harvey, Marva Hicks, Naomi Jacobson, Carrie Johnson, Jodi Kamura, Lauren Molina, Jennifer Mendenhall, Phylicia Rashad, Hollis Resnik, Erika Rose, Caroline Sheen, Kavie Sheik, Jenna Sokolowski, Caren Lyn Tackett and Dawn Ursula.
MaryLee Adam
Penny Pingleton in Hairspray . Toby’s Dinner Theatre
Creating the role …
Penny Pingleton is a total goofball. She is really sweet and naive but also super energetic and always has the mind set that “the glass is half-full”. I connected to her on a lot of levels especially the whole goof ball part.
Biggest surprise …
Well, Hairspray was a 5 month run so there were a lot of surprising things that happened. The sheer fact that I chewed Bazooka bubble gum every night and am cavity free is pretty surprising.
Favorite moment …
My favorite moment in Hairspray was when I sang “Now I’ve tasted chocolate and I’m neva’ goin’ back!”. The reaction from the audience was priceless and it’s definitely the turning point for Penny because she can finally express her true feelings and let loose.
This year’s favorite performances …
My favorite performances this year were Paul Morella in A Christmas Carol at Olney Theatre and Florence Lacey in Sunset Boulevard at Signature Theatre.
Next?
I just finished playing one of the wives in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Olney Theatre and I’m also playing Anne in The Diary of Anne Frank during the day at Toby’s Dinner Theatre through Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts.
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Lise Bruneau,
Shira in Mikveh . Theater J
Creating the role …
Shira is an almost unheard of character in her community – she is a committed member of the Ultra Orthodox Jewish faith, who isn’t afraid to fight for justice or challenge the status quo – a conservative revolutionary! I definitely got the revolutionary part (I spent a lot of time in California), but took a long time to embrace the conservative part.
Biggest surprise …
I had a very hard time understanding this dichotomy of a woman who is so deeply connected to an exceedingly strict practice, yet isn’t bothered by modifying it. I mean, Judaism offers many degrees of commitment, so why didn’t she move to a more liberal level? I was so delighted to finally come to some understanding of the fullness one experiences when all of one’s habits, thoughts, hygiene, diet and each of one’s daily practices are dictated by, and therefore bringing one closer to, god. I was very grateful to be able to see that.
Favorite moment …
I absolutely loved getting in that water every night! But there was a moment when all these women who had been fighting Shira jumped aboard the movement to save one of their sisters – defying the community and endangering their families. But they did it anyway, because it was the right thing to do. I love that stuff!
This year’s favorite performances …
The entire, wonderful cast of Taffety Punk’s Owl Moon. Esther Williamson as Brutus in TPunk’s Julius Caesar.
Next?
I’m appearing in An Ideal Husband at STC, and preparing to direct Hamlet for the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival, starring one Marcus Kyd as The Dane.
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Lauren ‘Coco’ Cohn
Coral Hicks et al in Glimpses of the Moon . MetroStage
Creating the role …
I actually played three roles: first, Ursula Gillow, a competitive, society matron who was clearly trying not only to keep up with the Joneses, but outdo them. She was loud and uninhibited.
No one has ever said that of me!
Next, I played the knowing Maid. She saw precisely what was going on behind the scenes and between the lines.
No one has ever said that of me!
Finally, the most integral role I played was the misunderstood, Coral Hicks. She came from a ridiculously rich family and managed to adopt none of the refinement. She was dorky and lovable but wiser than she seemed.
I hope everyone says that about me!!!
Biggest surprise …
The most surprising thing that happened was that I was in this piece at all! I live in New York and was invited into the fold when the show lost an actor with only FIVE DAYS til the first preview. It was the scariest process ever. I barely knew my lines on opening night! I am forever grateful to the wonderful cast for embracing me the way they did (Gia Mora was my lifeline). And to now be celebrated for the effort is totally overwhelming. And joyful!!!
Favorite moment …
The completely awkward “seduction” scene between Coral and Nick that culminates in a great quartet called THE GLORIES OF GREECE. Loved it!
