Interview: Courtenay Collins Discusses GA Ensemble's HELLO DOLLY!, Atlanta Theatre, and Giving Back

Since it's founding in 1992, Georgia Ensemble Theatre has generally produced a small musical each year, but in its 20th season, G.E.T. is presenting one of the grandest shows in Broadway history, "Hello Dolly!" Their production is directed by Suzi Award winner Heidi Cline McKerley (Horizon Theatre's "Avenue Q") and choreographed by her husband Jeff (who also stars as Cornelius), who won two Suzis; Best Actor and Best Choreography for the New American Shakespeare Tavern's "Cabaret." Music direction is by Bill Newberry. The show opens April 11th and runs through April 28th.

With music and lyrics by Jerry Herman and book by Michael Stewart, "Hello Dolly!" won 11 Tony Awards for its record-setting seven-year initial run, which starred Carol Channing. The 1969 film adaptation, starring Barbra Streisand, won three Academy Awards.

Starring as the legendary Yonkers matchmaker in G.E.T.'s production is Suzi-winner and Broadway vet Courtenay Collins (Alliance Theatre's "Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris"). After working in New York and on tour for a number of years, Collins returned to Atlanta and has kept a busy schedule since. She has appeared on stage at the Alliance ("Into the Woods," "Smart Cookie," "Jacques Brel", "Managing Maxine"), Atlanta Lyric Theatre ("Evita!," "Jerry's Girls"), and Actor's Express ("Love, Jerry"). Additionally, she regularly performs her cabaret act around town and teaches voice and acting to area students. Collins recently spoke with Broadway World Atlanta about the production, Atlanta theatre, her career, and more.

BWW: You had a very successful career in New York, as well as touring and singing at cabarets, before moving back to Atlanta. Since returning, you have performed with the best theatres in an ever-growing Atlanta community. What do you think makes Atlanta such a unique and special place for high-quality theatre?

Collins: With the incredible population growth of Atlanta over the past 20+ years, we now have a very diverse, savvy, and supportive arts community, for every arm of the Arts - be it ballet, symphony, theatre, opera, art, rock n' roll concerts, whatever... It's an exciting time to be "a player" in the arts here. Plus, as Atlanta has sprawled outwards, wonderful theatres have popped up in the suburbs because they have discovered audiences hungry for live theatre! With the quality of life being so good here and the many opportunities for work, I see many more young actors deciding to stay here and work instead of running off to New York or LA, so the Atlanta theatre community greatly benefits - we're keeping our talent here and reaping the benefits in the quality of our productions. It's very exciting!

BWW: This is the first "classic Broadway musical" that Georgia Ensemble Theatre has ever presented. Why do you think they chose "Hello Dolly" to be the first?

Collins: I would hazard a guess that they chose this wonderful musical for Jerry Herman's upbeat & ebullient score, its timely message of having a second chance to live life to the fullest, and it's unbounded joie de vivre! (Or maybe that's why I chose to do this show!!!) Also - it's time for a "Hello Dolly" revival on Broadway - GA Ensemble is just ahead of the curve!

BWW: While this is a classic musical, GET is promising their "own unique stylings." What can audiences expect from this production?

Collins: Well - there are only 12 people in the cast. That's pretty unique for "Hello Dolly" (12 people who sound like 30!).

BWW: You have played some great roles in your career, and Dolly Levi is obviously another one. How do you prepare to take on such a famous role, especially one that is so associated with legends like Carol Channing and Barbra Streisand?

Collins: I prepared for Dolly as I do for every character, I study. I read the script like it's a new play. My job is to discover who Dolly is, what she wants, and how she is going to go about getting it. If my mind starts going down the road of stars who have worn the Dolly costume, I will get swept up in a whirlwind of expectations that I could never fulfill. I am just an actress and Dolly is just a very hardworking woman...with a past.... I get that!

BWW: How has the rehearsal process been for the show? Can you tell me anything about your castmates?

Collins: Dreamy rehearsals - Director Heidi Cline McKerley and husband/choreographer/actor(!) Jeff McKerley fearlessly leading the 12 of us through this complicated story and set-change plot. Dreamcast of Atlanta actor/dancer/singers - each one of them as strong in every division. I fell so lucky to be working with this inspiring group of amazingly talented people!

BWW: In addition to performing, you do a lot of work teaching; giving lessons, working with schools, and your summer program, Showcamp USA. Why have you made working with young performers such an important part of your career?

Collins: I grew up in Atlanta and wish I could have had all of the opportunities that are available to young performers these days. I love giving back to my community through working with young talent. I learn so much from them.

BWW: After "Hello Dolly", what is next for you? Do you have any other shows coming up, or will you be focusing on teaching?

Collins: I have a few Cabaret performances coming up which helps me stay in vocal shape in between shows. I look forward to getting back to teaching private lessons - I have students of all ages & I would be lying to you if I said I was not invested in their success - I love teaching!

BWW: Is there anything else about you, or this production, that we should know?

Collins: Only that, as always, I am grateful for this work we do. I never want to take for granted that I am passionate about my work in all of its forms - What a crazy, joyful way to make a living!

In addition to Collins, the cast features Danny Cook (Horace Vandergelder), Marcie Millard (Ernestina), Chase Crandell (Ambrose), Anna Kimmel (Ermengarde), Chris Lewis (Barnaby), Kylie Brown (Minnie Fay), Mary Nye Bennett (Irene), and Trey Getz, Lauren Rosenzweig, and Tucker Weinmann round out the ensemble.

Get your tickets to this exciting production by calling 770-641-1260 or by visiting the Georgia Ensemble Theatre website.

Photo: Courtenay Collins, Jeff McKerley and Daniel J Cook