Dana Marklund who is currently playing Doralee Rhodes in 9 to 5 now is the Sunset Spotlight.
When did you first become involved at Sunset Playhouse and what areas have you been involved with here at the Playhouse?
I first became involved at Sunset when I was cast in Elf: The Musical in 2022! Since then, I have been a part of The Little Mermaid in 2023, and now 9 to 5! I have loved acting, singing, and dancing in each show I’ve been in, and I truly feel that I have grown as a performer through all of my roles.
- If you are working on a Sunset show right now, what is your role?
I am currently in 9 to 5 as Doralee Rhoades! Doralee is a dream role; I am a huge Dolly fan as well as a redneck at heart, so Doralee’s persona comes naturally for me. This role has been a healthy challenge, though, as it is my first lead at Sunset and a higher vocal range than I am used to singing in. My fellow castmates, Mark, and Karl have supported me along the way so that I can rise to the challenge!
- If an actor, what has been your favorite role to date and what is your dream role? If a Production Team member, which show have you most enjoyed working on? What show would you like to do in the future?
My favorite role to date is Doralee, so I am truly living the dream right now! Another dream role of mine would be Sally Bowles in Cabaret.
- What do you enjoy most about the Sunset?
At Sunset, I feel like there is a really solid balance between professionalism and community. Sunset holds themselves to high standards, but does not let those high standards get in the way of being attentive to the needs of their volunteers and community members. In my opinion, Sunset Playhouse is a well-oiled machine!
- When not at Sunset, how do you spend your time?
I am a high school English teacher, so when not at Sunset, I am at school! I also love to work out, read, and shop—guilty pleasure.
- What is your favorite color/food/movie/TV show/book/musical or play?
My favorite color is blue, despite always being costumed in pink! I truly cannot pick a favorite food because I love to eat everything. My favorite TV show is Stranger Things. I do not have a favorite book, which is weird for an English teacher! My favorite play is most likely A Streetcar Named Desire (Blanche and Stella are also dream roles of mine).
- What is your favorite quote?
“The humblest tasks get beautified if loving hands do them.” – Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
- Any other comments?
Thank you to the Sunset community, my friends, my family, and my kitties for supporting and believing in me!
Headshot thanks to Stories Framed Photography.