This year’s favorite performances …
Living in NYC, I have not had the privilege of seeing all the wonderful DC performances. But I have certainly heard word of dozens of memorable characters (including all the women in my category!) I think my favorite performance of 2010 would have to be Nina Arianda in Venus in Fur. It was a remarkable mix of off-handed humor, sex appeal, and scariness. Really transcendent. She is one to watch! Douglas Hodge in La Cage is my runner up!
Next?
I am back in the trenches in New York, doing Commercial and VO work, making the rounds, and writing a play with music. It’s a two-hander about Charlotte Sass (1900-2000), a woman who was an unsung hero of the 20th Century. It’s a vehicle for guess who?
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Colleen Delany
Captain Freely in Pirates! A Boy at Sea . Imagination Stage
Creating the role …
While the life of a morally conflicted 18th century pirate captain may seem like a big leap for a modern urban lass such as myself, there were ample emotional footholds in Charles Way’s script to guide the cast and me to what I trust was a truthful exploration of these characters in their world.
Biggest surprise …
Another actor’s emergency surgery! Fortunately, David Frankenberger was a total pro and seamlessly took over the performances that Tim had to miss. It was a reminder of how thrilling the live-ness of theater is.
Favorite moment …
Probably when my last sword fight was complete. Linden Tailor’s fight choreography (as supported by Michael John Casey’s fight captainship!) was fun and totally designed to be doable by a fight tyro like me, but even so — I was always relieved to have gotten through it without injury to anyone!
This year’s favorite performances …
The casts of Woolly Mammoth’s The Vibrator Play and Shakespeare Theatre’s Candide stand out. Also, the ensemble of Black Watch (produced by National Theatre of Scotland and presented by Shakespeare Theatre) — amazing.
Next?
I am currently in Edward Albee’s “At Home at the Zoo” in the Kogod Cradle at Arena Stage.
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Eleasha Gamble
Laurey in Oklahoma! . Arena Stage
Creating the role …
Laurey is a young, stubborn, naïve, hardworking teenager who grew up at a time when woman had to be tough in order to survive. I always had this impression that Laurey was this frilly girly-girl who just flitted around the prairie. That’s so not true! These two women [Laurey and Aunt Eller (E. Faye Butler)] had to be tough in order to work this farm by themselves. They were hardy, and everything for them was life or death. I was surprised at how much I connected to Laurey. I too am stubborn and hardworking. Laurey has lost both of her parents, and having lost my mother, I understood how that changes your life, and affects decisions you make. Laurey is so afraid to let people in because of her fear of losing people she loves. She’s madly in love with Curly, but is so afraid to submit to it. She’s constantly pushing him away, but at the same time she loves that he fights for her.
Biggest surprise …
Finding myself playing Laurey in Oklahoma! I was a week away from beginning rehearsals for A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre when I was suddenly approached by Arena to step in and play Laurey in Oklahoma. Now mind you they were just beginning previews! Ford’s was very supportive and gracious and released me from Christmas Carol with their best wishes, and I found myself learning a show that took them 5 weeks to rehearse in only 3 days! We only canceled one preview, and I had to be on book for the first few previews, but I was off book by that weekend and we opened 9 days later. It was a stressful, whirlwind, but it was thrilling and ultimately rewarding.
Favorite moments …
Anytime I was onstage with my costar Nicholas Rodriguez. He was the ultimate scene partner. I can only imagine what it must have been like for him to find himself with a brand new Laurey so late in the process, but he was there for me 100% from the beginning. He came in on his day off to help them walk me through the show and for that I will always be grateful. The scenes between Laurey and Curly are so much fun to do. Molly Smith compared them to Katherine and Pertrucio from Taming of the Shrew, and we just ran with that. They bicker, and flirt and argue, but when they finally allow themselves to fall they are passionate. It was a joy!
This year’s favorite performances …
Florence Lacey and Ed Dixon in Sunset Boulevard were extraordinary. Watching Flo, playing Norma was like watching a master class. Absolutely thrilling!
Next?
