Having toured the U.S. with 5 different shows, I have to admit I find myself getting a little excited when I see Tempe/Gammage on an itinerary! No it’s not the color of the building, or the fact that it’s shaped like a birthday cake, or that the Mill Avenue shopping district is so close… It’s because the audiences, and the city itself, are so welcoming.
My first experience at The Gammage was on the national tour of “Mamma Mia” playing Tanya. Being in that very first cast to play Tempe was a blast, and the audiences didn’t disappoint with their enthusiasm and love for that show. We had a rockin’ good time!
Then I had a wonderful time coming back to just 2 years ago with Disney’s “High School Musical” playing Ms. Darbus, the nutty the drama teacher.
That was an incredible experience because it welcomed in a whole new generation of theatre-goers. Nothing like looking out into the audience and seeing a sea of 10 year old faces just completely enthralled and enjoying everything live theatre has to offer.
And now coming back with “Mary Poppins” I think audiences, young and old, will be astonished. Theatre is one of those extraordinary art forms that allows us to experience things in the moment, to be affected by energy, and to tap our feet when the music gets going J “Mary Poppins” is one of those shows that comes along once in a lifetime. Not only does it tell the story of a family facing struggle, but encourages the child in all of us to follow our dreams because “anything can happen if you let it.” The cast is incredible, the sets are gorgeous, the music is catchy….and oh wait, and I get to play the villain. (Bet you never knew there was a villain in this story). My character is from the original books and adds a wonderful dimension to the play. A perfect reason to see the show!
Over the years I have found that Tempe audiences are always ready for a good show. And we love that. I encourage audiences of all ages to embrace this show and go on the journey that only Disney and Cameron Macintosh can take you on. It is truly “magical.”
My first experience at The Gammage was on the national tour of “Mamma Mia” playing Tanya. Being in that very first cast to play Tempe was a blast, and the audiences didn’t disappoint with their enthusiasm and love for that show. We had a rockin’ good time!
Then I had a wonderful time coming back to just 2 years ago with Disney’s “High School Musical” playing Ms. Darbus, the nutty the drama teacher.
That was an incredible experience because it welcomed in a whole new generation of theatre-goers. Nothing like looking out into the audience and seeing a sea of 10 year old faces just completely enthralled and enjoying everything live theatre has to offer.
And now coming back with “Mary Poppins” I think audiences, young and old, will be astonished. Theatre is one of those extraordinary art forms that allows us to experience things in the moment, to be affected by energy, and to tap our feet when the music gets going J “Mary Poppins” is one of those shows that comes along once in a lifetime. Not only does it tell the story of a family facing struggle, but encourages the child in all of us to follow our dreams because “anything can happen if you let it.” The cast is incredible, the sets are gorgeous, the music is catchy….and oh wait, and I get to play the villain. (Bet you never knew there was a villain in this story). My character is from the original books and adds a wonderful dimension to the play. A perfect reason to see the show!
Over the years I have found that Tempe audiences are always ready for a good show. And we love that. I encourage audiences of all ages to embrace this show and go on the journey that only Disney and Cameron Macintosh can take you on. It is truly “magical.”
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