Kirsten Lendyke

Secret Garden Reviews

2011-12-30T15:44:00.000-06:00

"Its holiday season production by the company, featuring elegant direction and choreography by Stacey Flaster (one of several women who have emerged in recent years as major musical theater talents in this city), it is being beautifully sung and acted...Flaster’s staging expertly captures the contrasts in Eastern and Western visions of magic and death."
-Chicago Sun Times

"This very well-meaning show surely delivers the most beautiful garden one could expect. There were gasps of pleasure in the audience, especially from the young."
-Chicago Tribune

"The expert staging by Stacey Flaster works to create just the right tone and atmosphere to create a ghost story."
-Chicago Theatre Critic

Light Opera Works does a stellar job with its large scale musicals using a full orchestra in the marvelous Cahn Auditorium located on the campus of Northwestern University. Roger L. Bingaman brings this hauntingly beautiful music to life as he conducts this orchestra and the voices that Flaster has assembled fill the theater with the richness and tone of the music and lyrics in this sterling piece...The ensemble players are up to the highest of standards:Barbara Clear,Maggie Clennon Reberg,Erin Thomas Lobo,Phil Higgins,Kristin O’Connell,Patrick Byrnes,Rob Riddle,Peter Oyloe,Harmony France,Jon Landvick,Maggie Clennon Reberg,Daniel Spagnuolo,Jennifer T.Grubb,Christen Boulette,Loren J. Connel, Kirsten Lendyke and Amy Orman- great job!
-Around the Town Chicago

There are four chances left to see The Secret Garden at Light Opera Works. Friday, December 30th at 8pm, Saturday December 31st at 2pm and 8pm, and closing on January 1st at 2pm. Purchase your tickets now.

Image from: http://www.lyricspond.com/artist-secret-garden

Secret Garden Opening

2011-12-26T09:00:00.000-06:00

Secret Garden opens tonight! Come see show for a heartwarming evening filled with gorgeous music (...and find out what the rest of my costume looks like). Runs through January 1, 2012 at Light Opera Works.

A Merry Christmas CD

2011-12-24T09:00:00.003-06:00

My holiday album of songs for friends and families was a hit last year, and a second one was requested. So I recorded some more classic Christmas songs and make another cd. This year I selected songs that reminded me of Christmases at home. Here are my front and inside cover designs. And of course, a special thank you to my pianist, Marta Johnson, for taking time out of her crazy December schedule for me.

Merry Christmas!

My Tech Week Essentials

2011-12-20T14:15:00.000-06:00

Tech week can be a long process...especially in tech heavy shows with lots of moving parts (like the Secret Garden). Lots of late nights mean our dressing rooms have to be filled with things that make us feel good. Here are my tech week essentials that you'll always find in my dressing room.

Alka Seltzer Plus Tablets -for staying healthy, and keeping colds at bay among sick cast mates

Magazines - for reading during offstage time.

Emergen-C

Mini Notebook - for jotting down blocking changes and director's notes.

Cheese Its - my current backstage snack.

Super Chill Sparkling Water - Keeps me hydrated backstage when I want a little flavor in costume.

Organic Throat Coat Tea - Soothes my throat after a long day of singing or when I'm feeling tired.

Silk Robe - for covering up during snack breaks or when wandering around in a corset and tights.

Vitamin Water Zero

That's what's in my backstage bag on any given day. What's in yours?

The Secret Garden Opens December 26th!

2011-12-19T12:00:00.002-06:00

Purchase your tickets for the beautiful, haunting story of the Secret Garden. "Part Victorian thriller, part enchanting love story." It has one of the prettiest scores of music around and is sure to leave you feeling full of love...and a little teary eyed. Secret Garden runs from December 26, 2011 through January 1, 2012 in Evanston, Illinois.

Understudying Mary Lennox

2011-12-09T11:02:00.001-06:00

I've been understudying the role of Mary Lennox for my upcoming production of The Secret Garden and it has been fun and challenging to channel my inner ten year old. Last night's rehearsal was an understudy work through and I had a surprising amount of fun romping about the stage as Mary.

Purchase tickets to the show here, opening night is 12/26/11

The Secret Garden

Music by Lucy Simon

Book & Lyrics by Marsha Norman

Photo credit: SecretGardenMusical.co.uk

A little preview of the show...Here's a recording of me singing Mary's act two opening song, "The Girl I Mean to Be" at a vocal coaching yesterday morning before rehearsal.

Secret Garden Character Inspiration

2011-12-07T11:00:00.019-06:00

My character inspiration board for the dreamers of Secret Garden...ghosts of Victorian people who have died of cholera in British colonized India in the early 1900s.

"They are only a ghost if someone on earth is holding onto them."

Secret Garden Rehearsals Have Started!

2011-11-09T16:24:00.000-06:00

Rehearsals for Secret Garden have started! It's going to be a fabulous show, with a great concept and cool set. We started with dialect, music rehearsals, and design presentations and had our first staging rehearsal the other day. We're also rehearsing in the brand new Light Opera Works' Rehearsal Studio, which is lovely! The sprung dance floor is the full size of the stage and the rooms are filled with props and photos from past productions. Read more about the new space here.

Hello, Dolly! Photos

2011-11-02T18:14:00.000-05:00

Better late than never...some photos from last year's winter production of Hello, Dolly! with Light Opera Works. That's me on the right front in the light light green skirt and pink sash during the production number of "Dancing."

