Interview with Rachel Fairbanks of the First National Tour of Cinderella

This past week I had the opportunity to talk with Rachel Fairbanks of the First National Tour of Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. This Tony Award-winning Broadway musical has been dazzling audiences across the country with its version of the classic story. It’s a musical filled with magic, humor, romance and is perfect for the whole family. It opens in Boston Tuesday September 29^th. 

Rachel Fairbanks (Photo Courtesy of Juan Felipe Rangel)

Q: Rachel, thank you for taking the time to give readers a behind the scenes look at Cinderella and life on tour. What is your role or roles in this First National Tour of Cinderella?

A: Ensemble/ fox puppet, cover: Ella (Cinderella) and Gabrielle (stepsister).

Q: How long have you been on tour with the show?

A: I started with the show on April 20^th.

Q: What was the audition process like for this tour?

A: I had been called in to audition a couple times before this particular audition and each time the timing wasn't quite right. But this time: I had just gotten back from Chicago after finishing the out of town tryout for "First Wives Club" the musical, and my agent told me that I had an audition on Thursday for an immediate replacement for the tour as Ens./ Ella Cover. I went in for a prescreen with the casting director and then was informed I had a callback for the creative team on that following Monday night. That night I went in and sang for the team a handful of times and then I was asked to stay and dance. After the dance I was kept for a final cut where we partnered part of the waltz. The next morning I got a call from my agent that I had to pack my bags, find another sublet for my apartment in NY, and meet the cast out in LA. 

Q: Is this your first National Tour? If so, how has the experience been so far?

A: This is my first national tour! It's definitely been an adjustment moving to a different city every week or so. But now I have figured out how to make myself feel at home in each new hotel room and each new dressing room. My dressing station is filled with pictures and color to help brighten up an otherwise plain station. And then I travel with a few things from home to keep at my hotel room. Once you realize that your set and your fellow cast and crew are your home and family while you are out on the road, it gets easier to be away from my apartment and loved ones.

Q: How did the rehearsal process for this show differ from other shows you have done? Is rehearsing for a tour that much different from rehearsing for a stationary show?

A: For me because I was a replacement on the tour, I learned my ensemble track in about 4-5 days while the show was going on at night and then after I learned my ensemble track I started to learn Ella and Gabrielle. With each new track you learn you have a "put-in" with the cast in which you go through at show pace to give you a chance at it before you make your debut in your respective new track.

Q: What is your favorite part of the show to perform and why?

A: My favorite part to perform in the show is the Waltz at the end of Act I. I will never forget the first time I watched the Waltz on Broadway in the very back of the balcony... Watching the different colors swirl in intricate and beautiful patterns across the stage completely took my breath away. It was the moment I knew I had to be a part of this show. And doing the Waltz as Ella is completely magical. Truly a dream come true.

Q: How do you feel about performing this show in Boston near your home town?

A: It has been a goal and dream of mine to perform at the Boston Opera House and I feel so beyond excited to be able to share this show with my hometown and family.

Q: How old were you when you decided that you wanted to pursue performing as a career? How many years have you been performing professionally?

A: I would have to say when I was in Bye Bye Birdie at North Shore Music Theatre directed and choreographed by Michael Lichtefeld. His inspiring words and that production affirmed that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I have worked professionally for about five years.

Q: Where did you study for your theatre career?

A: I graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from Penn State University. “WE ARE... LET’S GO STATE!”

Q: As a stage artist, who else in the theatre world inspires you?

A: It is hard to pick just one person in the theatre world. With each new show I am a part of, I meet a handful of new people that I learn from and am inspired by. That's part of why I love my job so much. I have had a few mentors, professors, and colleagues along the way that have completely shaped who I am as a performer and I am forever grateful for them.

Q: Do you have any career role models?

A: I would have to say Kate Baldwin, Sutton Foster and Laura Osnes.

Q: What is a typical day on tour?

A: Wake up around 8:30am for breakfast, work out,  rehearsal from 1-5, show from 7:30-10 then back home to FaceTime with loved ones or out for a glass of wine with the gang.

