Spotlight On: Ginamarie Garabedian
Connecticut Theatre Company’s “Spotlight On…” series continues with a look into the cast of The Prom. Get to know Ginamarie Garabedian who is portraying Mrs. Greene in our production!
Introduce yourself to our audience.
Hi, I’m Ginamarie and I’m playing Mrs. Greene. No, she does not have a first name in the script but I’m trying to decide what it would be as part of my “character study”. Probably Karen………
What drew you to your specific role, and what has been the most rewarding part of playing them?
It’s fun to play a “villain” and the person who throws the wrench into the main character’s plans. But the rewarding part for me is the progression through the show of how she changes little by little and may even have a total change of heart at the end.
What was your biggest “pinch-me” moment during the rehearsal or opening process?
I love the moments when the cast starts having fun with the run-throughs. When we know the material so well and we sail through it without a second thought. I take a moment and say to myself “I’m so lucky to be with such a great group”.
What is your favorite song to perform in the show, and why?
“Tonight Belongs To You”. I have a really funny line and I can’t wait to deliver it.
Do you approach your character by finding similarities to yourself, or by focusing on how they are different from you?
A little bit of both. I start by seeing how we are similar and how I can use that to my advantage. Then I look at how we are different and use that to challenge myself by evaluating how I can portray this character’s motivations that may be different from my own.
Do you have any pre-show rituals to calm your nerves before going on stage?
Drink water and tell some jokes with my castmates to let out the nervous energy.
If you could give advice to someone wanting to perform in musical theater, what would it be?
Go for it! Auditions can be scary and I always get nervous, no matter how many I do. But if you do your personal best, that’s something to be proud of. And you’ve already gone further than the people who decided to stay home on their couch!
What was your experience at your own high school prom?
It was… fine…
What does it mean to you to perform a show that celebrates building bridges and finding the courage to be your authentic self?
Living in the world currently with so much negativity and anxiety, it’s important to hold on to hope. It’s important to be kind to each other. It’s important to allow ourselves and help each other to thrive and live our best lives. It’s important to know that we are far more alike than we are different. If this show can help people feel that hope and make them happy for a little while, then I’m honored to play a part in it.
“The Prom” opens on May 22nd and runs through May 31st at Connecticut Theatre Company. Tickets on sale now!
“It’s a 21st century “Bye Bye Birdie,” with showbiz interlopers causing havoc before finding their better selves — but re-imagined with a millennial slant and an echo of “Dear Evan Hansen” empowerment.” — FRANK RIZZO of Variety
“The Prom is hilarious, entertaining, and most importantly, moving. It highlights the ongoing cruelty in communities across the country. It highlights the ongoing barriers that minorities, specifically youth minorities, face daily.” — JESSICA NEU of onStage Pittsburgh
“What makes The Prom “more than entertainment” is the way its social messages are seamlessly threaded throughout a compelling storyline. The drama clearly offers a lesson in how a series of individuals and a whole town (surrogate for a nation or the world?) can be transformed from homophobia to an acceptance of life-affirming inclusivity.” — JOAN LANCOURT of the arts fuse