"Before the Parade Passes By," the end of act one production number that was preceded by the dance number above and a three minute quick change into a marching band uniform. It was a great number that often received mid-song applause and ended with a high D6 for the sopranos. I'm on the left in the second row of band members, the second person of Dolly's shoulder.

Photos by Ocken Photography

My Resume...Visualized

2011-11-02T17:46:00.002-05:00

I read about this super cool website Visualize.me in a recent issue of Marie Claire. You can create colorful visual resumes by linking to your Linked In account. There are my professional credits laid out in graph from (from 2005-2011). You can pick different formats and colors. Kind of cool.

Cinderhood: A Children's Musical

2011-10-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Tonight is opening night for the children's musical Cinderhood with Chicago Opera Playhouse. It's a fun, short musical of what would happen when half the cast prepares to perform Cinderella while the other half want to do Little Red Riding Hood. Come see me as Little Red who even has her own lament song "There's No Fair in Fairytales."

Show Details:

Wednesday, October 12th @ 6:30pm

North Park Covenant Church, 5250 North Christiana, Chicago

Free Admission

Little Red Riding Hood Character Inspiration

2011-10-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Loving this quirky photo inspiration for playing Little Red Riding Hood in the upcoming production of Cinderhood with Chicago Opera Playhouse. My sassy Little Red will be debuting October 12th on Chicago's north side.

Grand & Glorious Wooden Boat Show

2011-10-06T09:43:00.000-05:00

Photos from our little Music By the Lake musical revue before singing the opening of the 36th Meeting and International Boat Show in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

With Linden Christ, Michael Brown, Timothy Rebers, Taryn Whipple, and Matthew Richardson
Directed by Christine Flasch (below)

An AEA Inspirational Tweet

2011-09-20T16:28:00.000-05:00

"Do it for love. Do it for money.
Do it for both, if you can, but never for neither!"

@ActorsEquity

Special Skills: Brings Baked Treats to Rehearsal

2011-09-12T21:13:00.001-05:00

One of the special skills I have listed on my resume is "Brings Baked Treats to Rehearsal." Something that is 100% true! I believe in the joy of baked goods and their power to bring lifted spirits and happiness to any rehearsal (Do a show with me and you'll surely see a batch of my cookies during tech week).

Here is a recent, super easy, cookie recipe I made and brought to a Music By the Lake rehearsal that was a big hit.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies
Time: 40 minutes
Makes: 36 cookies

Ingredients
1 pouch Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
6 to 8 drops of green food color
1 egg
1 cup creme de menthe baking chips
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chunks

1. Mix cookie mix, butter, extract, food coloring, and egg in a bowl, until soft dough forms. Stir in the creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.

2. Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.

3. Bake at 350 F for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Serve warm or cool completely. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

Bon Appetite!

A Seaside Photo Shoot

2011-08-29T23:06:00.000-05:00

A Brigadoon Wedding Photo

2011-08-11T09:34:00.001-05:00

Act One Wedding Scene
with Matthew Richardson as Charlie Dalrymple
and Jerry Miller as Mr. Lundi

There my heart forever lies...Brigadoon Closing

2011-08-01T13:15:00.003-05:00

Brigadoon had a spectacular run at Music by the Lake this past weekend. The setting was as beautiful as the show! This particular production has been especially hard to let go of. I so enjoyed everyone in the cast and crew and loved getting to figure out who Jeannie Dalrymple nee MacLaren was. I'll always hold her in a special place in my heart.

"Brigadoon, Brigadoon, there my heart forever lies..."

with Dan McNeil as Harry Beaton

A Brigadoon Wedding!

2011-07-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

Brigadoon opens in 10 days!

2011-07-20T08:00:00.003-05:00

Brigadoon Trailer

2011-07-18T00:32:00.000-05:00

I don't usually like to watch or listen to movies or recordings of shows I'm working on, but this trailer for Brigadoon is so deliciously retro, I just had to share.

Opening night is in less than two weeks! Learn more here or purchase your tickets at the Music by the Lake website...hurry! The shows are almost sold out.

Brigadoon Opening Soon!

2011-07-15T20:10:00.000-05:00

Brigadoon rehearsals have begun! The cast arrived at the beautiful Music By the Lake setting this past Wednesday and have started the rehearsal process. Everyday we get to live in "real Brigadoon" as we rehearse in the pavillion right by Lake Geneva.

Below is a taste at the beautiful setting that is in store for you! Opening night is in 14 days! Saturday evening is selling well and the 4pm Sunday Matinee is almost entirely sold out! Only terrace seats remain for Sunday, so purchase your tickets soon!

Last Summer's Show - Arizona Lady

2011-07-08T13:30:00.000-05:00

As I prepare to start rehearsals for Brigadoon next week, it's hard to believe it's been a year since my last big summer show, Arizona Lady. Here's some fun clips from that production that were just released.

Senior Recital Memories

2011-05-30T00:04:00.002-05:00

As graduations bloom all over, I'm reminded of my college senior vocal recital, "A Little Bit Diva." Hard to believe it was so long ago!

Here are some photo memories, courtesy of 5th Floor Photography.

A New Project

2011-05-18T22:09:00.002-05:00

I am pleased to announce that I will be appearing as Jane and understudying Mary Lennox in the winter 2011 production of Light Opera Works' The Secret Garden. I am excited to be working on my 4th show with Light Opera Works! They are a fabulous company and I've been thrilled to appear in their productions of Iolanthe, Pirates of Penzance, and Hello, Dolly! in the past few years.

