Interview: Amy Johnson Is Headed For Big Things

There is so much talent in the Birmingham area and I would like to take the summer to highlight some of the people we look forward to seeing regularly on our stages. They might not be the people you already know, but ones you would recognize if you saw them. They might be someone you see in the crowd of show after show, they might be up and comers that you have noticed and want to get to know better or they might be like our first actress, Amy Johnson.

Amy Johnson is someone you may have seen many times, but didn't realize it. Why is that? Because she gets those great roles that might not be the "lead", but are choice, interesting, and in my mind, the best parts. She is always memorable and morphs into her characters as completely as anyone around.

To meet Amy on the street, you would see this sweet, unassuming young lady who works for a bank. But when on stage she can morph into anything from a nun to a witch and soon a monster from "Under the Sea."

Having seen Amy in BIG FISH, where she completely transformed into the Witch and just blew me away, it was striking to then see her recently as the sweet, bespectacled Sister Mary Patrick in SISTER ACT. But what sets her apart is her beautiful and powerful singing voice. From iconic shows like MARY POPPINS, LES MISERABLES and INTO THE WOODS, to musical reviews, the past two Holiday Spectaculars at Red Mountain Theatre, and numerous church solos, Amy stays busy sharing that voice with the world.

Not afraid to step into non-singing, dramatic roles, Amy has portrayed the troubled Jessie Cates in "NIGHT MOTHER and the historical figure of Marie Bankhead Owen in WILL AND DUTCH during the annual celebration last year of Tallulah Bankhead.

Amy Johnson is a graduate of the University of Montevallo, with a concentration in acting and directing. Since graduating, Amy has stayed busy being a part of numerous productions in Birmingham and the surrounding areas. She enjoys cooking, exploring our beautiful "Magic City", doing voice over work and singing pretty much anywhere she can.

Her next role is as Ursula in the highly anticipated LITTLE MERMAID. Opening on July 8th, Amy is head-long into rehearsals. With such a recognizable and magical character, Amy is trying to figure out how to make Ursula "real" and distinct, while keeping the familiar intact. Any good actor knows to become the character, but to bring a piece of yourself to a role as well. I can only imagine that Ursula will be tricky, but having seen a small snippet at the Lyric Theatre opening, I can say Amy is definitely up for the challenge!

For all of her interesting characters, there are still more dream roles out there for her. As for most actors, she is auditioning for parts, even as she rehearses for others. Now is no exception and she is waiting to hear about one of those possible dream roles even as I write.

I think Amy is one to watch and is the perfect person to be the first in my series of "Actors Around Town." I look forward to seeing her for years to come on the stage here in Birmingham, but wouldn't be surprised to find her talents have taken her far beyond. For now I will look forward to seeing her as Ursula this summer in LITTLE MERMAID.

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