BWW Interviews: Laura Matula, A Life in the Theater

Laura Matula is amazing, talented, fascinating, intriguing - and so much more. Seriously, there are so many words to describe her that you find yourself stymied by the multi-layered and multi-dimensional being that is she. That is until the celebrity biographers come a-calling or the producers start planning the film treatment of her astounding and compelling life story.

The woman can sing like nobody's business and during her time in Nashville, she's gained a well-earned reputation as one of the city's finest musical theater performers, tackling such diverse roles as Mimi in Rent at Boiler Room Theatre, Eva Peron in Street Theatre Company's production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice hit Evita and Florence Vassi in the same company's recently acclaimed presentation of Chess in Concert.

While that's an impressive resume to be certain, there's so much about Laura Matula that you probably don't know (I'll admit that even I - a confirmed and resolute Laura Matula fan - didn't know that much about her). For example, did you know she was born in the Philippines? The daughter of American parents who were missionaries there, she started playing the piano at the tender age of four and took up the flute at nine-years-old. Evidently, she was pretty good, because during her freshman year of high school, thanks to the efforts of one of her teachers, she played for a local German symphony orchestra (her family moved to Germany when she was 12).

"Music was my life from the age of 4 and I spent hours a day focused and practicing right through graduating high school and into college, and I don't regret a minute of it," she says.

So, to recap: She was born in the Philippines, spent at least part of her adolescence in Germany, then (now this is where the story gets really interesting, so pay attention) the family moved to Siberia, Russia, when she was 13 and lived for a year "until my parents discovered I had developed quite a severe case of scoliosis, as which time they moved me back out to Germany to once again attend Black Forest Academy and to receive intense physical therapy while seeking medical consultations from doctors in France, Switzerland and Germany for my condition. I completed the rest of junior high and high school in Germany, with a short stint in the U.S. for an almost full spinal fusion to address the scoliosis and a few months of recovery at the age of 14."

Whew! So what did she do for an encore after all that? She applied to - and was accepted - to the famed Berklee College of Music (where, coincidentally, she met the love of her life, musician/artist/graphic designer Anthony Matula who, you should take note, is an artistic force of nature in his own right - but that's fodder for a future story), where she majored in Music Business/Management, with an emphasis on Vocal Performance.

"We are going on nine years of marriage this June and have the most stunning five-year-old wonder of a little girl," she says proudly. "[We] moved to Nashville after college to be with family and also be around the music industry. I am now happily employed at a local record label, Third Man Records. I love my job and I love that every day is a new surprise and challenge, and chance to be creative. Songwriting, playing, and performing are always in the forefront of my mind and 'hobbies' as well. It's my truest passion."

Somehow, this woman (who is always in constant motion, it seems), found time to sit down and answer our questions and give us an insight into her "Life in the Theater." Read and enjoy...

 

 

What was your first taste of theater? My parents took me to see my first Broadway show when I was seven-years-old. It was a show I will never forget, The Secret Garden. I still to this day remember watching in wonder at the sets and the rotating stage, the costumes, the energy. I will never forget and will be eternally grateful to my parents for taking me. Additionally, the first film I ever wore out was Oklahoma. I watched the film so many times that the tape stopped working. I wanted to sing the songs over and over... My first experience with the theater as a teenager may, however, be one of the most impactful. When I was 16 and visiting a friend in California, he took me to see Rent. Life-changing for a somewhat sheltered teenager from a significantly religious background. It brought a whole new perspective to my world view and words can't define what that show meant and will always mean to me. It stands for something greater than I can define, and always will. Some people it may mean nothing to. Theater is so relative sometimes from a taste perspective, but from an emotional perspective I believe it to be one of the most significant shows for me. Where I was when I first saw it. I love that show.

 

 

What was your first real job or responsibility in the theater? My first real theater job. Hmmmm. I am somewhat of a rookie in the theater world, so let me hearken back to my high school days! I was a makeup artist for our high school plays, and I loved it! I had auditioned for a play once, but alas was not so much of an actor in high school, I will admit. I only sang, and never thought I would be an actor. Singing was for me. Acting, not so much. Our school didn't have musicals, which was a huge disappointment as well. My first job ever in a theater show as a grown-up was as a featured chorus member in The Wiz, for Street Theatre.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in theater? From the first time I saw The Secret Garden I dreamed of being on stage, of being that performer. I was always performing in some capacity...Piano and flute recitals, singing in choirs and ensembles, singing in church, playing in a symphony, etc. I always also had the desire to be on Broadway, but never thought that dream would be achievable as I never ever considered the possibility I might be able to act. In some strange way, I assumed that I couldn't. Looking back now, I think I just wasn't ready. I didn't understand the emotional commitment it involved. Or maybe I did, and knew I wasn't ready to commit that; to bare my soul and be so vulnerable in a way. I went through school and college performing constantly as a singer and instrumentalist, while also taking in any show I could find, listening to every Broadway soundtrack I could get my hands on. That was always my life. Every time we visited the U.S. from the time I was a little kid, my parents took us to a Broadway show as a treat. It was like a little piece of heaven. I relished those experiences. Again, always desiring to be on that stage, but assuming I didn't have the skill as a thespian (of course, remember, I had never tried...).

