Seven Brides For Seven Brothers

THEATRE UNDER THE STARS
www.tuts.com

Presents

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS

MARCH 13 - 25, 2007

INTERVIEW WITH MICHELLE DAWSON

STARRING AS MILLY TILDEN IN TUTS’

PRODUCTION OF SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS

By Theresa Pisula
March 9, 2007
theresa@houstontheatre.com

MICHELLE DAWSON stars as Milly Tilden in Theatre Under the Stars Production of SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS showing from March 13 - 25, 2007 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby at Walker, Houston, Texas).

For the lead female role in TUTS’ Production of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Director Scott Schwartz chose the lovely Michelle Dawson. Ms. Dawson has performed on Broadway in Ragtime, Showboat, Cyrano the Musical. She recently performed last month on the Houston stage in TUTS’ Production of Swing!

I arrived early to meet Ms. Dawson and I met Meridyth Garcia, TUTS Public Relations Manager at their administrative offices. As we waited for Ms. Dawson to come down from rehearsals, Ms. Garcia simply could not contain herself from giving me the exciting news of their new upcoming 40^th Anniversary 2007 – 2008 Season.

“There will be the US premiere of the new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND, the next one is DREAMGIRLS (the Broadway musical and Beyonce movie), then for the holiday season A WONDERFUL LIFE (from the Jimmy Stewart Christmas Movie),” says Ms. Garcia with the utmost enthusiasm. She also gushed about THE SPELLING BEE, Broadway’s Tony Award-winning musical and THE DROWSY CHAPERONE and HELLO DOLLY all scheduled for the next year. No doubt, Houston again will be the forefront of great American culture and fantastic, glamorous musicals.

Ms. Garcia also mentioned that superstar Debbie Reynolds will be performing at the “Forever Young” Gala on Friday April 27th, 2007 at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts (800 Bagby at Walker). Theatre Under The Stars is thrilled to honor its guiding light, Founder / Producing Artistic Director Frank M. Young on this night which will be attended by Honorary Chairs President & Mrs. George H. W. Bush. Meridyth also mentioned that the Seven Brides for Seven Brothers musical timed perfectly with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo which gives the city every year that cowboy boots wearin’ country and western singin’ barbeque flavored feel.

Michelle Dawson (Milly) and the brothers star in Theatre Under The Stars' production of SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Single tickets may be purchased by calling 713-558-TUTS or online at www.tuts.com

As Michelle Dawson and I sat down for the interview she greeted me with her brilliant, most engaging smile. Her performer’s body is fit and well toned and she explained that she is beginning to build her stamina for the grueling Seven Brides show.

Theresa: How are you doing?

Michelle: I’m doing well. It’s so nice to be out of New York. Well I mean, I love being home but the weather (laughs). Houston is so gorgeous it’s so nice to be in sunny weather.

Theresa: You’re the female lead in this musical and you’ve also played Eva Peron in the musical Evita.

Michelle: I was just out here a month ago doing Swing! And I have a 2 year old baby boy so he’s with me too. He travels with me every where ‘cause I kinda want to be with him. So for a day I came back home and the next day we started rehearsals for this show. I’ve been in New York rehearsing and this is going to be an awesome show. It’s a really awesome, huge, huge show.

Theresa: I saw the 1950’s movie for the first time last night and I’m trying to imagine how it’s going to be onstage. Did they re-create the Barn Raising?

Michelle: No. There are some differences from the movie. They’re definitely not doing the Barn Raising scene. The audience knows it’s a movie so they’re going to make comparisons. I’m not going to be blonde though like Jane Powell was in the movie. I heard she’s been invited to the show.

JANE POWELL who starred as as Milly Tilden in the MGM movie version of SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS

Theresa: Really? Is she going to be here for the Premiere?

Michelle: We don’t know. I would rather not know. I think there are some similarities, certainly some of the dancing. A lot of the scenes, the winter avalanche will be there. The set is exquisite. I just saw the pictures and it’s gonna be gorgeous.

Theresa: I can’t wait. Well the movie was amazing.

Michelle: Now there are some parts of the musical that wasn’t in the movie and vice versa. And there are some new songs.

Theresa: So they updated it 50 years later.

Michelle: It’s similar to the movie, some of the same music but as far as the dialogue and stuff, they just cleaned it up, they fine tuned it. They took a second look at it and tweaked it.

Theresa: Tell us about the part that you’re playing…

Michelle: I play the part of Milly Tilden. I just love this character and the more I do it, I’m just gonna…

Theresa: Go to town with it?

Michelle: It’s just so much girl power she’s such a woman of strength. I think she’s gonna go down as one of my favorite characters to play, could be the favorite.