I’m just about to finish Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat up at Olney Theatre. I am taking a much needed break before I head out to the Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma, to play Nancy in Oliver. [Just announced – Eleasha returns to play Laurey in the Arena production starting July 8th.]
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Jacqueline Grabois
Kate Monster/Lucy the Slut in Avenue Q, The Broadway Musical . Shakespeare Theatre Company
Creating the role …
Kate Monster is a kindergarden teaching assistant with big hopes and dreams, both personally and professionally. She dreams big, loves hard and brushes her fur everyday! As an actress and female,I totally relate to Kate and her desires. Lucy the Slut is always looking for a warm bed to sleep in. Not exactly on my daily agenda. However, I do admire and relate to her self confidence.
Biggest surprise …
One of the Bad Idea Bears lost their eyeball during a show once. How we all managed to keep it all together, make the show seamless and never let on that something was off, was a great surprise. The show must go on, right?
Favorite moment …
There are so many amazing moments in Q its hard to pick one. Each night the audience drove the energy of the show. Singing “Everyone’s A Little Bit Racist” and “Fine Fine Line” were highlights in the show each performance for me. Hearing the audience’s laughter and high energy was an instant high each night.
This year’s favorite performances …
I would have to say A Little Night Music. The cast was extraordinary! I saw the show on Broadway with the outstanding performances by Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch.
Next?
I am currently working on vocals for the Karaoke CD version of Urinetown. I’m also very excited that one of my 3 sisters (the FIRST one of the 4 of us) is tying the knot this coming May. I’m getting my dancing shoes ready!
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Ellen Harvey
Miss Andrew in Mary Poppins . The Kennedy Center
Creating the role …
Disney has created so many wonderful villains over the years, and Miss Andrew most definitely falls in to that category. Basically, she is the evilest Nanny to ever live. (Think of her has Cruella de Ville in charge of children and not puppies!) What is great about playing the villain is that people love to hate you. But it was also wonderful to get to create a character that people had no preconceived idea about. Miss Andrew is in the original P.L. Travers books but not in the Disney movie. So when my character appears, people are caught up in a whole new story line.
Biggest surprise …
During our run at the Kennedy Center the First Lady and their two daughters came to see our first preview. It was Malia’s Birthday, and they came backstage after the performance. It was a wonderful moment.
Favorite moment …
When Mary Poppins and I have a “duel-off” involving operatic notes. We come face to face and pace around each other like stalking cats. That really is the moment when good versus evil comes full force in the play. I love that.
This year’s favorite performances …
Wow, there have been so many. Seeing Al Pacino in Merchant of Venice (with the astonishing Lily Rabe) was a once in a lifetime experience.
Next?
I am currently playing Miss Jones in the Broadway revival of How To Succeed in Business…. starring Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette. I am a very lucky person!
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Marva Hicks
a Sophisticated Lady . Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies . Arena Stage
Creating the role …
My role as a “sophisticated lady” was to represent the various type of women that were a part of the Duke Ellington legacy. He loved women. And wrote beautiful songs about beautiful women, as in “Satin Doll”. And he loved their artistic and creative side evident in his recordings with Ella Fitzgerald. At one point I think of myself as Ivie Anderson, his featured singer with his orchestra and then I think of Lena Horne, who was a prominent figure during his Hollywood movie making years.
Biggest surprise …
It was so amazing how many couples told the cast about having met Duke Ellington during their courting years. And how wonderful he was and how happy this production made them.
Favorite moment …
To see the Manzari Brothers take the stage like I had seen Maurice and Gregory Hines do so many times. It was loving and electrifying!
This year’s favorite performances …
Without a doubt I loved Fela!
Next?
My commissioned one woman show for Arena Stage.
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Naomi Jacobson (1 of 2 nominations)
Katherine of Aragon in Henry VIII, Folger Theatre
The inspiration.
I felt a kind of responsibility to all first, loyal, loving wives who’ve been thrown over for younger women. Accomplished, smart, generous, wise, fierce yet accomodating women whose only fault is growing older. I know some of them…
Biggest surprise …
Whenever I felt off balance in rehearsal or performance, I’d plant my feet and invite Katherine or my mother Sylvia to come play, knowing they must have felt off balance a lot, and I would feel energized and connected.