Then after having my daughter in 2006, I had a newfound clarity on myself and who I was and who I wanted to be, for her. I had a profound moment in which I realized how much of a coward I was for never really pursuing my truest dream, of being in musical theater. I could sing, yes, but could I

act? I had no idea...I still don't to be honest with you! I thought to myself how could I ever look at this little girl and tell her that I had regret in my life, that I hadn't pursued or even attempted my dreams. What sort of role model or mother would that make me? How could I tell her and push her to pursue her own dreams as she grows up if I was the example of the opposite. So, I got over myself and auditioned for the first show I knew of that I could find here in Nashville, The Wiz. I went to the audition a complete novice, having never even been to an audition for a theatre show before, and got a chorus part. I had the time of my life and never looked back.

Why do you pursue your art in Nashville? What are the best parts of working here? Honesty I pursue my art here because I live here. I have a family and responsibilities to my work and immediate family as well. I have hopes of moving to New York one day just to give it a go, to say that I at least auditioned for a Broadway show, that I gave it my absolute best. However, I also want to better prepare myself for that time in my life as well. I need more experience, more depth, more time as I have only been involved in the theater community for about four years. I would love to do a show a month or every other, but have to choose my roles very carefully as I have a limited time to devote to my craft. It is definitely a balancing act, but my love for theater and passion for performing along with my family's undying support make it possible. I love the community that exists here. There is a great atmosphere of family and support among the Nashville theater community that I fear I would sorely miss if I ever leave. There is also some extremely significant talent that I am still surprised by. I love that. As a critical cynic, I am still amazed by my friends and theater compatriots every new show I see. It's a blessing.

If you could play any role, direct any work, design any production, mount any production...what would it be and why? I don't know if Les Miserables is in my top five shows, but I know that I

would absolutely die to play the role of Eponine, if only just to have the opportunity to sing "A Little Fall of Rain." It's one of the loveliest songs I have ever heard. It's so tender and tormented and altogether heartbreaking at the same time. There is such depth in the show and intensity. The music is also stunning and so well-renowned I don't know any young theater girl who hasn't sung On My Own over and over in the mirror. I feel there is still more to be discovered in the role and would love to have an opportunity to play it and be part of such an iconic show...for a more current role, I would absolutely love to play the role of Elphaba. I think reasons go understood from a vocal perspective. Soaring songs that any soprano belt would kill to sing. Yes, please. But beyond that, I feel the same about the role as with Eponine. I have heard so many amazing singers sing the role of Elphaba, but very few have moved me with the role the way I feel I should be moved by that role and the relationships in the show. I want a chance to tackle it and to find who she is past singing the melodies. I wouldn't want the audience to simply roar in applause because I could hit a high note in my chest voice. I would want them to feel the pains of the softest moments. There is such tenderness and promise and heartbreak in the character and such an arch...anyhow! You get it. I want to be Elphaba...and Eponine. Who doesn't? Right!

Who would play you in the film version of your life story? Ha! Okay. Let me see...Angelina Jolie 10 years ago. In my wildest dreams, yes. But isn't that what this is?

What's your favorite play/musical? I believe I am incapable of answering this question. Can I pass? Rent, Singing in the Rain, Wicked, Miss Saigon, West Side Story, Crazy For You, Company... ad infinitum.

If you could have dinner with any three figures (living or dead, real or fictional) who are a part of the theater, who would you choose and why? Okay, I got this one: Carol Burnett, Liza Minnelli, and Patti LuPone. Why? Because it would be the Best. Dinner. Ever. I can't even image the frenetic energy that might be unleashed in such a dinner party setting, but by God I would want to be there. I love strong, manic, hilarious, and supremely talented women who at one point in their careers completely and utterly experienced a moment of genius. They are fierce and defiant. Artists through and through. Divas in the best way possible. Forces of nature. Off their heads in utter abandonment in their performances. I love that. I admire that.

Imagine a young person seeing you onstage or seeing a production in which you played a major role coming up to you and asking you for advice in pursuing their own theatrical dream...what would you say? Be honest and be true to yourself. Get over yourself and never ever be satisfied. You can always grow and develop in so many ways. There is so much to be discovered within you as a performer. Keep searching for it. What is art if not to make us question everything; to consider everything. I feel that theater is such a distinct form of art in the way it gives you the ability to express so completely. Don't be afraid to truly tap into that and let it all go. It is such a rewarding challenge. There is so much in life that asks us to not be who we are. I find that even in playing an entirely other human being with a completely separate 'history' than my own, I can access and express more of myself than I can in any other setting. That is a thing of beauty and such rarity. Don't take it for granted. Exploit it to the furthest of your ability and energy and use your humanity to emotionally connect to every person you have the opportunity and honor of performing for.

Laura Matula as Eva Peron in Street Theatre Company's Evita.

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