Standby role of Kimberly in “Kimberly Akimbo” at The Smith Center, February 4-9
This week, Ira spoke with Valerie Wright, who performs in the standby role of Kimberly in “Kimberly Akimbo” at The Smith Center, February 4-9. (Her featured performance is February 9 at 1 p.m.) In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Valerie talks about growing up in Las Vegas; why she decided to go to Broadway; teaching aerobics and waiting tables; staying in the game; waiting 40 years to perform in Las Vegas; raising kids while performing on Broadway; having a tight-knit family; “taking the jobs as they come”; how she sees her role in the musical; researching the role; combining youth and aged in one character; and the thrill of feeling your audience filled with tears or laughter.
Valerie has spent her entire adult life as a professional performer.
She grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada surrounded by a big Greek family on one side and southern soul on the other.
She attended The University of Southern California where I hold a BFA in Acting.
Valerie is the co-founder and former owner of Brooklyn CenterStage Dance Studio and this year she launched Stage Stepnyc--a musical theater summer intensive for College students.
Her Broadway credits include: Kimberly Akimbo; Tuck Everlasting; Elf; Annie Get Your Gun; Damn Yankees; Steel Pier; Sally Marr and Her Escorts; Song and Dance; Cats. Numerous Regional Theater, Off-Broadway and National Tours. Film: Sleepless in Seattle, Ordinary Heroes, Second Glance, The Life List.
Valerie is the recipient of two Helen Hayes Award nominations and a Jefferson Award. She is a director/choreographer and is married to actor Mark Lotito. They proudly share sons Luca and Gio.