Favorite moment …
Watching Ian’s changing face as I begged for his support…
This year’s favorite performances …
Michael Hayden in Richard 2, Michael Hayden in Henry V, Dan Donohue’s Hamlet at Ashland, Kim Gilbert & Dawn Ursula in Clybourne Park
Next?
Trumpet of The Swan (workshop) at Kennedy Center and The Inspector – new opera at Wolf Trap based on Gogol’s “The Government Inspector.”
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Carrie A. Johnson
Grace Farrell in Annie . Olney Theatre Center
Creating the role …
Grace is a no nonsense business woman in a time when having women in business was a rarity. She is kind and gentle, but firm in acquiring whatever it is she needs, as demonstrated by her interactions with Miss Hannigan. She is grateful for her job, cares for her ‘family’ (the staff at Warbucks Mansion), and is secretly in love with Oliver Warbucks. She has a big heart and earns the respect of her staff through her kind and generous spirit.
Biggest surprise …
I honestly can’t recall a specific ‘event’ that may have occurred, but watching and contributing to the professional growth of those kids was worth a million bucks.
Favorite moment …
There is a moment at the end of the song ‘N.Y.C.’ that Mark Waldrop (director) created…Daddy Warbucks picks up a sleeping Annie and carries her home from the movies, unintentionally leaving his hat behind. It is a moment designed for Grace to see Mr. Warbucks as a caring father figure for the first time, witness and adore the unexpected warmth he shows Annie (the first child in his life), and be grateful for the ‘date’ that just occurred. The audience gets a glimpse of how she cares for him and envisions the possible family emerging, and yet the hat left behind is a reminder that she is still his employee and she must resolutely perform her secretarial duties…as she takes the forgotten hat home.
This year’s favorite performances …
Unfortunately, I did not see much theatre this year as I was blessed to be working fairly continuously. I was able to see Chess at the Signature Theatre, a show I have previously performed in, and I adored Jill Paice and learned from her portrayal of ‘Florence’.
Next?
Currently I am in the ensemble of Sister Act on Broadway.
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Jodi Kimura
Bloody Mary . South Pacific .The Kennedy Center
Creating the role …
Bloody Mary is a Vietnamese immigrant who originally comes from Tonkin, China to work on the French plantations in the South Pacific and eventually becomes the island war profiteer selling souvenirs to the GI’s who teach her English. She is the mother of Liat.
Bloody Mary is in my bones. My ancestors came from Japan to work on the plantations in Hawaii. I come from a long line of hardworking, enterprising women like Bloody Mary who learned English on the pineapple fields, who killed cockroaches with their bare feet, who gave everything they had so their children and grandchildren could become doctors, lawyers and Helen Hayes nominees.
Biggest surprise …
I was surprised at how much connecting to the character of Bloody Mary, actually connected me to my own roots and gave me a new appreciation of where I came from. When the tour was in Los Angeles, I was fortunate enough to visit the Japanese American History Museum where I learned a lot about Japanese Americans and what life was like immigrating to America, particularly what it was like for them during World War II, learning about the 442nd Regiment and their amazing sacrifices as they tried so hard to prove their allegiance, that they were not “Japs.”
I guess it struck me in particular, doing this show about racism, eight times a week for 18 months and hearing “We’re against the Japs” or “Help us lick the Japs” every night. Then, while I was in DC, I had the incredible honor of meeting my Hawaii Senator, President Pro Tem, Daniel Inouye and his wife, Ms. Hirano who came to see me in the show at the Kennedy Center. Not only did he lose his arm fighting in the 442nd, but his wife was the founding CEO of that Japanese American History Museum that I had visited months ago. I knew doing this show would be life-changing, but I did not expect to come away with such a profound new sense of respect and appreciation for where I came from.
