Tamara Martinsek, who recently played Honey Raye Futrelle in CHRISTMAS BELLES and returns to our stage as Letitia Blacklock in A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED, 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?
My first show at Sunset was GREASE in the 80’s – loved playing Rizzo in a cast that included many “soon to be stars (my Danny went on to be a professional actor, director and choreographer – my Kenickie was a regular with the Cleveland Opera and folks like Tommy Lueck and Jonathon West made their marks here in Milwaukee and at Sunset!
Since Grease, I have been The Drowsy Chaperone, Mama Rose, and Ethel Merman (and others) in RED HOT AND COLE on the mainstage. Was a cast member in CHRISTMAS SURVIVAL GUIDE presented by Stepping Out Productions, helped out with the most recent kids camp, and have been a Musical MainStage performer.
- If you are working on a Sunset show right now, what is your role?
Just closed CHRISTMAS BELLES as Honey Raye Futrelle and am jumping into A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED as Letitia Blackcock
3 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 have had the honor of playing so many of my dream roles – but the 3 that will always hold a place in my heart are Sally Bowles (CABARET), Florence Vassy (CHESS) and Mama Rose (GYPSY). I hope to be doing this for a while yet and since I find something to love with every character I get to “try on” I think any role has the potential of becoming a dream role!
Dying to do Martha in WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF
4) What do you enjoy most about the Sunset?
The camaraderie, support and feeling a part of a family.
- When not at Sunset, how do you spend your time?
After 25 years as a local fundraiser I have just started a full time job as a customer service/sales representative at McKey Perforating. In my spare time I use my theater education degree to work with middle school actors and 4n6 teams.
Outside of theater I focus my passion and creativity into cooking, entertaining, enjoying my comfy home, my zen back yard and my furry housemates. And I try to get to see every show my son does in Chicago(and wherever his career takes him)
- What is your favorite color/food/movie/TV show/book/musical or play?
Color: Purple
Food: anything new – especially when I am experimenting with a new recipe but a good raw bar will always win my heart.’
Movie: Still love the classics – HOLIDAY INN, WHITE CHRISTMAS and WIZARD OF OZ
Book – I read cookbooks like novels, but a good Arthurian fantasy (Mists of Avalon) is a go to escape
Musical – CHESS, RAGTIME, JEKYLL AND HYDE
Play: SHADOW BOX, NIGHT MOTHER
- What is your favorite quote?
“it is what it is”
- Any other comments?
I am thrilled to be working with Carol Dolphin again – we met in a production of BABY at VPW and although our paths have passed often, we have not worked together since!