Theresa: I love the way she whips those brothers into shape.

Michelle: I know, even today we’re still dealing with that. Traditionally we have the male and female roles, right? Even today, I’m not sure that’s ever going to change. What I love about Milly is that she’s so tough and strong and ahead of her time. She’s independent, just a little bit different, not like all the other girls. She’s not just gonna settle for any guy. There’s something about Adam when she meets Adam where she goes “Oh, this is the guy.” And then everything unfolds and she doesn’t realize what she’s gotten herself into. She falls in love with Adam as she sees his face for the first time. And I think she’s kind of resigned herself to maybe I’m going to be an old maid, I might not find somebody. And really it’s such a journey in this show, I mean, so many times in musicals….it’s exciting when you can find a role that…she starts in the beginning and you have such an arc….and she goes through a real journey….and I’m exhausted at the end of the show. I’m still building up my stamina you know. But she gets so many colors she has so many fun songs. I have this song about “I’m gonna whip them into shape, I’m gonna clean the place up.” Then she has “Wonderful, Wonderful Day” that’s in the movie too and “Goin Courtin’.” The show is so much fun.

Theresa: You’re pretty much the whole show.

Michelle: There’s Adam too. I don’t know how many are in the cast, 30 maybe? But there are the seven brides and the seven brothers and they do a lot. Certainly Adam and I we have quite a lot to do in the show.

Theresa: There are so many musical numbers on the show.

Michelle: Oh yeah, and the dance numbers. I’m just sitting on the side while they do the dances. I do a little clogging, I do a little bit. The dancing in this show is incredible.

Theresa: But you just did Swing!

Michelle: Yup but I was a singer. There are four singers in Swing!

Theresa: You hardly danced?

Michelle: No. You know, that’s what the dancers do and that’s what the singers do. Nowadays you have to be able to sing, dance and act.

Theresa: Have you done this musical before?

Michelle: No. I’m so lucky to be able to do it. And I think people are going to just eat it right up. Even though of course Jane Powell originated it, I’m so fortunate to re-create Milly and find some new colors for her.

Edward Watts (Adam) and Michelle Dawson (Milly) star in Theatre Under The Stars' production of SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Single tickets may be purchased by calling 713-558-TUTS or online at www.tuts.com

Theresa: How did you become a part of this musical? How were you chosen?

Michelle: Well I had to go through several callbacks.

Theresa: You mean auditions (laughs)?

Michelle: Yes, they put me through the ringer to make sure I had the right stuff. I love working with Scott Schwartz the director and the whole creative team, the choreographer, the musical coach. I auditioned four times in New York. And my agent calls and says I have an appointment for Seven Brides. And I’m like Whoo-hoo! It’s interesting to me because it was quite a journey to land this part. I was working in another show called A Christmas Carol I was in rehearsal in Westport way up in Connecticut. I had an appointment at 5:40 (I remember details). And they let me out of rehearsals to go to this audition which was really nice. I get down there to audition and I’m waiting at 5:40 and they all come out. And I’m like well maybe they’re running behind. So it’s like 6:00 o’clock and everybody comes out and like - wait, what? What happened? Wasn’t I supposed to be seen? Is there some kind of confusion? And I wasn’t able to be seen that day.

Theresa: (Laughs)

Michelle: So, they’re like okay we’re going to try to work you in another day. So by that point, I had to go back to Westport, Connecticut which was like a solid hour and a half trip in rush hour traffic. So, the second time I was trying to make this audition and the traffic was so bad they ended the day for auditions at 6 o’clock. I made it there right at 6:00. I was sweating it out, sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. I just said, it’s just not meant to be, it’s not meant to be.

Theresa: (Laughs) Right, right.

Michelle: So I called my agent and said I’m gonna turn around and go home. And he said, “Just see what you can do.” And we’re talking back and forth. So I got there and they saw me at 6 o’clock. And they said, “Okay can you come back?” Then it all started, they mix and match you and reading, having to make a judgment meaning like in a scene “Okay can you do it this way?” So then like four times later…it was a journey.

Theresa: So then you get the call…

Michelle: Oh gosh, and then it was waiting and waiting. You know I think it’s a tough decision. There are a lot of gals out there, you know? I think it was after Thanksgiving and I sort of said, “Okay it’s time to let it go…” because it’s so hard in this business. And you think “I’m done waiting by the phone. Let’s move onto the next job.” And then I’m driving home from something and my agent called me and I couldn’t believe it. It was so exciting. I was so thrilled. I’m like, I’m the lucky one this time.

Theresa: It was meant to be after all (laughs). That is so funny.