Favorite moment …
I have to say it was the standing ovations we got after every show—WAIT! It’s not what you think! It’s not because it meant that people liked us, or our performances (although that’s a lovely, lovely part) but because I always felt that, ultimately, the audiences were cheering for the idea of love conquering racism. Maybe it was presuming too much, but I really felt that with their applause, our audiences were telling us that they not only “got” the story we told, but that they stood WITH us in terms of believing in the human heart and its ability to rise above ugliness, hate and division. It was a unison act in support of unison, itself, and it moved me every time. I guess, I’m just a cockeyed optimist at heart and definitely CORNY as Kansas in August!!
This year’s favorite performances …
Being on tour, we don’t get to see much theater, but I didn’t have to look far to appreciate and be inspired by amazing work. The performances that impressed me night after night were those of my cast mates and crew in South Pacific. They are an incredibly talented group of artists, unbelievably committed to the show and to their work, night after night, even after 40 cities and 550 some performances. Truly, they inspire me and surprise me every day and have made me better as a person and as an artist.
Next?
I am still with the tour of South Pacific, which is currently in Toronto, Ontario! Beyond that, I can only hope my next project will be as artistically rewarding and challenging as this one.
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Lauren Molina
Cunegonde in Candide . Shakespeare Theatre Company
Creating the role …
Cunegonde is the pretty, wealthy daughter of the Baron, born of noble birth in a Westphalian Castle. After falling in love with Candide, and seeing him kicked out of the castle, she falls victim to a series of unfortunate events. Her castle is destroyed, she is raped, stabbed, and sees her family murdered. She is forced into being a mistress in Portugal. She is reunited then torn away from Candide again and again.
I connected to Cunegonde’s ability to bounce back, finding humor and optimism in her situations.
Biggest surprise …
Every night held a surprise. From costume pieces falling off, trips and tumbles, to slamming a finger in a jewelry box, there was always something new.
Favorite moment …
I loved the adrenaline rush of singing “Glitter and Be Gay”. In the moment before the song starts, I had to run down a set of stairs in a trap door, strip off my dress, and jump into a bath where I was then covered in bubbles. This was done in a matter of seconds. I rose in the bathtub up to the stage, where I then began the song, and proceeded to get dressed layer by layer. It was an acrobatic feat, to be so physical while singing such a vocally demanding aria. It was an adventure every night.
I also loved the reunion moments with Candide. Singing “Make Our Garden Grow” was utterly moving. It was emotional, powerful, and deeply affecting to me.
This year’s favorite performances …
In New York my favorite plays last year were Red, Time Stands Still, Next Fall and Our Town.
Next?
I am currently working on a reading of a new play, an adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray. This summer I will be performing in John Doyle’s Ten Cents A Dance at Williamstown Theatre Festival.
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Jennifer Mendenhall
Bev/Kathy in Clybourne Park . Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Creating the role …
Bev is a 50’s housewife in Chicago. She and her husband have just sold their house to Lena Younger, of Raisin in the Sun. Their neighbors are upset that the new owner wil be African-American.
Kathy is a real estate savvy lawyer friend to the new owners of the house, 50 years later.
Bev turns herself inside out trying to make everybody happy, and Kathy assumes everybody is happy that she’s in the room.
Biggest surprise …
I think it was the care everyone took in talking about the issues of race and cultural understanding during rehearsals. Dawn and Jefferson were so patient, and they are such generous souls. As African-Americans, they were landed with the task of interpreter/ambassador, which they handled with both delicacy and rigor. Our rehearsal room was a safe place, and we respected and loved each other as artists and as humans. It helped us to go further and deeper. I was struck by the enormous love and care everyone took.
Favorite moment …
The audience response – too many moments.
This year’s favorite performances …
Everyone in CP!
There are so many good actors here. I enjoy many of the performances I see: I really liked the women of Mikveh. Aaron Reeder was amazing in Passing Strange, with a great cast and ensemble. Oh, I know I’m omitting so many because I can’t keep track of time…
Next?
The New Electric Ballroom at Studio, part of the Enda Walsh festival.
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Phylicia Rashad
Mother Sister in every tongue confess . Arena Stage
Creating the role …
Mother Sister is a Reverend who lived during the time of church burnings in Alabama.