Q: What are your three must have travel items?

A: Personal items: pictures of my family, Pluto (my travel buddy), and fresh flowers

    Practical items: Quest bars, a good book, ear plane plugs

Q: What is the best piece of advice anyone has ever given you? And did you follow that advice?

A: The best piece of advice I ever received was to "never stop learning". One of the strongest cornerstones of Penn State University is their focus on a broad and well-rounded education. I took some of the most compelling classes at Penn State, everything from Acting and Movement to Sports Nutrition and Sociology of the Family.           

Q: How do you keep your life balanced while touring?

A: Like in New York, it's important to give yourself projects that will creatively fuel you and take your mind off the task at hand when life gets stressful. In our dressing room some people cross-stitch, color elaborate pictures, read, bedazzle and write. We also try to take advantage of what the city we are in has to offer: museums, restaurants, parks and the list goes on. But most importantly I try to check in with my family and friends every day. It can be challenging with all of the time zone differences, but you make it work because it is vital to check in with your support system. Also a great workout will always make the day a little brighter.

Q: Do you believe that a successful theatre career is based more on natural talent or learned technique and professional training?

A: It has to be a combination of both. Even the most talented artists in the world have had some form of training whether it be on the job or in the classroom. But the most important point to remember is to be a kind and professional individual that people want to hire again and again.

Q: Where do you see yourself and your career in five years?

A: It is hard to answer that question in this field, but I hope to have accomplished some of my professional and personal goals and to be working towards new adventures and challenges.

Q: What other shows are on your career bucket list?

A: Goodness it's so hard to choose just a few: Beautiful, The Last Five Years, Wicked, a Fosse show, and I would love to be in Into the Woods again.

Photo Courtesy Cinderella National Tour

Q: If you were not in the theatre business, what career could you see yourself having?

A: I would love to get a master’s degree in Heath Education eventually and work on the university level with Musical Theatre programs to educate students on nutrition, cross training and body image within this field.

Q: Do you have any advice for young performers thinking about auditioning for a National Tour?

A: I would say to focus on your training so the technique becomes second nature. Once it’s second nature you can just have fun in the room. And don't sweat the “No's”. Everyone hears some no's, but it makes the “Yes” that's right around the corner that much sweeter!

Thanks to Rachel Fairbanks for sharing about Cinderella, her experiences thus far on tour and in her career and for offering advice to readers. I encourage everyone to check out the First National Tour of Cinderella playing at the Boston Opera House from September 29^th - October 11^th. Check out http://boston.broadway.com/shows/cinderella-baa/ to purchase tickets, get more information and check out where the tour is headed next.  

Review The Lion at Merrimack Repertory Theatre (Lowell, MA)

Benjamin Scheuer in The Lion (Photo Credit: Merrimack Repertory Theatre)

As I sit here thinking about the musical production I just experienced, my mind is flooded by how overwhelmingly incredible it was. It wholeheartedly deserved the standing ovation and encore it received.

The Lion is a true story, written and performed by Benjamin Scheuer, and is unlike any show I have ever seen and is far better than many I have. Walking into the theatre last night I didn’t know what to expect from this show. Like most people in the audience I knew it was a one-man musical and was curious how it would all play out. As I looked toward the stage, I admired the ring of lights that hung over the intimate set. Strategically scattered around the set were six guitars, including one back-up. A seventh was carried on when the show began. These guitars were additional characters that all had their place in the life and story of Ben.

The show begins as we are introduced to ten-year old Ben who sings “Cookie-tin Banjo” and tells the story of how he found music. This first song instantly draws the audience into the life and mind of young Ben and we feel the joy he felt when he first learned the G-chord from his Dad. He mentions later in the show that his connection to his dad is music and though as a child he wanted to learn to play like his dad, as an adult he learned that he needed to learn to play like himself.

It’s not long into the show before the audience is chuckling as we listen to Ben’s big idea of starting a family band and how it didn’t play out like he imagined. His recollection of his father shows how people have different sides of themselves that they show to certain people. While Ben saw the harsh, abusive side of his father, the outside world saw a kind, respectable man who was a wonderful husband and father.

