It’s not everyday one gets to wear sparkles, corsets, fishnets and feathers and sing at the Sarasota Opera House.
When Fred Astaire Dance Studios asked me to perform several numbers for their annual dance review my mind immediately went to sequins and song selections. The choice of music needed to go with the Broadway theme (no issue there) and I’d need appropriate attire of course.
“I Could Have Danced All Night” was an easy choice since I’ve played Eliza and love singing the Lerner and Loewe tune whenever I get the chance. “Whatever Lola Wants” was a bit more of a stretch but a number I’ve always wanted to do (plus I knew I could have fun with the costume). For the final tune, Fred Astaire Dance Studio asked me to sing “As If We Never Said Goodbye” from Sunset Boulevard.
Emarie and Petr Marcan from InstudioE Photo were there to document the drama and they got some great images!
It was an exiting event, from getting dolled up…
to working with some stellar ballroom dancers…
…to singing for a packed house!
For “I Could Have Danced All Night” I discovered a delicious purple sequin dress by Nicole Miller at Laura Jeans Consignment Shop on Tuttle and Bee Ridge.
It sparkled pretty well under those lights 🙂
And in front of the mylar curtain…
With “Whatever Lola Wants” a sexier outfit was more in order. I envisioned a bustier with fishnets, boy shorts, and a spanish-inspired skirt a la “Damn Yankees”.
(Gwen Verdon is incredible!)
I found both the skirt and corset at Giggles (yes, lots of cool costume material from that… otherwise noted boutique).
My voice teacher, Carlo Thomas, really helped me vocally with “Lola”. It’s lower then my typical style so he assisted in finding the rich, sexy sound within.
And I spent a bit of time thinking through choreography that would provide a balance between movement, staying stationary, finding the “bumps” in the music, and working with the Lola character. The amazing dancer Geena Ravella gave me some good pointers for playing up the Spanish flavor.
And Bill Wagy gets top marks for his video work!
The entire evening was a treat and there were so many amazing and supportive theatre friends in the audience!!!!
The night came to a close at Social on First with cocktails and comrades!
The fun and fabulous: Jeffery, Berry, Danae, and Bobby!
And amazing Andrea!
Thank you to Sergio Ruiz and Fred Astaire Dance Studios for bringing me (and my sequins, corsets, and singing voice) on board!
