Actors to a T(ea) – Lisa Ludwig

 

MusicalFare supporters were treated to an evening of fun and entertainment on March 16, 2009, when the Theatre hosted its second Actors to a T(ea) with actress/director Lisa Ludwig as the featured guest.  Lisa’s association with MusicalFare has been long and rich.  She starred in the company’s first production -- NUNSENSE in 1990 -- and, since then, has acted in 40 shows and directed several other productions.  As audience members at the Tea watched stills from each of Lisa’s shows projected on a screen, it was clear that she is an actress of remarkable versatility, equally as capable in comedic and dramatic roles, and playing characters ranging from naïve, passionate Sally Bowles in CABARET to the conniving, murderous Mrs. Lovett in SWEENEY TODD .  In a single show -- I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE -- she played more than a half dozen diverse parts.

Lisa spoke fondly of several of her favorite MusicalFare productions, sharing choice reminiscences about the particular magic – and challenges -- of each.  Once during a performance of SECRETS EVERY SMART TRAVELER SHOULD KNOW , she completely blanked out on the words to a song, made up her own lyrics for 4 full minutes, while her back-up singers, responding to the truest test of live theatre, spontaneously echoed her impulsive word choices and be-bopped where appropriate, the audience none the wiser.  As she explained:  “Anything can throw you: a missed lighting cue, an audience member opening a candy wrapper, whether or not you remembered to do the laundry.”  

Lisa was a born actress, who not only made a habit of running around as a young girl sporting a black towel on her head pretending to be Cher, but who created and acted in entire shows which she performed in front of captive audiences of family and friends.  In middle school and high school, she graduated to roles in organized productions and, at age 19, the “ingénue” from rural Alden announced she was going to New York City to be an actor.  Once there, she met and studied with vocal coach/pianist Randy Kramer (MusicalFare’s Artistic and Executive Director), married him, and returned to Buffalo with him  – ostensibly only for a year.  Twenty years, two children and countless theatre productions later, they are still here. 

Lisa’s talents are broader than just acting and, in 1991, she took on directing at MusicalFare with DAMES AT SEA .  Since that time, she has been at the helm for several shows including GUYS ON ICE, A CHRISTMAS SURVIVAL GUIDE, SOPHIE TUCKER, ALTAR BOYZ and, most recently, this season’s opener, BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY .  The highlight for her, though, is directing high school students – something she has done for 16 years at Iroquois Central and for 8 years at Amherst High School.

As an added plus to the evening, Lisa and Randy, on keyboard, treated the audience to two songs.  Ever stylishly dressed, Lisa slipped into the role of chanteuse with chameleon-like ease, holding nothing back as she took control of the stage. 

If you didn’t make it to our Actors to a T(ea) series this year, stay tuned for next season’s installment.  It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy tea, coffee and cookies at the evening’s outset, as well as mingle with fellow musical lovers, and then take pleasure in an hour of casual, personal time with one of the Theatre’s family.  We hope to see you next season!