Biggest surprise …
The most surprising thing is also my favorite moment in the play. Jason Dirden (“Shadrack”) forgot a prop flower. When the time came for him to extend a gift of friendship to a young lady, he offered her a spoon.
Favorite moment …
Please see above.
This year’s favorite performances …
Al Pacino in The Merchant of Venice on Broadway.
Next?
I just finished directing A Raisin In The Sun at the Ebony Repertory Theatre in Los Angeles.
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Hollis Resnik (2 nominations)
Margaret Johnson in The Light in the Piazza . Arena Stage
Creating the role …
a southern mom on a trip to Venice with her young slightly slow daughter..1950’s. A mother’s love and fear and protection is not regulated to any period in time. that fierce drive to protect ones own is a supreme element of the mother/children relationship…and yet the openess and willingness for margaret to relent to her daughtr’s true desire for love is the center to the story. It is an expanding of one’s awareness in middle age.
Biggest surprise …
the way the audience went with all the stillness that was so prevalent in the storytelling.
Favorite moment …
the end..the wedding ..the placement of the veil on her daughter’s head.
and
Old Lady in Candide . Shakespeare Theatre Company
Creating the role …
so different from Piazza……so physical…such a different challenge. nothing elegant…but earthy, feral…deep into the ground.
Biggest surprise …
I was never surprised by the lifting of this score into the souls of the audience. It was unmistakable. I was so grateful for the genius of Mary Zimmerman to tell the story of Candide in her unique way.
Favorite moment …
“Make Your Garden Grow” …..of course!
This year’s favorite performances …
Well, of course, Piazza at Arena and Candide at the Shakespeare Theatre!!
Next?
Cabaret at KCrep.
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Erika Rose
Hawa in In Darfur . Theater J
Creating the role …
I played a Darfuri refugee named Hawa. She was a teacher, mother and a wife before the war took it away. Her son, husband and students were all killed. She was raped multiple times and became pregnant as a result. Hawa was an intelligent, proud woman who loved her country despite the things that happened to her and those she loved. Director Derek Goldman pushed me to allow my own strength to be Hawa’s strength. I ran from the character in a lot of ways but Derek helped me to face her head on. It was more about stripping away the things that I put in the way. The connection was there, I just had to say yes to it.
Biggest surprise …
It seemed that 70% of the audience stayed for the talkbacks every night. The cast stayed after the show to listen too. We snuck in the back of the theater every night to sit with the audience. I think we all needed some kind of closure. The play ends without that safe feeling we’d all like to have. You don’t leave the theater secure that Hawa is going to be okay. You might hope, but the reality is, she probably dies. I was struck by how much everyone needed to continue the conversation. Whether they thought the play was didactic or not, people wanted to stay to talk about it. I was fueled after every performance with the amazing guests that Theater J assembled for those talkbacks. It gave my work depth, nuance and broader understanding of the complexities of the issue.
Favorite moment …
Can’t say I have a favorite moment. But audience members told me that it was the moment after Rahaleh Nassri’s character interviewed me for her article in the New York Times. She snaps a photo that appears in the paper and it was this photo that leads to further physical assault on Hawa. People spoke about the sound of the camera click that came out of the silence.
This year’s favorite performances …
I loved Gruesome Playground Injuries at Woolly and Passing Strange at Studio.
Next?
I’m working on realizing my own worth. I’m working on allowing myself to dream and pursue whip cream and extra sprinkles in life. Oh, and the big one is learning not to make decisions out of fear. Yep. I’m working on all that.
If we’re talking about theater, I’m in Stick Fly at Everyman Theater in Baltimore. After that, I’m doing Ruined at The Philadelphia Theater Company and Gem of the Ocean at The Hangar Theater in Ithaca.
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Caroline Sheen
Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins . The Kennedy Center
Creating the role …
She is possibly the world’s most famous Nanny! She’s such a blend of so many different things… Magical, mischievous, warm, vain and above all a guardian angel for the Banks family.
