Since 1998 when she made her Coaster Theatre debut as Chelsea in On Golden Pond, Jean has been a regular face around the theatre both on and off stage. Since then she has taken on roles in many productions of A Christmas Carol plus many other productions as an actor, stage manager and light and sound operator. This summer she spearheads an office takeover as she tackles the role of Violet in 9 to 5: The Musical running through September 3rd. A few of her favorite roles over the last 18 years include Janet in Wally’s Cafe, Mrs. Peacock in Clue: The Musical, Annie in Annie Get Your Gun, Sheila in The Boys Next Door and this past spring played many roles including a Tiger and Fairy Godmother in The Apple Tree. She is also in rehearsal for our 2016 fall production of Don’t Dress for Dinner opening September 23rd. People who have worked with Jean onstage know that she brings a positive attitude and wonderful energy to every production and is an incredibly dedicated volunteer.
Off stage, Jean serves as president for the Coaster Theatre’s Board of Directors and spends time chasing after her 2 poodle puppies with her husband Michael.
1. What is your present state of mind?
My mind is always running 24/7. I’m working full time setting up a new point of sale system for work, doing a summer show (9 to 5: The Musical), memorizing lines and rehearsing for the fall show (Don’t Dress for Dinner) so when I do sleep I dream of one of those things.
2. Who are your favorite playwrights?
Though people will laugh, one of my favorite playwright is Neil Simon. I know his plays are now considered dated, but they were my first experiences as a young girl to live theater and I will always cherish those memories.
3. Your favorite musician?
I don’t have a favorite, I like a little bit of all kinds of music from Rock to Country, from Christian to Rap (but only a little rap). So within each group I have ones I like better than others.
4. Who are your favorite characters?
In characters I have played, I have a few that top my list, like Violet in 9 to 5 the Musical, which I’m in right now. But the one I would love to do over and over again is Janet from Wally’s Cafe. She made the audience laugh and made me cry at every performance.
5. Who are your heroes in real life?
If you are talking about someone in my life it would be Liz McCall. She is a strong, well-spoken woman that always keeps a positive attitude, but would rather be in the background so she will probably kill me for saying this.
If you are talking about life it would be anyone that runs into the line of danger instead of away.
6. What natural gift would you most like to possess?
To sing with perfect pitch. I would love to be involved in an a cappella group.
7. What is your most marked characteristic?
I asked my husband this question and he said my most marked characteristic would be my ability to get along with anyone. He said I’m the one people turn to for stability.
8. What do you most value in your friends?
Being there for you when you need them. LaPoo Gang rules!!!
9. If you could be anyone throughout history, who would you have been?
Lucille Ball, she was a funny, smart, beautiful, red haired lady.
10. What is your motto?
Fake it until you make it.
9 to 5: The Musical, Annie Get Your Gun, and Clue: The Musical photos by George Vetter/Cannon-Beach.net
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