Q1: Tell us about your first memory of “Mary Poppins”.
I remember singing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidicious” all the time as a little girl. Somehow, I remember the song more than Mary Poppins herself.
Q2: What role are you playing in “Mary Poppins”.
I’m playing the role of Mrs. Winifred Banks. She’s a little different in the musical than most know her to be from the movie. It’s a nice challenge because I’m often cast in strong roles, whether that be in character or mindset, but Mrs. Banks in this version is a little more timid. She wants to be a strong woman but also wants to do right by her husband. She is without a doubt loving, compassionate and feminine.
Q3: Where are you from?
I’m a Georgia Peach turned Northern Virginian turned South Carolinian. I know I’m not supposed to say I’m a Charlestonian… but 20 years has to count for something? I’m proud to call Charleston home.
Q4: How did you get involved in theatre?
I’ve always been a little dreamer and dipped my toes in everything. I first dipped my toes in the cold, year-round, 4:30am water as an all-star competitive swimmer and springboard diver (Junior Olympics – 50 meter breaststroke!). Soon, I was also a ballerina, and a baseball, basketball, soccer and tennis player. If my older brothers were doing it then I had to do it too. I found piano, music, voice and my mean go-cart racing skills on my family’s coattails. I think doing everything made me want to be everything. Acting allows me to explore all of those lives.
Q5: Where did you receive your theatre training?
I was one of 30 selected to attend the Drama program at the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts the summer between my Junior and Senior years of High School. It was an intense 6 weeks of study under top professionals and educators. Everything points back to this moment. I even met one of my best friends and colleagues, David Lee Nelson, at SCGSA. I went on to earn a BA at College of Charleston in French and Theatre, a Masters in Performing Arts at the Savannah College of Art & Design and studied Music Theatre at NYU.
Q6: Tell us about some of your favorite roles you’ve played.
So many! Little Edie in Grey Gardens is a role I’ll keep close to my heart always, Lady of the Lake in Spamalot allowed me to be the queen mermaid I always knew myself to be, Patsy in Always… Patsy Cline was an honor, Lulie in 5 Lesbians Eating A Quiche for taking me out of my comfort zone and for the laughter, Miss Janus in London Wallbecause of her strength, Hennie in Awake and Sing! for not being afraid to pursue her own happiness, Violet in 9 to 5 because it’s 9 to 5!!, Rachel in Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson for allowing me to unleash my inner rocker, and last but not least, a role I’d like to play forever – Frau Blucher in Young Frankenstein. Yeeessssss!!!!!!!!!
Charleston Stage’s “Mary Poppins” continues running April 15 – May 1, 2016, at the Historic Dock Street Theatre. For tickets, call (843) 577-7183 or purchase online by clicking here.
