Dancer-singer-entertainer Judi Mark began her show business career primarily as a dancer. Over the years she’s branched out to acting, singing and now, comedy. She’s adding plenty of laughs and feel-good humor to her new cabaret show, Laughing Through Life, playing at Don’t Tell Mama on Wednesday, May 22 and Tuesday, June 4, both at 7 PM (with two more shows scheduled in September). Mark’s Music Director and man at the keys is Tex Arnold.
Laughing Through Life is not your mama’s cabaret. As Mark began her cabaret career a few years ago, a certain “something” kept creeping into the act. It was noticed and encouraged by colleagues and fans alike. That “something” was comedy! The result is a Mark creating a fresh show where comedy and cabaret meet half way.
NiteLife Exchange (NLE) celebrates Judi Mark (JM) with Six Questions
NLE: What made you decide to give cabaret a try?
JM: I “tried” Cabaret in the past but I needed to make a living as a Dance Educator and worked my schedule around that. Now that I am back into the swing of things, I can afford to give quality time and attention to myself artistically. The Cabaret Community is very supportive and lively and I have been told that there is room for everyone. This is my opportunity.
NLE: What was it like to transition into this new phase of your career? What was the toughest aspect of it?
JM: To me, transitioning feels like taking care of “unfinished business.” To be able to devote time and energy to my talents after teaching dance for 25 years is a blessing! The hardest part was garnering my talents and creating entertaining shows.
NLE: What do you like best about performing in cabaret?
JM: Cabaret is a Performance Art and the challenge of engaging and entertaining an audience while pretending that I am in my “living room” is exciting for me.
NLE: When did you discover your comedic side of yourself? When did you decide you wanted to explore this more?
JM: I used to make my mother laugh when I did imitations of my teachers. She said that I should do commercials! I got into trouble giggling in 3rd grade and making my friends laugh in class. I knew that I was funny.
Over the years, I was cast by directors to play character roles onstage. I worked Off Broadway with Danny DeVito, and watched him carefully turn tragedy to comedy. I joined an acting company and further developed my timing.
In my show, Dancing Through MY Life, director Jeff Harnar encouraged me to add songs with comedy and wit which was very different than goofing around with my friends. In Laughing Through Life, Tex Arnold, my music director currently works with me to refine and define lyrics and song set ups.
NLE: What do you see yourself exploring next as you go further into cabaret territory?
JM: I would like to see my Cabaret shows reach a larger audience and perform on many stages and theaters. I love intimate stage work but I also enjoy a working on a big stage.
NLE: You’re also an actress. What goals do you have for acting?
JM: To continue my live shows around the country, working together with my talent representation and management. I hope to increase my visibility in TV, film and commercials. My Dance teaching career limited my time to audition for Broadway shows but now I would like to focus on appropriate roles.
For tickets to Judi Mark’s Laughing Through Life, click here.
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