Biggest surprise …
I think for me the most surprising thing was getting to meet Michelle Obama after the first preview at the Kennedy Center. As a Brit I think it can only compare to meeting the Queen! She was delightful, what an amazing lady!
Favorite moment …
I always enjoyed singing “Feed the Birds” with our lovely bird lady Mary Van Arsdel and then the showdown with Ellen Harvey’s character in Act Two was such a great moment too!
This year’s favorite performances …
Because of the schedule we had I didn’t get chance to see much. Although I did manage to catch a performance of Chess at Signature after our final performance at the Kennedy Center. I know Jill Paice and Eric Schaeffer from their work in the UK so it was great to catch up with them and to see Eric’s theatre in action!
Next?
I’m back in the UK working on my first ever solo cabaret performance in April.
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Kacie Sheik
Jeanie in Hair . The Kennedy Center
Creating the role …
Jeanie is the earth mother of the Tribe. She is overflowing with love to give. Her smiles and huge heart are contagious and inspiring. These last few years have been life changing and eye opening.
Biggest surprise …
The audience has amazing reactions that still surprise me to this day. Having them to interact with through the entire piece brings spontaneity and fresh energy to each show in the most outrageous way for live theatre.
Favorite moments …
Singing this eclectic score every night is really up there on the list…bringing life to these rich words and full melodies and harmonies. Singing this musical with my Tribe has been awesome.
This year’s favorite performances …
American Idiot (NY), Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (NY), Patina Miller in Sister Act (London), Million Dollar Quartet (Chicago), Prometheus Bound (Boston)
Next?
Hair -National Tour and solo EP.
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Jenna Sokolowski
Lily St. Regis in Annie . Olney Theatre Center
Creating the role …
Who is Lily St. Regis? She’s a minx! She’s a cougar! She’s a fox! …I guess she’s a combination of all sorts of sly forest animals… Very simply, Lily is Rooster’s (the villain’s) arm candy. She’s hanging out with him because he seems to think the world is his for the taking – he’s charming, confident, and not afraid to get a little dirty when it comes to scoring a big con. …Which is probably how he won Lily’s self-serving, hot, little heart.
Every night, I got a big kick out of making Lily smarter than she appeared. Her empty-headedness was all an act so, in a way, she was conning the main conman – he believed she was nothing but an easy ditz. She proves later, however, that she’s a skilled improviser when she steps into Warbucks’s mansion and effortlessly takes on the role of Annie’s mother. My theory is that Lily had plans to run away with the entire wad of money she and Rooster were going to steal from Warbucks. …Which, of course, makes her more than a little crazy. Lily, sweetie. Come on. Did you really think you could con one of the world’s most powerful men out of a whopping 50,000 bucks?
That said, now it’s difficult to answer how I connect with her without sounding like a criminal myself… How about this? If nothing else, I relish Lily for her moxy.
Biggest surprise …
Hmm. This is a tough one. Maybe that’s because there weren’t a lot of “surprises.” During the run of the show, the cast, crew, and production staff had several obstacles to overcome and adjustments to make – last minute understudy replacements, dogs getting distracted on stage, orphans gone wild, etc. – but everything was always handled with incredible professionalism and class. Bravo, Olney!
Favorite moment ..
“EASY STREET”! Fun to sing, fun to act, and soooo fun to dance. It was a musical theatre moment at its finest — The characters are so tired of being poor, but they’re not broken… in an instant, they can only express themselves with song and dance at the prospect of finally slipping through a crack in the system and living the high life.
It’s one of those musical moments that calls for a love note to Chris Youstra’s band:
“Easy Street” is a wonderful combination of the inner workings of criminal minds, sleaziness, and naïve excitement. If you listen to the brass, you can hear the clarity of the con cutting through… yet other instruments emphasize that Rooster’s plan is muddled by enthusiasm. While the trombone insists on being heard, the trumpet growls, the sax slides all over the place, the violin sashays and screeches, and the drums are rat-a-tat-tatting a march that pulls and pushes at the tempo.
Basically, it’s one of those songs that makes me wish my life could unfold itself as a musical.