As Ben grows older we hear him sing of family dynamics, childhood tragedy and using music to fill a void and bring him joy. He sings of a love who made him laugh and the loneliness he felt when she went to find herself. He sings of the uncertainty of life and how through the most difficult times reconciliation can be found. 

The song “The Lion” towards the end of the show is heartfelt and pure. A line he sings in the song, “sometimes being brave is being scared”, is a statement that is true to life and is one that I will always remember.

One thing that makes a great musical and is at the core of The Lion is truth; truth about family, truth about relationships, truth about growing up, truth about finding yourself and truth about pain, both physical and emotional. These truths are universal and it may be why this play resonates in the hearts of audiences.

Music is such an essential part of this story that it couldn’t be told in any other way. Benjamin’s vocals throughout the show are incredibly strong and captivating. His guitar playing is unequivocally fantastic. He is a gifted song writer, masterful storyteller, and performs with true heartfelt passion and a smile that can light up the whole stage. 

Benjamin Scheuer in The Lion (Photo Credit: Merrimack Repertory Theatre)

This 80 minute musical experience is one of the best I have ever had and I highly recommend attending a performance of The Lion. It is nourishment for your soul and you will leave feeling inspired and very likely changed.

The Lion plays at Merrimack Repertory Theatre until September 20^th. Tickets and more information can be found at www.mrt.org/lion.  For other locations, dates and information about the National Tour visit http://www.benjaminscheuer.com/events/

Review of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse (Meredith, NH)

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Set Design by Andrew Stuart Photo Courtesy Winnipesaukee Playhouse

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a fascinating play by David Edgar adapted from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. Set in Victorian London this play is filled with beautiful poetic language and is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally poignant.

Walking into the intimate theatre for the opening night performance of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde my eyes were immediately drawn to the substantially dark set. Designed by Andrew Stuart, the set was perfectly complimented by the lighting, designed by Graham Edmondon. The eeriness established by the set and the lights was exemplified even more through sound and musical additions. Neil Pankhurst expertly designed the sound in a way that kept the audience engaged and often times on the edge of their seats. It is clear that Nick Saldivar, who magnificently directed the show, worked very hard with everyone involved to ensure all elements of the show blended together seamlessly to create a beautiful and hauntingly intriguing production.

Nicholas Wilder (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) Photo Courtesy Winnipesaukee Playhouse

Nicholas Wilder brilliantly portrayed Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde. His characterizations were fantastically unique while also allowing a few similarities. His first transformation startled the audience, many of whom jumped in their seats. His Dr. Jekyll was polished and dignified while his Mr. Hyde was physically and vocally menacing.

Helen McMillan, as Annie Loder, and Elizabeth Swan, as Katherine Urquart, were wonderful to watch. These two women heightened the emotional aspects of the show and allowed the audience the opportunity to see the man behind Dr. Jekyll - the scientist and before the madness of Mr. Hyde took over. Their kindness towards him near the end of the play opened a door for the audience to feel sympathy towards this dark and violent character.  

The cast also includes Winnipesaukee Playhouse veterans Richard Brundage (Gabriel John Utterson) and A.J. Ditty (Richard Enfield/Parson), Jason Plourde (Poole), Ray Dudley (Dr. Lanyon/Sir Danvers Carew), Sophie Pankhurst (Lucy Urquart/Matchgirl), and Tyler Browne (Charles Urquart).

This production is thoroughly captivating from start to finish; and for anyone who is familiar with the classic story it is not to be missed. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde plays at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse until September 5^th. For additional information and tickets to visit www.winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org

Review of Avenue Q at Seacoast Repertory Theatre (Portsmouth, NH)

Photo Credit: Seacoast Repertory Theatre

From Directors Brandon James and Ben Hart comes the fun and amusing musical comedy Avenue Q playing at Seacoast Repertory Theatre. With over fifty handmade puppets, a lively band and creatively designed set this unique show, with adult themes, keeps the audience chuckling from start to finish.   

