Meet long-time director, actor, and vocal/drama coach
Chrissie Addison! Chrissie has co-written and is directing the original musical
SouthFork Confessions, which boldly explores themes of love, redemption, and
community in a historical Gold Rush setting.
1.
You’ve
helped many in the IT community as a vocal/drama coach. Can you tell us more
about your theater background?
I first got hooked into a school play in 5th
grade. At university I majored in drama & music, which rolled right into a
career as a high school drama and music teacher. I’ve been fortunate to have participated
in Placerville’s civic theater community as a director, actor, and coach for 37
years now, along with several other community and professional venues.
2.
What are
your favorites among shows that you’ve directed or been in and why?
I’ve learned from and enjoyed
working on every one! Les Mis was
hard to beat for being in the total, immense, group plunge. I also felt
empowered to perform for a U.S. President as Lisa Doolittle in My Fair Lady.
The show I had the most fun directing was Canterbury Tales. The show that
pulled the most heart strings was Quilters. SouthFork Confessions has been
the most work, so far, but I think it will top the list in many aspects!!
3.
Is SouthFork
Confessions your first original musical, and what kind of challenges did you
encounter?
Yes and yes! It’s
daunting! Writing scenes for school or Sugarloaf was easy. Full length musicals
are crazy! Especially the challenge of weaving together the amazing true
stories and fates of so many strong characters from a colorful time. Then the layering – plugging in monologues, comedic
aspects, allusions, poetic touches and music. With an original musical, every
creative staff member plugs in strongly from music to lights and collaborates
effectively with the whole picture. This production will be a showcase of what
IT! players can do from scratch!
This show has a creative staff to die for. I’ve
learned so much this time around -- sharing the joy and my learning curve with
co-author Peter Tyner, an experienced and gifted local writer with much
prestige.
4.
What shows are
still on your “bucket” list?
I would like to direct Calendar Girls very stylishly
with outrageous settings. I’d love to nail a blockbuster My Fair Lady, and
co-direct Mamma Mia. I know every inch of Romeo & Juliet and would love
that journey, along with a contemporary twist as in Six Women with Brain Death.
I still like to walk the boards when a show comes along I love.
5.
What is
your motto when it comes to theater?
Be kind, be nice, be a little crazy too. Remember, nobody
is irreplaceable.
When not doing working on music or
drama in her Coaching Studio or at IT!, she collects antiques and will refinish
“anything not moving.” A film buff, she
also gardens, practices Tai Chi, and treasures time with family and
friends.
