You and I, The Cabaret Series, Central Square Theatre, 2/13/12, http://www.facebook.com/events/165355680235635/.
by Becca Kidwell
Our continuing look into the artists of The Cabaret Series.
Full Name: Jennifer Elaine Ellis
Favorite song(s) you sing in the Cabaret Series: “Come What May” with Brian Robinson. Because my sisters going to be SO happy!
Nickname? JenEllis, Jen, Jenny
Where were you born and raised? Whitman, MA
Who inspired you to pursue your dreams? My friend, professor and mentor, Henry Shaffer.
What was your first musical experience? singing in the church choir at 5-years-old
What was the first musical you ever saw? On t.v. – probably Disney’s Snow White or The Sound of Music. Live – Jesus Christ Superstar at the Company Theater featuring Michael Hammond as Jesus and John King as Judas. 🙂
What was your most life-changing musical/theatrical experience? I think it would be being cast as Sister Mary in Christopher Durang’s SISTER MARY IGNATIUS EXPLAINS IT ALL FOR YOU in college. It was a massive role. I was on stage alone lecturing the audience as an elderly nun for the first 30 minutes before any other cast members came on stage and i was concerned that the material wouldn’t go over well in a predominantly Catholic area. But, thankfully, it did!
Favorite singers, living or dead? Nat King Cole, Etta James, Julie Andrews, Adele, Audra McDonald, Johnny Hartman, Chet Baker
Last book you read? Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Last good movie you saw? My Week with Marilyn
Last good play/musical you saw? ON A CLEAR DAY YOU CAN SEE FOREVER on Broadway
Favorite guilty pleasure activity? eating chocolate and french fries. Not at the same time.
Show that earned you your equity card? Shear Madness
Favorite liquid refreshment? bubbly! Diet Coke or Champagne.
Pre-show rituals/warm-ups? stretching
Leading woman role you wish you could play? Eliza in My Fair Lady or Bess in Porgy and Bess
Someone you are incredibly proud of? My sister
What was your first performance? My first performance the role of Minnie in ANNIE GET YOUR GUN! I sang There’s No Business like Show Business. 🙂
How often do you prepare your own meals? as often as i can! I love to cook.
When’s bedtime? usually 2AM.
Morning, afternoon, or evening person? definitely evening.
Where do you go to be alone? In my own little corner, in my own little chair.
What is the sound you love? My cat purring and my husband’s voice.
What is the sound you hate? people chewing with their mouths open.
What profession, other than your own would you like to attempt? Being a nurse or a veterinarian
What is your quest? To follow my star, no matter how hopeless, no matter how far. To fight for the right, without question or pause. To be willing to march into Hell for a heavenly cause…also, to seek the holy grail.
What is the airspeed velocity of an unladen swallow? An African or European swallow?