The experience of live theatre is often exciting because you never know what might happen. In this production, as is the case with most productions, the first few performances have some hiccups until the show finds its rhythm. But it is certainly worth taking in as there are many highlights within this production to enjoy.

The first of which is the fantastic band led by Music Director Andrew Barret Cox. It was wonderful having a live band that featured not only a piano, but also drums and both electric and bass guitars among other instruments. They were high energy and kept the tempo of the show moving right along. As with most musicals, the show is driven by the music being played by the band and sung by the performers. The cast of fifteen delivered vocally strong performances throughout the production. I must applaud this production on having such wonderfully talented artists sharing their gifts with the audience; be it their voice or other instrument.

The second highlight is one I was not expecting to see: tap dancing. Shaina Schwartz (Gary Coleman) performed a stellar tap solo during the first act. Her sounds and steps were a fantastic addition to the show. I am thrilled to see, as noted in the program, that she is not only sharing her incredible tapping talent with many audiences during the run of Avenue Q, but also young people throughout the Greater Boston and New Hampshire areas. With entertainers and educators like Shaina Schwartz, the art of tap dancing is certainly making its come back.

I would also like to commend the entire cast on their work in the complex art form of Puppetry. It is certainly something that needs many hours of training and practice and it is clear this group worked very hard to bring their puppet characters to life. Ben Hart and Noah Lefebvre did a great job working as one to bring to life Nicky, one of the puppet characters. Additionally, many performers brought to life more than one puppet character and overall I think it was a job well done.

Interestingly, the creatively designed set of the rundown city street, Avenue Q, was made by recycled, tossed away and/or donated items. Like the saying goes “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” and that statement is certainly true for this cool and colorful set.

This musical, though many characters are puppets, is not appropriate for children and is geared more towards an adult audience. Avenue Q plays at Seacoast Repertory Theatre Thursdays- Sundays until September 13th. For more information and tickets visit www.seacoastrep.org

Review of Accidental Death of an Anarchist at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse (Meredith, NH)

Accidental Death of an Anarchist is a full force farce taking place in Milan, Italy and based on the real-life story of the suspicious death of Giuseppe Pinelli, a railway employee and recognized anarchist. Written by Dario Fo in 1970, only one year after Pinelli’s death, the play centralizes around themes such as governmental power, corruption and cover-ups. This play exposes hypocrisy not only within the play’s world, but in the real life world around its audience members.

The moment the audience walked into the theatre the detailed and intimate set drew them into the world they were about to see. Ingeniously designed by Dan Daly, the set effectively portrayed a simple office at police headquarters in Milan, Italy circa 1970. At the center of the stage were two French doors which opened to a small terrace to show a blue sky and leafless tree. Perfectly placed, the doors too, are characters within the play; with many parts of the story focused around them. During the prologue before the play began, the audience was slowly introduced to its characters and their morning routines as they silently entered the office and begrudgingly began their tasks. Though there were no lines and the play hadn’t officially started, the audience lowered their voices except for moments of chuckling when they made comments to those around them regarding the action on the stage.

Fantastically directed by Matt Cahoon, the cast is comprised of six wonderfully talented actors, Richard Brundage (Inspector Bertozzo), A.J. Ditty (Maniac), John-Michael Breen (Constable), Nicholas Wilder (Sports Jacket), Jason Plourde (Superintendent), and Rebecca Tucker (Journalist). All six brought quirkiness and vigor to their diverse characters. While all had their strengths and made the show an overall success, there was one who stood out a little more from the very beginning. A. J. Ditty brilliantly portrayed his hysterical Maniac character. A master deceiver, the Maniac, constantly had one, if not more, of the other characters wrapped up in one of his schemes and either hanging on his every word or wanting to hang him with his every word. His intelligent and creative portrayal of this complex character is not to be missed.

This thoughtful play was not only full of slap-stick comedy, but it also included modern day references which effectively kept the audience engaged and laughing throughout the play. Best appreciated by a mature audience, Accidental Death of an Anarchist plays at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse until August 22^nd. For additional information and tickets to Accidental Death of an Anarchist visit winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org