More information and tickets can be purchased here.

Coming Soon

2011-05-17T09:00:00.005-05:00

Brigadoon!

I received my dialogue book in the mail this past week and I am getting excited for my summer show at Music by the Lake. I can't wait to read the script and dig into all the details of Jean and Brigadoon.

I also love that we received old school dialogue books. If you've never seen them, they contain true sides of your part with lead in lines only. And the stage directions are written in first person. Very cool.

Park District Benefit

2011-05-16T16:38:00.000-05:00

Come see me sing for Charity at the Palos Park Recreation Benefit this Sunday. I'll be singing selections from Phantom of the Opera with the Phantom himself, Edward MacLennon. Hope to see you there.

"It's over now, the music of the night..."

2011-05-15T01:19:00.001-05:00

Phantom closed to a fabulous, standing ovation crowd on Saturday, May 14th. Hopefully, it won't be my last "Masquerade." This is one show I would love to do again! I'll miss those pretty tutus.

Improv & Star Wars Love

2011-05-04T21:05:00.000-05:00

I love Star Wars! And I love theatre. So what happens when the two are put together? Love. Check out this awesome Improv Everywhere video and then click on over to their blog here to see some fun outtakes. A very appropriate way to celebrate Star Wars Day.

The Phantom Cast on the WGN Morning News

2011-04-20T08:58:00.003-05:00

Phantom of the Opera Inspiration

2011-04-11T17:53:00.000-05:00

Some character inspiration for my role in the upcoming Phantom of the Opera....

Corps de Ballet - a permanent part of the ballet company, often working as the backdrop to the principal dancers, working as one in synchronized movements. Think all those gorgeous swans in Swan Lake. And the photo above from Martha Stewart, that I just love totally and screams corps de ballet to me.

And of course, The Joffrey shows off a perfectly tied pointe shoe in an ad for their upcoming Spring Gala in the CS Men's Book...something I'm aspiring to at every rehearsal.

Phantom Postcard

2011-04-05T11:21:00.000-05:00

My First "Album"

2011-04-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

On a recent visit home, my grandmother brought the first "album" I had ever created for her. In all it's cassette tape glory, created and sent by 6th grade Kirsten, it featured solo vocal tracks from Christmas music to classical Latin, piano solos, flute solos, and a card to mail back to join the Kirsten Fan Club.

Who says twelve year olds don't know anything about branding?

Ciao, Carmen!

2011-04-02T19:38:00.000-05:00

A Summer Show

2011-03-23T16:13:00.001-05:00

I'm excited to announce that I will be playing the role of Jean MacLaren in Music By the Lake's summer production of Brigadoon.

The production will be two performances only, July 30th and 31st on beautiful Lake Geneva. More details coming soon.

A Spoof on Carmen

2011-03-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

Doing a student matinees for Carmen this week and came across this hysterical video spoof. It's a good laugh for a week of three matinees where the downbeat comes at 12:30!

Phantom Backstage "Secrets"

2011-03-22T09:00:00.022-05:00

A neat, although short, video about the production aspects of the Broadway version of Phantom. I also learned from this video from the Chicago Tribune, that the original touring production that came to Chicago almost a decade ago, cost around 11 million to produce originally in the early 90s...which meant with inflation it would have been around 35 million! And that was still in the mid 90s!

And of course the tour had 230 costumes and 175 wigs. Now that's a show!

Another thing I love about Phantom? You get to sing your first of many high C's on page 6 of the show!

See the production I'm in April 29th - May 14th!

My First Phantom...

2011-03-19T18:04:00.000-05:00

Today we had a sing through of act one of Phantom. Listening to all that beautiful music again made me remember seeing Phantom for the first time. It was the year 2000 and I LOVED it. It was hands down the best musical I saw on Broadway during my visit. We sat in the 7th row and I could feel the heat from the pyrotechnics!

Here are some of my memories from the show...
*When Carlotta started singing "Think of Me" I was confused, I thought - no way, she doesn't look like Christine at all!
*Piagini struggling and failing to get on top of the giant elephant...hysterical.
*Candles...lots of them...with REAL flames and appearing as if from no where.
*Utter awe and astonishment at the Phantom appearing on top of the proscenium facade at the end of act one.
*I had no idea the stage was part puppets and not all actors during Masquerade.
*Tears streaming down my face at the end of the show, all the while thinking how sad it was because the Phantom just really loved her.

It makes me want to see the show again! Hopefully all these fabulous memories and more will be formed in my upcoming production. I can't wait to start staging.

Image from broadwayworld.com

Save Broadway Sketch

2011-03-18T16:33:00.000-05:00

A little laugh for your Friday. I remembered how much I loved this clip when it was on a rerun the other night...one of my favorite SNL sketches ever.

Backstage at Carmen!

2011-03-16T15:50:00.002-05:00

Happy Re-Opening to the Carmen Cast! A sweet note from the Assistant Director, above, awaited us in the dressing room. The show went well, although there was a little drama off stage in the audience during the first intermission! Although the cast was none the wiser until the article came out in the Tribune the next day. Read the "Opera Patron Arrested for Assult" article on the Trib's website.

Check out some photos from backstage..

