Tanya Tranberg, who is currently playing Fiona in 4 WEDDINGS AND AN ELVIS, a hilarious comedy which runs January 20 – February 6, 2022, 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 experience at Sunset was playing Linda Shaw in STAGE DOOR in 2012. It was privilege to meet many talented actors during the production because STAGE DOOR has such a large cast. Donna Daniels played my mother, which made for a great experience.
- If you are working on a Sunset show right now, what is your role?
I am thrilled to be playing Fiona, the ex-convict bride in 4 WEDDINGS AND AN ELVIS because she is very different from any role I have played in the past. The rehearsal process has been a blast and I look forward to creating with the cast and crew every night. The cast makes me laugh every time I watch them and Paco has added a record-number of bits to the show. Please come see it!
- 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?
It would be a challenge to choose a favorite role because it is probably whichever role I am currently playing. I could choose Barbara in RUN FOR YOUR WIFE because the ensemble was so talented and fun. It was my first show back after the break in 2020 and I appreciated every moment of the process since I had missed it for so long.
Theatrical bucket list: I want to play every female role in YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU, NOISES OFF, and THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA.
- What do you enjoy most about the Sunset?
Backstage! Besides Disney World, backstage Sunset is my favorite place to be. Backstage is where you can find the talented people and crews who make the shows possible. The dedicated volunteers and crews amaze me and they make Sunset feel professional.
Backstage is also where I have developed friendships that I never would have found without theatre. It can be difficult to make friends as an adult; but in theatre, I have expanded my circle of friends and met some of my closest friends and favorite people
- When not at Sunset, how do you spend your time?
When not at Sunset Playhouse, I am teaching Spanish, advising the National Honor Society, and directing plays at Wisconsin Lutheran High School. In the summer, I sling Long Island iced teas for the Milwaukee Brewers, play volleyball, and kickball. I am the proud pom-mom of a beautifully talkative Pomeranian, Belle. I love jigsaw puzzles, board games, snow days, and appreciating red wine in all of its forms.
- What is your favorite color/food/movie/TV show/book/musical or play?
Color: purple
Food: a turkey un-wich from Jimmy John’s on the way to rehearsal or delivered to Sunset (hopefully the new Sunset address instead of the old address) or anything that I didn’t have to cook
Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (How embarrassing is that?)
TV show: Star Trek the Next Generation, Friends, The Office, and Big Bang Theory
Book: Anne of Green Gables
Musical: Phantom of the Opera
Play: NOISES OFF and THE GLASS MENAGERIE
- What is your favorite quote?
“It’s delightful when your imaginations come true, isn’t it?”
― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
- Any other comments?
I do not have formal training as a director and I direct high school plays. Please don’t tell my former directors this, but when I rehearse, I am also stealing their methods. While rehearsing, I fill the back pages of my scripts with ideas and tips to improve acting that I then use to coach my high school munchkins. I love that while I am having fun and playing in rehearsals, I am receiving free professional development.
Head shot thanks to Stories Framed Photography.