Ann Kittredge makes her Laurie Beechman Theatre debut for another night only on Monday, March 19 th at 7pm. She returned to the stage this past year after a long absence, having performed on and off Broadway, in regional theater, as well as in film and television. Ann’s musical director is Larry Yurman, whose Broadway credits include War Paint, Grey Gardens and Thoroughly Modern Millie. With director Richard Jay-Alexander and musical arranger Wendy Cavett, they have put together a splashy mix of Broadway, pop and more.
Nitelife Exchange (NLE) – How do you feel the experience of motherhood will influence your performance now as you return to the stage?
Ann Kittredge (AK) – I think I bring a maturity and sensitivity into my performances, which comes as a direct result of being a mom to two wonderfully unique children. Putting a hold on my career was not a choice that I anticipated, but honestly, I decided that it was a good thing that when my kids were 30 years old and in therapy, they would know exactly who to blame (LOL). When you begin to see your world through the lens of your children, you see wonder, a broader perspective, and in my case, encouraged me to dig deeper and use my talent to more meaningfully convey the story, the emotions of a song.
2. NLE – Who were some of your early musical influences?
AK – Judy Garland was my idol. Then I would say Barbara Cook because she was not a typical ingénue, and I’ve always said playing any role Barbara Cook created was so interesting because her characters have lovely texture and GREAT humor. Finally, Billy Joel, need I say more? He reaches right into my soul!
3. NLE – If someone was narrating your life, who would you want to be the narrator? And why?
AK – My father. I was truly the “apple of his eye,” his little girl. He passed away suddenly when I was a sophomore in college. I am forever grateful for his memory. He believed in me and he always let me know that. Now, if he could narrate my life from another-world viewpoint – I would be so interested in what he thought of my adventures, and how he would interpret the many twists and turns of my life.
4. NLE – Which is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your singing career?
AK – Yikes!!!!! I’m not good at answering “most” questions. I just flashed through about 10 of them. O.K., my first professional concert was “one of the most” memorable. It was a tribute to Charles Strouse at The Bushnell Theatre. My first solo with a full orchestra. It reminded me of a music director I worked with while I was in college who had predicted that I would sing with orchestras. It truly was a dream come true.
5. NLE – What would you say is your current motivator?
AK – I perform with a vision of creating value in this world. I have been practicing Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism for 20 years, and I believe we all deserve to be happy, absolutely happy. The way to achieve that for me is to use my skills, access my wisdom, bring joy and humor, to benefit others.
6. NLE – 6. Congratulations on your nomination for the 2018 MAC Award for “Female Debut”! How do you see proceeding with your future cabaret performances? Do you have an upcoming project in mind?
AK – Thank you. It is fun and affirming to be nominated, being so new to the cabaret world, and I want to bring something impactful to this artform.The show I am performing Monday, March 19th is actually my second show and I’ve only performed it once before. So, right now I’m digging deeper into this one and enjoying every minute of it. What I DO have in mind though, is to work with others that I’ve met in the cabaret world. I’m truly inspired by many people I’ve met this past year, so I have a secret list of hopeful collaborations I’d like to pursue in the near future.
For tickets to Ann Kittredge’s performance please click here
The Laurie Beechman Theatre is located at 407 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036 Tel: (212) 695-6909
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