Michelle: I did some sweating and stress and everything else. So I’ll never forget that journey trying to get to this show. I feel really lucky and fortunate to do this.

Theresa: Did you try to see the movie prior to auditioning?

Michelle: I first saw it years ago, maybe in high school. I’ve seen it recently too. But every actor has a different process. Sometimes for me, I don’t want to see anything. I do like to research a bit and see what’s out there. And just get ideas or even know the story line to get the wheels churning. We all agreed to sort of make it a little tougher.

Theresa: Well, you know we’re in the year 2007 and these are tougher times, not like they did in the 1950’s.

Michelle: But I just love that movie. And I love today’s work too and it’s beautiful. But sometimes you just have to take this piece and sort of make it your own, you know? That is how we become who we are.

Theresa: Tell us about your past background…

Michelle: I went to Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh. I grew up in Vermont with horses on a farm.

Theresa: Just like Milly…

Michelle: Yeah, live horses. Cows, we had for a minute. No chickens. But I had a great upbringing, having lots of land with the horses. I got the theatre bug back in grade school, 7^th or 8^th grade then started to study voice with this woman and she also had horses. She’s like “I could start teaching you in exchange for cleaning horse stalls”. So that’s how that got started. And that really worked out great.

Theresa: How old were you when you started singing?

Michelle: I think I was 13. These days, that’s like old. You know, kids are starting so young. But it’s sort of my passion. I think if you want to be in this business, you just know. It’s like something, you start it and you know it’s what you want to do. And so I was always singing and acting in community theatre. In Vermont, there weren’t very many professional theatres. We had community theatre and my first show was Annie Get Your Gun and I put on my tap shoes. And then I moved to New York.

Theresa: Are you married or single?

Michelle: Married, I’ve been married 12 1/2 years. He’s a violinist. And I have a son who is Ryan. I have no doubt he’s going to be a violinist. He is 2 and four months.

Theresa: Do you travel a lot?

Michelle: It’s hard to say, it depends. It just depends on a lot of work other than Broadway is around the country. You kinda go where the work is.

Theresa: How do you like doing period pieces? Because I know you’ve done Ragtime and Showboat.

Michelle: I do love period pieces. I feel like it’s something in my skin. During first day of rehearsals, one thing I loved about Scott (Schwartz, the director) was that during the process he just peeled away at the scenes. We sit down and we re-do the scenes and dissect it. But on the first day we did a little improv, it was like, how to walk, how you carry yourself in that time period. It’s hard but excellent to do. But period pieces are a nice challenge and I love doing them.

Theresa: And the costumes?

Michelle: Ahhh, amazing. Today’s the first day we are in costume. The biggest compliment is when you put it on and you feel like, what do I do and I can’t move. I’m getting lots of compliments on my outfit. And the shoes are handmade.

Edward Watts and Michelle Dawson (center) star in Theatre Under the Stars' production of SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS. Single tickets may be purchased by calling (713) 558-TUTS or online at www.tuts.com

Theresa: Who are your favorite actors or directors?

Michelle: Oh wow (pause). I used to have so many and then I’ve become a mother and I don’t see anything anymore (laughs).

Theresa: (Laughs) So you watch Barney a lot?

Michelle: Oh God. Well, Barney’s my new favorite and I love Elmo. I definitely look up to Elmo. He can do no wrong.

Theresa: Who influenced you as you were growing up?

Michelle: Julie Andrews, Mary Martin. You know I think that it’s really hard to pin down a favorite and I must say that I always respect, admire and am in awe of somebody like Madonna. Somebody that can be in this business and make such a statement whether it’s musical theatre or performance onstage and being able to not just be that hot item for a minute. But they have something that keeps them going and they’re always keeping it new.

Theresa: What qualities do you look for in a performer?

Michelle: I guess reminders of what it’s all about is making it real, being so honest, just simple acting. It is fun to see those more complicated roles and the actor makes it look so simple.

Theresa: Who would you dedicate your performance to?

Michelle: Didn’t they just do this in American Idol? I think I’ll just say grandma. Didn’t you see that? Did you see that?

Theresa: (Laughs) Yeah and they just start crying.

Michelle: Oh geeez, Ryan, my son Ryan Alexander. That’s a good one for my mom Terri Dawson and Robert Dawson my dad. Both my parents were so supportive. I mean that’s the thing. You’re so lucky in this business if your parents are supportive because there’s so much doubt and it’s good when you have that 100 percent behind you.

Theresa: Any comments to the Houston Theatre going audience?

Michelle: Looking forward to seeing you guys again. I hope you love it. I have no doubt. Especially in sunny Houston with the pioneer show, you’ll especially love it.

-0-0-0-0-0-