Lynn Bertoni-Shaw who is currently playing the prima ballerina, Elizaveta Grushinskaya, in GRAND HOTEL: THE MUSICAL now in 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 with Sunset Playhouse in 2014 when I played Miss Adelaide in GUYS AND DOLLS. A role I played three times but at Sunset it was extra rewarding with the director, Di Alioto as she gave me new insight into the character. Since, I have ushered numerous productions as well as attend as a patron.
If you are working on a Sunset show right now, what is your role?
Currently, I am playing Elizaveta, Grushinskaya, prima ballerina in the production GRAND HOTEL: THE MUSICAL.
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?
I would have to say my favorite role was my first. I played Nellie Forbush in SOUTH PACIFIC at James Madison high school. The role has special meaning to this day as I named one of my twin daughters Nellie, my other twin daughter fell in love with a Frenchman as the character, Nellie and my eldest daughter is a nurse. Other favorite roles include, Reno Sweeney in ANYTING GOES, Dorothy Brock in 42nd STREET, and Ziegfeld’s Favorite in WILL ROGERS FOLLIES which was choreographed by Sunset’s artistic director, Nancy Visintainer Armstrong. My dream role is Dolly in HELLO, DOLLY.
What do you enjoy most about the Sunset?
I most enjoy the family atmosphere at Sunset while working in a professionally operated theater.
When not at Sunset, how do you spend your time?
In my spare time as a retired middle school teacher, I love to travel mostly to France to see my daughter, work out daily at the Princeton Club, take classes at UWM Osher Life Long Learning Institute, and enjoy my grandchildren.
What is your favorite color/food/movie/TV show/book/musical or play?
Color-robin egg blue and aqua / Movie-Life is Beautiful and It’s a Wonderful Life / Musical-LES MISERABLES /
Movie Musical- Singin’ in the Rain / Book-Red the Red Fern Grows / TV Show-Friends / Food-Thai curry coconut chicken
What is your favorite quote?
No favorite quote but I use idioms a lot and fascinated by their origins such as Break a leg!
Quote I wrote
“Children hum the songs their parents sing to them. Compose beautiful lyrics and music.”
Any other comments?
My fight- importance of the keeping arts in our schools and keep public schools funded so every child has an equal opportunity to an education.
Headshot: Stories Framed Photography.