A cool tag to see sewn into your costumes (above) and my dressing table space (below). All of my act one costume pieces are neatly spread out at my space by our awesome dresser when we arrive at the theatre.

Our fabulous dresser, Chris makes sure we're laced up and looking good...all four hours of the opera.

The reviewers liked the show again! Check out the Tribune's review here or get tickets for the remaining shows here.

The Remount of Carmen

2011-03-09T23:16:00.001-06:00

Carmen is back at the Lyric Opera of Chicago for five shows only! A few changes in the cast and a revamped focus on acting will make this run of Carmen even more fantastic than the October 2010 run. Opening night is this Saturday, March 12th and runs through March 27th. Purchase one of the few remaining tickets here.

Photo courtesy of The Lyric Opera.

Coming Up Next

2011-03-02T19:43:00.003-06:00

I'm excited to announce that I was offered a role in the ensemble and corps de ballet for a spring production of Phantom of the Opera at Morton College's JPAC Theatre.

More details coming soon...

A Quiet, Post Show Moment

2011-02-01T22:25:00.001-06:00

After every show, there's a quiet moment before the makeup comes off for the last time. Here's to missing the last show and looking forward to the next one!

More Praise for Dolly!

2011-01-01T15:19:00.003-06:00

Chicago Theatre Blog

The dancing IS athletic and amazing! Rudy Hogenmiller channels Gower Championto choreograph dance sequences that elicit applause DURING the movement. In particular, two memorable moments are actualized by a large segment of the chorus. First, in the parade scene, the band moves into a revolving kick line. For a small stage and multiple dancers, the graceful high-kick turning is incredibly impressive. In the second act, the waiters have a vigorous prolonged dance sequence. The word I think I’d use is ‘phenomenal.’ The synchronization is perfection. The waiters’ jumps are a harmonious spectacle.

Despite promises that ‘Dolly’ll never go away again,’ it’ll be “Goodbye, Dolly!” in a week. So, here’s your goal again, get in drive again, if you wanna feel your heart coming alive again… get your tickets now… before the parade, and the full orchestra, passes by!

Chicago Sun Times

So what happens when Light Opera Works — a non-Equity company that works with a limited budget, focuses on original scores in full (including offering the luxury of a professional, 22-piece union-orchestra) and is not about to bring in today’s Channing or Merman — takes up this relatively thin work?

Good and joyous things, as it turns out. The company’s artistic director, Rudy Hogenmiller, both directs and choreographs his 30-member cast with a “we can do it” feel, and conductor Roger L. Bingaman and his orchestra bring out the musical pleasures of such numbers as “Put on Your Sunday Clothes,” “Ribbons Down My Back,” “Dancing” and “Elegance” that show Herman working on a subtler and more serious level than in the show’s anthem “Before the Parade Passes By” and its big title number (a hit thanks to Louis Armstrong’s recording, even before the Broadway show opened).

Chicago Theatre Addict

Light Opera Work’s unfettered production, directed and choreographed by Rudy Hogenmiller, keeps focus on the music, comedy and budding relationships. In the title role, Mary Robin Roth is a force [...] This is a working class Dolly, full of vigor and spirited determination. She’s having a joy up there, selling her songs with old-school showbiz pizzazz, and it’s simply infectious.

The full orchestra, under the direction of Roger L. Bingaman, provides a rich, round sound that’s too often missing from musicals — though they could ramp up the energy in a few spots. Choreography by Hogenmiller for the young ensemble ranged from serviceable to very good.

While the handsome chorus jubilantly sings “Dolly’ll never go away again!,” you only have until Jan. 2 to catch Light Opera Works’ joyous production. Don’t let this parade pass you by!

Be A Broadway Star Board Game

2010-12-30T10:00:00.000-06:00

I was the lucky recipient of the Be a Broadway Star! board game this holiday season! My excitement proved to be totally spot on, this game is fantastic! I can't say enough about it, other than that I spent most of the game saying "this is just like real life!" I can't wait to play it with all my musical theatre friends. Check out these photos I took while I was playing for the first time.

Learn more and get one for yourself here.

Hello, Dolly! Hats!

2010-12-29T09:00:00.001-06:00

One of the best things about doing Hello, Dolly! is the fabulous hats! Fake feathers, flowers, leaves, and tulle run rampant onstage and off! I love it. As our wig designer said, "Get those hats flat on your head. We don't want to see your face, we want to see your hat!" These are my awesome hats from the show. See me and these fabulous hats on stage until January 2, 2011.

Rave Reviews for "Hello, Dolly!"

2010-12-28T10:00:00.000-06:00

Hello, Dolly! opened Sunday afternoon to one of the best houses I've had the pleasure of performing for. Lots of laughter, "bravos," and a standing ovation. The first reviews came in Monday morning and they are glowing!

The Chicago Critic said if the show...

It is so refreshing to see the full version sans cuts with the complete cast of dancers to bring home Gower Champion’s original choreography nicely recreated by Hogenmiller." And "What makes this production stand out are two major elements – the fabulous, heartfelt and commanding work from Mary Robin Roth as Dolly. She plays Dolly with guile, charm and humor and loads of heart. Her vocals and comic chops rule the show. Roth is a wonderfully truthful Dolly. This Dolly is a winner!

The second element that shine here is the expert dancing and the respectful choreography. Rudy Hogenmiller’s dancers flawlessly nail each movement and each step with precession. You’d be hard pressed to see finer show-stoppers than Hello, Dolly! provides.

