New York Post: The first time Donna Marie Asbury stepped onstage in “Chicago” crying, “He ran into my knife — 10 times!” her daughter was in diapers.
That was 16 years ago. Daughter Jacqueline, 18, heads to college in August, but Asbury’s still playing a character named June. Along the way — over the course of more than 6,600 shows — she’s seen 20 Velma Kellys, 26 Roxie Harts and 38 Billy Flynns come and go. That she’s still here, sharing a small dressing room with four other, less seasoned “merry murderesses,” surprises even herself.
2 comments:
When I think of a career as an actor I definitely don’t think of job stability, or playing the rear end of a rhino for seventeen years. I suppose there is something to be said for it, but I am surprised that these actors haven’t gotten bored of their roles. I guess they like the consistency of it, or maybe they just really like the part. I wonder if they can keep finding new things in their roles. Do they try to play things differently over time, or is it practically clock work by now? I would imagine that after a certain point (maybe five years) their performance would become about the same every night. Then again, they are acting with different actors who probably have a different take on the role, so that would have to change things. This sounds as stable and Broadway gets, which has clear advantages, but I am surprised they can keep up the energy for performing one role for that long.
Theater is unpredictable. For all three of these individuals, they had no intentions of remaining on these shows as long as they did, but here they are. I personally believe they serve as an inspiration for anyone trying to get into the entertainment industry. Sure, they are not the well-known leads. However, they prove that just because you love performing does not mean you have to constantly struggle. You can find consistency if you are willing to have it. Especially considering these people have grown so much throughout their careers. I feel this carries over the technical aspects as well. Maybe this does not apply so much for designers, but for other aspects of the shows. There is stability and joy that can follow this. Of course, theater is not for everyone. But for those not willing to risk themselves as much, there are other chances to do what you love.
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