In Part Two of our three-part interview with Marni Nixon, Marni and I talk about her preparation for the role of Aunt Kate in James Joyce’s The Dead, and she discusses the challenges and joys of rehearsing a show with such a large, yet very integrated, ensemble of characters. We also discuss, as two classically-trained singers, the challenges of trying to portray characters who are supposed to sing in a natural, untrained style.
Most people who know about Marni probably aren’t aware that, in addition to her film and stage work, she has recorded quite a bit of classical music, including some insanely difficult twentieth century pieces by composers such as Schoenberg, Stravinsky, and Peter Maxwell Davies.
Since music is such an integral part of James Joyce’s The Dead, Marni was a perfect fit to play one of the musical Morkan sisters, in whose salon the play takes place.
James Joyce’s The Dead plays from November 16-December 16, 2012 at Quotidian Theatre Company – at The Writer’s Center – 4508 Walsh Street, in Bethesda, MD. For tickets call (301) 816-1023, or email the theatre at [email protected]
LINKS
Part One of Janice Hall’s interview with Marni Nixon.
Marni Nixon’s website.
Janice Hall’s facebook page.