The Around the Town Chicago critic had this to say...

Under the direction and choreography of Rudy Hogenmiller, this is truly an opportunity for an audience member to see a classic done to perfection. The large dance numbers are superb and Hogenmiller never allows the limitations of the smaller stage to handicap his creative flow or the talents of his cast.

Musical theater, in particular, the old classics rely on the ensemble to make all the loose unds fit and this being a show that might be called a choreographer’s dream, they should be applauded and lauded for their work. The male ensemble members work just a bit harder with thier big dance numbers of “Hello Dolly” and “The waiter’s Galop” as well as company numbers...Great job guys! Of course, the women ensemble members all did a wonderful job, but this is a male ensemble show with many more numbers geared for the male chorus, so let’s give them the credit for the wonderful work they did.

Dolly runs through January 2nd. Tickets are selling fast, especially for New Year's Eve! Purchase yours here.

Holiday Recording

2010-12-27T11:00:00.001-06:00

As a special holiday treat, I recorded some of my favorite Christmas and holiday songs for friends and family! Check out the cover art. Special thanks to Marta Johnson, my pianist, and Chase Agnello-Dean, my photographer who made time in their busy December schedules to help me make this little cd, "December."

Hello, Dolly! Opens Sunday, December 26th

2010-12-21T10:23:00.000-06:00

Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman
Book by Michael Stewart

Based on the play "The Matchmaker"

by Thornton Wilder

Original Production Directed and Choreographed

by Gower Champion

Produced for the Broadway stage

by David Merrick and Champion-Five, Inc.

December 26, 2010-January 2, 2011
At Cahn Auditorium - 600 Emerson, Evanston, IL

Dolly Gallagher Levi is back, turning New York City upside down in her pursuit of a wealthy husband -- bringing romance, joy and love to everyone she meets! This 10-time Tony Award winner is America's favorite musical comedy.

Enjoy these razzle-dazzle show-stopping numbers:

• Before the Parade Passes By
• It Only Takes a Moment
• Put On Your Sunday Clothes
• Hello, Dolly!

Ages 8 and older

Purchase Tickets Here

Snowy Photo Shoot

2010-12-12T18:33:00.003-06:00

Some photos from a fun, snow filled photo shoot for a special project I have in the works.
Photography by Chase Agnello-Dean.

2010-12-05T00:45:00.000-06:00

Check out the fabulous photo that's currently on the front page of the Masked Ball page on the Lyric's website. That's me in the fabulous hat! There's only one more chance to see the show, this Friday, December 10th at 2pm.

Masked Ball Photos

2010-11-16T13:35:00.003-06:00

Photos from the dress rehearsal of Masked Ball at the Lyric. That's me above, in the center (in that fabulous hat) as Colombina. Below, a close up of that fabulous hat and my fun white wig. Masked Ball runs through December 10th.

Top photo courtesy of the Lyric Opera. See more photos from dress rehearsal on their facebook page.

2010-11-11T15:13:00.001-06:00

Un Ballo in Maschera

2010-11-01T12:22:00.003-05:00

November 1st brings us that much closer to my next production. See me as Colombina in The Lyric Opera's production of A Masked Ball or in Italian, Un Ballo in Maschera opening November 15, 2010.

A love triangle turns deadly in one of Italian opera's greatest hits!
Conspirators want the monarch dead — and suspected adultery plays right into their murderous plans.
The king is in love with his best friend's wife — and she's in love with him. Desperate to extinguish her ardor, she turns to a sorceress for help — but too late! The secret's out and a devastated husband takes his revenge!
You'll thrill to Verdi at the peak of his musical and dramatic genius as he delves deeply into the psyches of three people who love, yet destroy, each other.

Masked Ball is only here for eight performances! November 15 through December 10, 2010. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Lyric Opera's website.

Opera versus Hockey

2010-10-29T22:11:00.001-05:00

Interesting piece talking about the October run of Carmen and comparing opera to hockey. The first run of Carmen closed today, but will be back with a few changes in the cast for a run in March 2011. Video courtesy of Fox News Chicago.

Carmen Photos

2010-10-14T11:07:00.001-05:00

Carmen opened last night to a full house and a standing ovation. Here's a photo from Act I courtsey of the Lyric Opera. That's me on the right watching the children's chorus march onstage. Check out more photos on their facebook page.

Carmen Dress Rehearsal

2010-10-12T11:00:00.003-05:00

Take a sneak peek at some of the fabulous costumes from the Lyric's production of Carmen. Opening night is October 13, 2010. Purchase tickets and get more info here.

Carmen Opens October 13th

2010-10-11T18:56:00.001-05:00

Make sure you purchase your tickets for the Lyric Opera's production of Carmen. It's full of great singing and amazing costumes! Get tickets here, read the Lyric's overview below.

Find out why this is the most popular opera in the world!
What could make a man cheat on his fiancée, drive his mother to tears, and ditch a good job? One woman — Carmen! She's the sex-bomb, gypsy seductress who loves them and leaves them — tossing egos and hearts in the dust.
To the tune of some of the most memorable music ever composed (the Toreador Song, the Habanera, and more!) her story unfolds in the sultry Spanish sun: Corporal Don José arrests Carmen for knifing another cigarette girl — but he's the emotional prisoner! So how can he possibly let her live when she dumps him for a famous matador?

