Spotlight On: Julianne Freeman
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into our talented cast and crew of Sondheim on Sondheim. Get to know Julianne Freeman!
Introduce Yourself to Our Audience:
What has been your favorite role so far in your career?
My favorite role so far has been Elsie Maynard in “The Yeomen of the Guard”. She is such an interesting character who always strives to be good and kind, even as the world around her can be extremely cruel. It is a complex role that helped me grow as both an actor and singer. I would be thrilled to play her again!
If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?
I have always wanted to be in a production of “The Light in the Piazza”. It is a subtle, sublime show that unfortunately isn’t particularly well known. I would highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t heard of it!
When did you first perform?
I started performing when I was seven years old. I told my mother that I wanted to be an opera singer, she did everything she could to find performance opportunities for me, and the rest is history! Many thanks to my amazing mother for making it possible for me to chase my dreams!
What’s going to surprise people about this production?
This show features several songs that were cut during the production process, many of which are rarely performed for a live audience today. Because of this, I think that this show will be surprising not only for those who may not be familiar with Sondheim’s music, but also for long-standing fans.
Who’s the funniest person in the cast in real life?
Erin has me in stitches every rehearsal, she always has a silly quip or hilarious comment. Thank you for sharing so much laughter with us!
What is your favorite Stephen Sondheim show and why?
I will always have a special place in my heart for “Into the Woods”. I love fairy-tales, especially when they have a dark twist, and I am fascinated by how grounded the characters are in their problems even as they are enveloped in whimsy. Also, the music is absolutely phenomenal!
How has Stephen Sondheim inspired you?
Stephen Sondheim inspires me to strive to new heights. His music is extremely challenging on a technical level, and there were many times throughout the rehearsal process where I found myself wondering if I could do justice to his work. But once I overcame my doubts, I learned just how far I could stretch myself as a musician. I also find his story inspiring, because despite many difficulties throughout his life, Sondheim was able to triumph over hardships and create beautiful music. It has been such a humbling experience to be a part of this show, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity!
Sondheim on Sondheim opens on August 30th and runs through September 15th at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!
“Sondheim’s words and music are, for all their intelligence and sophistication, most striking for their emotional fidelity to his characters and the universal struggles and joys informing their disparate journeys. Thus the frustrations driving Sweeney Todd’s demon barber and the gunslingers in Assassins are as eerily accessible as the romantic obsession captured in the songs Losing My Mind and Not a Day Goes By.” – Elysa Gardner, USA Today
“One sometimes wonders what the notoriously exacting Sondheim privately thinks of the many revues and revivals of his work that come along. No worry here; ‘Sondheim on Sondheim’ is engrossingly entertaining and thoroughly captivating. An enchanting, warm and provocative opportunity to hear not only Sondheim’s songs but — literally — the master’s voice.” – Steven Suskin, Variety
