Jan is a valued Sunset volunteer who has been involved at the Playhouse for over 30 years! She is the currently the Stage Manager for our SideNotes Cabaret Series which will present OUR FAVORITE THINGS: A TRIBUTE TO JULIE ANDREWS, May 19 – 22.
- When did you first become involved at Sunset Playhouse and what areas have you been involved with here at the Playhouse?
I became involved in 1984 when I auditioned and was in Fiddler on the Roof . I have been involved in almost every aspect of a production: stage management being my main focus. I have, however, run lights, been a props mistress, worked on costumes, built sets, painted sets, worked on light hang, ushered, cooked, cleaned and have even fixed a toilet or two! There is one thing, however, that I cannot do: followspot! I cannot run one of those to save my soul so kudos to all of you people who can!
- If you are working on a Sunset show right now, what is your role?
I am not currently working on a show, but will soon be stage managing the SideNotes Series show: Our Favorite Things: A Tribute to Julie Andrews. It’s going to be great so come out and see it: tickets are selling fast!
- If an actor, what has been your favorite role to date and what is your dream role?
I am not primarily an actor but I do have a favorite role. It is MJ McMann in Inspecting Carol . Most fun I ever had with a character and one of the best casts I have ever worked with. My dream role, which I am too long in the tooth to ever play, would be Eva Peron in Evita .
- What do you enjoy most about the Sunset?
I most enjoy the intimate feel of the space and the family type environment. I knew when I first started in 1984 that I felt at home ! I was welcomed wholeheartedly by then Artistic/Managing Director, Alan Furlan, who in an interesting sidenote, was the person who nominated me for membership at Sunset.
- When not at Sunset, how do you spend your time?
I work at a downtown law firm: Meissner Tierney Fisher & Nichols S.C. I am active in my church and sing in the church choir. I like to cook and watch a lot cooking competitions and would love to be able to cook the way they do! I love road trips and my husband Lee and I have driven all of Route 66 (at least as much of it as you can drive): took a little over 2 weeks and that is definitely NOT enough time!
- What is your favorite color/food/movie/TV show/book/musical or play?
Favorite color: green
Favorite food: mashed potatoes
Favorite movie: I have a couple: The Goonies and Gone With the Wind
Favorite TV show: Right now it would be Master Chef Junior or any version of CSI
Favorite book: Too many choices but any Harry Potter would be up there, along with Gone With the Wind
Favorite musical: Evita or White Christmas
Favorite play: Talley’s Follie
- What is your favorite quote?
The purpose of life . . . is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well. Ralph Waldo Emerson
8. Any other comments?
Sunset Playhouse is a great place for both theatrically experienced and inexperienced people to volunteer. As long as you have an interest in putting on a great production, you may become involved and learn along the way. You will develop friendships, skills and for some of us, even meet your future spouse! So come on out and join us, we are a fun group!