Carmen runs October 13th through October 29th then remounts in March 2011.

Arizona Lady Photos

2010-07-26T13:38:00.006-05:00

Photos from Arizona Lady with Chicago Folks Operetta. Running at Stage 773 (Formally Theatre Building Chicago) until August 1st. Above, featured dancers Kirsten Lendyke and Eric Casady. Photography courtsey of 5th Floor Photography, see photographs from the entire show here.

A Spirited Revival

2010-07-22T10:56:00.000-05:00

Photo by 5th Floor Photography

Arizona Lady was given a thumbs up by The Chicago Tribune's John von Rhein. "Spirited revival of 'Arizona Lady' packs tunes as well as six-guns."

We're hailed as a "lively and attractive supporting cast" and "an engaging cast makes it a musical entertainment as refreshing as a lemon sorbet on a hot summer's day." The review doesn't do justice to the fun and fantastic dancing by the ensemble though. That you'll just have to see in person. There are ten chances left to see this US Premiere. Purchase tickets here.

Company Photo with Ms. Kalaman

2010-07-19T15:13:00.000-05:00

Yvonne Kalaman and the cast of Arizona Lady

Photo by 5th Floor Photography

The cast and crew of "Arizona Lady" were lucky to have the daughter of composer Emmerich Kalaman, Yvonne Kalaman, in the audience for opening night. Ms. Kalaman was delighted with the show! It was an honor and a pleasure to have her in the audience. The run continues Thursdays through Saturdays until August 1, 2010. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Arizona Lady Opens Saturday!

2010-07-12T09:00:00.005-05:00

The American premeire of Arizona Lady opens this weekend! Preview show and Industry night on Friday, July 16th. Opening night with Emmerich Kalman's daughter and pre-performance lecture on Saturday, July 17th. The show is fun, bubbly, and full of fabulous voices and dancing. Come see me as Molly and a featured dancer in the first production of Arizona Lady in 50 years!

Visit the Chicago Folks Operetta website for more information and to purchase tickets.

Character Inspiration

2010-07-02T12:03:00.001-05:00

I love vintage pin up posters! So finding one that relates to a show I'm doing always inspires me. Arizona Lady is set in 1920s Arizona....something that requires a delicate balance of femininity mixed with the "down to earth farm hand" girl. Based on the amount of pas de duex in the show, I'm going a little heavier on the former.

Arizona Lady opens this month on July 17, 2010. Special pre-performance lectures and a visit by the composer's daughter are all part of the opening weekend fun. Purchase tickets here.

Arizona Lady

2010-06-03T23:09:00.000-05:00

Tonight was our first rehearsal of Arizona Lady! It's going to be a great show. A fun plot, catchy music, and dancing cow girls!

Chicago Folks Operetta is proud to present the American premiere of Emmerich Kálmán’s western operetta, Arizona Lady. Directed by Bill Walters and choreographed by August Tye, this romantic operetta will carry you back to the rough-and-tumble, happy-go-lucky wild west of singing cowboys Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. This was Kálmán’s last operetta, published posthumously in 1953. Featuring a new English translation by Hersh Glagov and Gerald Frantzen, this will not only be the American premiere but the first performance of the show worldwide in over 50 years.

Can't wait for our first staging rehearsals. It's great to be back with such a fabulous company, Arizona Lady marks my thrid show with the Chicago Folks Operetta. The show will be preformed at The Theatre Building Chicago July 17th - August 1st. Purchase tickets here.

Kassi Fest III

2010-05-24T14:12:00.000-05:00

Photos from my latest show, The Size of Furniture by Benjamin Adair Murphy. The piece had its Chicago debut among other ten minute plays at Kassi Fest III. Photos courtesy of the Rubicon Theatre Project. See the photos from the other plays here.

Kassi Fest

2010-05-06T21:11:00.002-05:00

The Kassi Festival is quickly approaching! My one act, "The Size of Furniture," is a short piece about a husband and wife shopping for that last piece to complete their home with a nod to absurdism. Two shows only, May 16th & 17th at Studio BE. See the side bar for a link to ticket information. Here are the promotional book mark postcards. Super cute.

Closing Night & Compliments

2010-03-08T10:48:00.003-06:00

After Pride & Prejudice closed to a solid run of almost sold out houses, I received the greatest compliment from one of the writers. She said they loved my interpertation of Anne de Bourgh so much that they were going to incorporate it into future productions. I was so flattered and humbled that my small character choice could impress someone who had written the scene! Playing Anne reminded me that it's not about the amount of time you spend on stage, but what you do with it that counts.

Pride & Prejudice's Opening Review

2010-03-03T14:50:00.004-06:00

Here's a bit from a lovely review of Pride & Prejudice from Steadstyle Chicago.

"Steven Daigle's energetic production mostly plays the piece for laughs, but there is no lack of drama in the work itself."

"One of the virtues of the show is that this is a real ensemble piece. True, the relationship between Elizabeth and Darcy remains central, but almost every character has a moment or an entire number to shine."

"The first weekend's performances were packed at the Athenaeum Theatre, but tickets are still available for the second weekend. Austen lovers will find this is an exciting opportunity to experience the work anew."

Want to read the whole review, click here. Want to see the show? There are two performances left, Saturday, March 6 at 7:30 and Sunday, March 7 at 3:00 at Athenaeum Theatre. Purchase tickets here.

