Interview: Kimberlee Ferreira, director/choreographer of HONKY TONK ANGELS at Mill Town Players
By: Neil Shurley Sep. 20, 2017
Country classics come to Pelzer, SC, this weekend as the Mill Town Players debut their production of Honky Tonk Angels.
From the creator of Always...Patsy Cline comes a "hilarious story about three gutsy gals who are determined to better their lives and follow their dreams to Nashville." The all-hit song list of 30 classic tunes includes "Stand by Your Man," "9 to 5," "Coal Miner's Daughter," "Ode to Billy Jo," "These Boots Are Made for Walking," "Rocky Top," and "I Will Always Love You."
BroadwayWorld asked the show's director, Kimberlee Ferreira, to tell us a little about her journey with these Angels.
BWW: First, please tell me a little about the show and what attracted you to this material?
Honky Tonk Angels is a sweet show about three women from different backgrounds and circumstances all deciding "it's time for them to fly" and go to Nashville and sing. It is about their journey.
I have been choreographing shows for most of my life. HTA is special being it is the first show I ever directed. Also the music is so memorable and fun. You will know most, if not all, of the songs and leave probably wanting to pull out your old Dolly and Loretta cd's.
BWW: What's your approach to the show?I think our approach to the show is pure entertainment. It isn't a heavy show. It is quite sweet. Our hope is that you come in and can forget the crazy world for a few hours. Smile, clap, toe tap, sing, and rejoice in some good ol' country music.BWW: What kind of discoveries have you made in the rehearsal process?Rehearsal discoveries... hmm... let's see. We discovered it IS possible to rehearse a musical with two babies running around, being Katie and Meghan are both Mammas. And it was quite comical. Sometimes I walked into rehearsal hoping to see those sweet babies running around!
We have an amazing production team. The first thing you see when you walk in is the incredible set. Will Ragland designed it, Louis Beck built it. It is amazing!! With Tony Penna's lighting and our special honky tonk sign, it is truly a sight to see. We have an amazing six piece band led by Mr. Tim Lee. Wonderful costumes by Sissy Beck and awesome dressers and crew who work so hard.
As for the cast, they are three amazingly talented women who I have loved working and sharing this journey with. They each bring something unique and different to the show. Katie Halstensgard plays Angela, a Texas housewife with six kids and a larger-than-life personality. (Katie is also our stage manager extraordinaire and I don't know what I would do without her.) Hannah Smith plays Darlene, a sweet little southern girl who takes care of her Daddy down in the Mississippi Delta. (Hannah is also our musical director.) And Meghan Cole plays Sue Ellen, a sassy secretary from Los Angeles, by way of Texas, of course.
BWW: What do you want the audience to take away with them?
In the show, these women are all trying to get away from their circumstances and "find themselves." We all need to get away sometimes. We hope you come to Pelzer and let us take you with us (for at least a few hours anyway).The Honky Tonk Angels runs Sept 22 - Oct 15. Mill Town Players at the Historic Pelzer Auditorium, 214 Lebby Street, Pelzer, SC 29669
This charming, foot-stompin' musical has played to sold-out audiences across the country. The Honky Tonk Angels will be backed by a live band. The Angels are played by Meghan Cole, Katie Halstensgard, and Hannah Smith.
Director and Choreographer - Kimberlee Ferreira
Musical Director - Hannah Smith
Tickets to The Honky Tonk Angels are only $10, with discounts for seniors, military, and students, and can be purchased online at www.milltownplayers.org, by calling (864)947-8000, or at the door.
Photo credit: Escobar Photography
L to R: Hannah E. Smith, Katie Halstensgard, Meghan Cole
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