This year’s favorite performances …
Not to sound too dramatic… but Studio Theatre’s Passing Strange has changed my life. It hung around in my thoughts for weeks, months… I still think about it often. It was such a gift to sit in an energized audience that was transfixed by a stage full of incredibly beautiful and talented individuals pouring their hearts into such daring work.
Next?
About to dig my teeth into Pygmalion as Eliza up at Everyman Theatre in Baltimore. It’s a dream role and I’m overwhelmed with happiness at the opportunity to play her.
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Caren Lyn Tackett
Sheila Franklin in Hair . The Kennedy Center
Creating the role …
Sheila is an NYU student, who is very politically active. She’s also Berger’s girlfriend and has a very special relationship to him and Claude. She is like the matriarch of the tribe, and tries to steer them in the direction of ACTING on their beliefs, not just talking about them at Be-Ins and social gatherings. I am extremely connected to Sheila. I am extremely passionate about following through with my beliefs, and, being a mother myself, I often take on a maternal relationship to my friends and family, this Hairy tribe included.
Biggest surprise …
So far, being nominated for the Helen Hayes Award!
Favorite moment …
I have many favorite moments in Hair. I love everything about it. EVERYTHING. But if I have to choose, I’d say for my character, my favorite moment is after “Walking In Space”, when Claude and Berger are feeling negative about life, as well as the rest of the tribe. Claude asks Sheila to marry him, and Sheila turns the energy of the tribe around by announcing that they are all going to the US Army induction center the following day to “Yip” out the bad vibes and “Yip” up the sun. Then Sheila begins a series of “YIP”‘s that precedes “Good Morning Starshine”. I can feel the energy shift in the power of those yips. It’s truly transformational, and I’d have to say it’s my favorite part, when the cast joins in.
This year’s favorite performances …
Living in New York, that is my frame of reference for performances , so I’ll have to say that FELA was my favorite performance I’ve seen in the last year.
Next?
I’m still on tour with Hair. My three year old daughter, Ravyn Sioux, and husband Jeremy tour with me, every step of the way. I’m also a writer of musicals, so while we’re touring, I’m working on production plans to premiere my newest musical, Born Blue, currently being directed by Anthony Rapp.
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Dawn Ursula
Francine/Lena in Clybourne Park . Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
Creating the role …
1950 – Francine: wife, mother and domestic help to a white couple. Sorry for deliberately being vague – we’re remounting the show this summer and I want people to make their own opinions. I think Francine is so wonderfully adept at navigating through rocky and potentially dangerous terrain for survival. I’ve been told I have a skill for diplomacy. I tried to apply that and raise the stakes.
Present day – Lena: part of a neighborhood preservation organization, wife, mother. Lena can navigate like Francine. She can be long-suffering like Francine. The stakes are very high but present day circumstances allow her to eventually speak in a way that Francine never would. Like Lena, I prefer not to have to “go there” but….
Biggest surprise …
It was hearing and feeling the audience connect to a wide variety of moments that weren’t necessarily in the text. It happened a lot, but for example, there’s a moment in the first act when Francine is politely asked to come back into the house. Before she even responds to do so the audience would gasp and groan at what they knew was coming. It was a real nod to the playwriting.
Favorite moment …
So so so many but I’ll offer this one: one of my favorite actors to work with had a line snafu and turned to me in character for the name that wouldn’t come to mind. I answered in character and the scene continued. It was so seamless and calm and real I wanted to keep it. I LOVE when that stuff happens.
This year’s favorite performances …
I missed almost everything this past season. I did see In Darfur. Blown away! I took my little one to see Aquarium at Imagination Stage and it was quite beautiful. Although I was on stage with them at the time, I was in awe of the cast of Piano Lesson by August Wilson at the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca NY this past summer directed by Jennifer Nelson.
Next?
Gearing up for the Clybourne Park remount. Auditioning. Playing my title role of Mommy.
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Great article. And I thought the opening quote from Tim Treanor really hit the nail on the head. Thanks for celebrating the incredible abundance of talent in this town!