Pride & Prejudice Character Research

2010-02-22T10:07:00.001-06:00

I always find it fascinating to play characters based on literature, especially the lesser known ones. Here is a little inspiration board I created to help me with playing Anne de Bourgh.

I found this blog, Mending My Own Pen, to be particularly interesting. A great character comparision of Anne and Georgiana Darcy, and proof that just because one character is telling the story doesn't mean they are always right.

Pride & Prejudice opens this Saturday.

Find out more at the Chamber Opera Chicago Website.

Bridal Modeling

2010-02-09T16:41:00.002-06:00

In January I had the pleasure of modeling for Aniko Salon & Spa at a local bridal event. Here's my favorite photo of the gorgeous look they gave me.

The ingredients that made me so beautiful...

Hair styling by Patrick Daniels

Makeup by Billie Luckett

Jewelry courtesy of The Left Bank Jewelry

Photo by Kasia Bogucka

Operetta Photo Love

2010-02-03T12:20:00.004-06:00

I'm on the blog at 5th Floor Photography! They shot the dress rehearsal for Cloclo and one of their images was in this month's issue of The Chicago Magazine. Check out the post here.

Pirates is a Smash Success!

2009-12-29T16:07:00.003-06:00

The critics attended opening night and declared Pirates of Penzance a must see operetta. There are only four chances left to see the show The Tribune says is full of "pretty costumes and an attractive cast that's eager to please," and The Sun Times says is "a winning combination of top-flight singing, colorful orchestral accompaniment and antic staging."

Family Matinee: Wednesday, December 30, 2pm
Thursday, December 31, 8pm
Saturday, January 2, 2010, 8pm
Sunday, January 3, 2010, 2pm

Backstage Details

2009-12-29T15:32:00.001-06:00

Pirates Sneak Peak

2009-12-24T09:00:00.003-06:00

Here's a little preview from our first dress rehearsal of "Pirates of Penzance." We open this Saturday, December 26th with two shows, 2pm & 8pm. Enter the code "Paradox" and receive 50% off tickets here.

Mitislav Girls

2009-12-24T00:20:00.003-06:00

Can-can fun at the Cultural Center's 'Day of Opera'

Headshot Prints

2009-12-16T23:11:00.001-06:00

I picked up my headshot prints from the J&S printshop this week. They look great, and it's so exciting to have new headshots. I used the first one at an audition tonight!

Mitislav the Modern

2009-12-08T09:05:00.003-06:00

On Sunday, December 13th The Chicago Folks Operetta will participate in The Chicago Cultural Center's free Sunday Salon Series: Day of Opera with their production of Mitislav the Modern. This rarely seen operetta is Franz Lehar's own parody of his famous Merry Widow. Come see the third production in the "Widow Trilogy," a fabulous romp about modern love....complete with can-can girls.

Sunday, December 13th @ 1:00 pm

Chicago Cultural Center 77 East Randolph Street

Free Admission

Above, I used this vintage pin up photo for my character inspiration.

New Headshots

2009-12-08T08:59:00.001-06:00

Thank you to everyone who helped me select my new headshots. Here are the three I choose as my favorites!

Headshot Proofs - Blue

2009-10-27T17:45:00.000-05:00

Here are my headshot proofs from my recent shoot with Aaron Gang. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Headshot Proofs - Purple

2009-10-27T17:41:00.001-05:00

105

152

Here are my headshot proofs from my recent shoot with Aaron Gang. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Headshot Proofs - Black

2009-10-27T17:39:00.000-05:00

259

260

292

Here are my headshot proofs from my recent shoot with Aaron Gang. Please leave a comment and let me know what you think.

Aniko Salon Modeling

2009-09-29T23:57:00.004-05:00

Check out photos from my recent shoot at Aniko Salon & Spa. Fabulous hair modeling and fabulous fun shot by 5th Floor Photography.

Photos by 5th Floor Photography

Just Cast!

2009-09-15T16:00:00.003-05:00

I was just cast in the ensemble of Light Opera Works' Pirates of Penzance by Gilbert & Sullivan. I'm very excited to be working with Light Opera Works again. I was in their production of Iolanthe last summer, and can't wait to work with their talented production team again!

More details coming soon! Can't wait? Learn more here.

Jackie Puppets!

2009-08-17T15:57:00.001-05:00

Check out the John Husted and Hughdie puppets!

Fabulously Funny Website!

2009-07-30T23:37:00.003-05:00

Here's a site for all the musical theatre kids out there...The Musical Theatre Dictionary!

http://mtdictionary.blogspot.com/

Some of my favorites...

Downstage Center- noun- The single most desired position on a stage. MT's with egos will try anything in their might to move as close to downstage center during dance numbers, tableaux, and ensemble numbers. Remaining downstage center almost always ensures that an actor will be in the production photos, which is brills.

Jazz Square-choreography- The most insulting piece of dance to ever be given by a choreographer. A more simplified version of walking (instead of a straight line one merely crosses one leg over the over and repeats in a box formation), jazz squares are the last resort when choreographing a company of Sondheim/Character Actresses and barely-Fancers.

LaDuca-noun- The nonpareil designers of women's character shoes. These shoesfeature the support of a sturdy heel with a softer, malleable sole perfect for dancingand other stage business. Moreover, these are the ﬁercest shoes that any woman canever put on her feet. The ferocity of LaDuca shoes transcends cast dividends: fromingenues to ensemblists, character actresses to chorines these shoes take anyordinary woman and makes them an MT. If you don't have LaDucas and you're reading this, I have no respect for you.

