Spotlight On: Ginamarie Garabedian

 

Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of Miracle on 34th Street. Get to know Ginamarie Garabedian who is portraying Mara in our production!

 

 

Introduce yourself to our audience.

Hi, I’m Ginamarie and Christmas is my favorite time of year, even though I hate the cold and snow.

 

What makes the stage version of Miracle on 34th Street different from the classic film, and what does the live theater format bring to the story?

Live theater is so special because the audience sees the performers, their passion, their choices, and their enthusiasm in real-time, and it allows them to feel more connected to the characters and the story. You don’t feel that as strongly when you’re watching the movie at home on a small screen. Throw in the magic of Santa Claus and the Christmas season, this show is really something special!

 

What was a surprising or unexpected challenge that arose during the rehearsal or performance process?

Portraying a wide range of emotions and intentions has been the biggest surprise and challenge. On the surface, it seems like Mara is just a grumpy lawyer who wants to put Kris away as fast as possible to move on to the next case. But as different people are brought into the scenes, she has to reevaluate her opinions on Kris when she sees who is brought in to defend him.

 

What’s your process for memorizing lines?

It’s not just my lines to memorize – I have to pay attention to the other performer’s lines and remember which one of theirs comes before mine so I don’t miss my cue. The best way for me to rememeber all of that and get into the routine is by continuously running the show in rehearsals.

 

What’s the most challenging role you’ve ever played and how did you prepare for it?

This one! I’ve never done a straight play before, only musicals! So memorizing lines without singing them has definitely been a challenge. On top of that, I’m playing a mean lawyer who doesn’t believe in Santa Claus which is the opposite of who I am in real life! And being mean to Fred, our Santa, someone who I like very much, is quite difficult.

 

What’s the last thing you do before you step out on stage / the curtain goes up?

Drink some water, say a prayer, stretch, dance out the nerves.

 

What is your favorite Christmas memory, and why?

Listening to the Lou Monte Christmas CD with my grandfather and dancing around the kitchen to “Dominick the Donkey”.

 

What do you hope audiences, particularly those who already love the film, will take away from this live production?

I hope it helps them to remember the magic of the Christmas season and to live their lives with kindness. Santa IS real – the spirit of Santa lives in all of us and in the ways we make life special for the people around us.

 

 

 

“Miracle on 34th Street” opened on December 5th and runs through December 14th at Connecticut Theatre Company.  Tickets on sale now!

 

“Miracle on 34th Street remains one of the most popular classic Christmas films in the history of cinema, and is so in large part because of its themes of family, new beginnings, and trusting in what we believe.” — GREG HEILMAN of The Sound On Stage

 

“At its heart, Miracle on 34th Street champions the triumph of faith—not just in the extraordinary but in the goodness of others.” —  SABRINA WALLACE of BroadwayWorld.com