Singer Jennifer Roberts celebrates the work of Broadway icon Sheldon Harnick in She Loves… Sheldon! playing at The Laurie Beechman Theatre on Wednesday, January 30th and Tuesday, February 5th, both at 7 PM. The show is directed by Lance Roberts, with music director/pianist, Tedd Firth, and Phil Palombi on bass.
NiteLife Exchange (NLE) celebrates Jennifer Roberts (JR) with Six Questions
- NiteLife Exchange: When did you first realize that you wanted to perform and when was the first time you sang in front of an audience?
Jennifer Roberts: I knew at a very early age that I wanted to be on the stage; I knew I wanted to act, sing and dance. I’m sure I sang in children’s choirs at church, while very young, but my first solo at school was in the third grade. I remember getting up the courage to audition—and was given the solo. I also sang my first solo at church around the same time.
- NLE: What were your early influences?
JR: My parents are both singers, and I remember hearing them sing as a child, but they also took us to all kinds of concerts, plays and musicals, so I grew up around the Arts. We also had something very rare, at the time—a movie theatre in our basement, so I was introduced to the wonderful world of film. I was given the opportunity to see just about every genre of film, including my very favorite, the movie musical.
- NLE: How did you eventually get involved in Cabaret?
JR: A friend in NYC, Tina Marie Miller, heard a demo I had recorded, and said she felt she needed to connect me with the Cabaret community in NYC. So she introduced me to actor/singer Jack Dabdoub, who introduced me to Mark Janas and Andy Gale, my first creative team. We did a few shows together about 18 years ago.
- NLE: Which is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your singing and acting career?
JR: Well, I’ve had a few. I guess my very favorite experience would be studying with Uta Hagen. She used to come to Detroit and Chicago in the summer to teach acting workshops. It took me a while to build up the courage to participate in her class. I audited her classes for a couple of years and was struck by how hard she was on some of the students to get her points across; however, out of that came great growth and change. So, I was thrilled when she was supportive of my work. I’ll never forget—she called me “Dear” and said to me twice, “really good work today.” She also said after my first scene in front of her, “I am only truly moved, when the actor/actress is moved.” Although I was an acting major, and had many shows behind me, she changed my life and my way of working. It was validation, for sure, and it kept me moving forward.
- NLE: What would you say is your current motivator?
JR: Sharing great material with new audiences; some of the best lyrics, tunes, songs and scores are virtually unknown to many. I feel it is my mission and it keeps me focused. Also, working with brilliant musicians is a huge motivator for me!! This keeps these wonderful songs alive and breathes fresh life into vintage material.
- NLE: What do you like to do on your spare time?
JR: To be honest, I don’t have much free time. When I do have spare time, it seems I am always looking for new material. I travel for work, so my favorite thing to do on the road is visit music and book stores. That has been a passion for many years. I also love to get out and explore everywhere I go. When at home, I like to do things other people take for granted, such as planting flowers, cooking and getting my home in order. I also love to read, catch an exercise class and watch classic TV shows and films.
For more information and tickets click here
The Laurie Beechman Theater is located at 407 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036 Phone: (212) 695-6909
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