***and yes, I have LaDucas***

Cloclo Closing & Cast Party

2009-07-29T12:04:00.002-05:00

Adeiu Cloclo! It was a fabulous run and a great cast.

Costume Fitting at The Lyric!

2009-07-24T12:27:00.002-05:00

Love the retro building style of The Lyric! The stage door sign was cleverly hidden and brilliantly blended into the building. I would never have noticed it if I wasn't headed there for a "Don Giovanni" fitting!

Cloclo Opening!

2009-07-19T17:03:00.003-05:00

My "Happy Opening Night" gifts for the cast,

Dum Dum Posies.

Post show reception complete with Champagne

and catered by The Pasta Bowl.

Amanda Horvath and I

Noel Taylor, Jamie Woodhull, and I

Cloclo's on the Marquee!

2009-07-15T22:20:00.001-05:00

...and we're in TimeOut this week.

Check out the article here:

http://tr.im/syxd

Awesome Advice for Actors

2009-07-15T09:50:00.003-05:00

"In order to stay resilient in this business, we need to put stock in the little things: getting a callback, great feedback from an audition, or receiving a compliment from a fellow actor. Success, as we seek to define it, is incremental in its development."

~Kate Wetherhead

'Dear K8' goes on with more great advice for appreciating every moment and not getting hung up on only defining success by great shows in great theatres with great revues. Read the full article here.

Sneak Peek, Cloclo Act III

2009-07-14T23:13:00.003-05:00

Here's a sneak peek at "The Dancing Turtles" from Cloclo.

Cloclo Opens Thursday, July 16th!

2009-07-14T09:00:00.003-05:00

You're Invited....

To Opening Night of Franz Lehar's Cloclo! Presented by Chicago Folks Operetta, the show finds new life with a fresh English translation, sexy Can-Can dances, and fabulous singers from the Chicago area and beyond. Cloclo tells the story of a ravishing Folie Bergère dancer, and her army of suitors who will do anything for her even after she is arrested for hitting a police officer. Follow Cloclo as she tries to escape to the country in this hilarious madcap comic adventure.

See me, and two other Millikin University Alums, at the intimate Chicago Center for the Performing Arts from July 16th-25th. Balcony Talks on the history of Operetta offered July 16 & 17 at 6:30 pm by Michael Miller. Buy your show tickets here.

Directed by E. Loren Meeker. Choreography by August Tye. Conducted by Marta Johnson.

Cloclo Sitz Probe

2009-07-13T07:23:00.003-05:00

Take a sneak peak at Cloclo from our Sitz Probe on Sunday.

Bye Bye Performink in Print

2009-06-17T23:57:00.003-05:00

Sad day, the June 19th issue of Performink will be its last one in print. They're going the way of lots of newspapers and appearing only online. I got my letter in the mail today announcing the change and the updating of their website. A fancier website will be great, but I'll miss being able to cut out the audition notices and tape them in my planner...

Just Cast!

2009-06-11T23:52:00.004-05:00

I usually like to wait until the contact is signed before I announce my upcoming shows, but I couldn't resist. I was just cast as Lee, Jackie Onasis/Kennedy's sister in "Jackie, An American Life." It's running weekends in September. Visit the Theatre Hikes website for more info!

Dance Injuries...

2009-06-08T00:25:00.003-05:00

I was google-ing dance injuries while icing my ankles and found this great article from NYU. Read the full text here.

Top Ten Prevention tips for dancers

1. Proper training and teaching are essential to allow dancers of all ages to develop their skills without injury.
2. Take adequate rest to allow the body to heal itself from daily wear and tear
3. Maintain energy levels by eating and drinking adequately.
4. Conditioning and strengthening of the leg muscles that support the arch are crucial.
5. Try to avoid dancing on hard or uneven surfaces, which could cause injury.
6. Take care of your shoes!
7. Dancers should adopt new training schedules slowly.
8. Although not always possible when dancing, but more so off stage or out of class, wear supportive footwear, and if you need to wear orthotics, wear them as often as possible.
9. If dancers perform excessive pointe or demi-pointe work one day, they should focus on other types of work during the next workout.
10. Early recognition of symptoms is important. Stop activity if pain or swelling occurs. If the pain persists after a few days rest, consult a sports-medicine physician

First "Cloclo" Rehearsal

2009-05-29T23:48:00.007-05:00

Tonight I had my first rehearsal for the operetta Cloclo. I love first rehearsals because they're so full of excitement and nerves. It's always fun finding out who is in the cast and learning, yet again, that the theatre universe is super small. I went to school with one of gentlemen in the ensemble, and I am covering for a girl that knew some of my husband's friends. Small world.

The show should be great! The production staff is comprised of several staff members from The Lyric Opera and the director has some great ideas. We heard the concept presentation, saw the set designs, and sang through the majority of the show!

Check out the Chicago Folks Operetta website for more information. Keep your eyes peeled for our bios, which should pop up with our posted headshots, under "Ensemble," in a few days.

Welcome to my blog!

2009-04-22T20:31:00.003-05:00

Hello! Thank you for visiting my blog. It's my hope to keep everyone informed on my upcoming shows, gigs, and musings on being a musical theatre actress in Chicago. Feel free to wait in wings, while I get everything up and running!

Break a leg!
~Kirsten