RENT

NO DAY BUT TODAY

I was blessed with the experience of creating the role of JoAnne Jefferson in the smash hit musical, RENT which won the 1996 Pulitzer Prize as well as four TONY AWARDS (including BEST MUSICAL), the Drama Desk and Golden Globes.  I personally garnered an Obie (in concert with the fantastic ensemble that made up the RENT OBC) and a Fanny Award!.

tHE LION KING

It doesn’t matter, it’s in the past…

Playing Rafiki in THE LION KING (Rafiki) remains one of the most special roles and theatrical experiences of my life.  I have said many times that THE LION KING is the only show I’d do again in a heartbeat.  It is truly one of the most amazing  pieces of theatre ever mounted.  Julie Taymor’s genius lies in the beauty of a bare stage with “simple” yet fantastic stage craft.  The drought at the top of Act II is a moment I’ll never forget! 

MODELING

Before “Plus” was fashionable…

As a model, I appeared twice in MODE magazine (a fashion magazine dedicated to plus sizes) and as a model/spokesperson for Lane Bryant’s Harlem store opening gala in the fall of 98.   I also performed live jazz for evening wear designer CARMEN MARC VALVO in his Spring ‘98 show, wearing a gown designed especially for her by Carmen, to the delight of fashion reviewers, and became the first “plus” model to appear at NYC’s prestigious 7TH ON SIXTH fashion event.   I was interviewed by 20/20on the topic of women’s body issues and beauty and she remains a spokesperson on the subject.

 

other shows

I have been fortunate…

I have been fortunate enough to have performed in many hit musicals including:  THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (Apollo Singer) and AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (Armelia). ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (Erzulie), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Crystal) as well as several television and film appearances.  Most recently, I was pleased to be in Rebecca Miller’s film MAGGIE’S PLAN (in a scene with Ethan Hawke) and was lucky enough to be a part of SHOWTIME’s Emmy Award Winning serieS THE BIG C which boasts a cast of some of her all-time favorite actors including Laura Linney, Oliver Platt, Billy Porter, Susan Sarandon, Alan Alda and F.O.R.* Victor Garber! (*Friend Of RENT)

 

BAND OF ANGLES by Myla Churchill
As Beverly in Rebecca Miller’s MAGGIE’S PLAN
with Laura Linney
in THE BIG C
as Erzulie (Goddess of Love) in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
PRAY from ONCE ON THIS ISLAND
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (with Danielle Greaves and Lisa Carson)

love, loss & what I wore

I HATE my Purse!

NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 24: (L-R) Producer Daryl Roth, Actresses Fredi Walker-Browne, Donna McKechnie, Sonia Manzano, Annie Starke and Rumer Willis attend the “Love, Loss & What I Wore” new cast member celebration at B Smith’s Restaurant on March 24, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Joe Corrigan/Getty Images) 

the buddy holly story

That’ll be the Day!