Jenny Mather
Jenny Mather (Tessie Tura)
GYPSY
JUNE 24 — JULY 31
Most of our patrons know you as Cindy Lou Who, and I say “most” because Who’s Holiday was by far our most popular show this past season! I’m not sure if you were even aware of that… It’s pretty ironic considering you were nervous about carrying the show given you were known for dancing skills and ensemble work. Did you feel any pressure once it became a hit? Any relief? Tell me what that success meant to you!
The success of Who's Holiday means EVERYTHING to me. Of course I had high hopes for the show to be a hit, but the incredible feedback I received from it exceeded my expectations. I put so much of myself into that show and to know that it brought, and will continue to bring, joy and laughter to so many patrons is a beautiful feeling!
And because of that success you’ll be reprising your role this December. It must feel great knowing you did such an incredible job that our Artistic Director was banking on you to repeat that same success. What hits more, nervousness or excitement?
I am SO excited to reprise this role! I cannot wait to bring Cindy Lou to life again this year.
Is there anything you’ll translate from Who’s Holiday to this production? Or as an actor, do you completely wipe the slate clean and prepare for something totally new? Any challenges you’re facing with Gypsy as opposed to Who’s Holiday?
In every show I do, I learn something new that I try to carry with me, but I definitely learned the most from Who's Holiday. Carrying a one woman show and such a dynamic character has brought me so much more confidence as a performer. That confidence will absolutely translate to Tessie Tura, another super dynamic character, in this production of Gypsy.
Tell us why people should get excited about Gypsy!
Gypsy is such a classic, beautiful, well-written musical. Bernie has brought together such an amazing group of people to tell this story. I know this will be such a joyful, magical experience for our audiences!
Why do you still perform?
I love it. Simple as that. I love being on stage, I love finding new characters, I love creating an environment where people can feel strong emotions and I love being there to witness that catharsis. The theater is a magical place and is unlike anywhere else in the world. It is a place to escape, a place to dream, a place to cry and face deep personal truths. During a show, the audience, the actors, we are all sharing a moment frozen in time, a moment that will never come again but a moment that may also stay with us forever. It's magic and I'm so happy it's back!
