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Bright lights of New York shine on Hickman grad Shana Farr
Dec 20, 2009 (Columbia Daily Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Every performer works for the payoff. The years of vocal lessons, the bit parts, hours of sweat and dozens of tears build needed character and resolve but also point forward to moments that will make it all worthwhile. Moments where the lights are bright, the audience is in its seats and the artist's heart for their craft can finally be shared.
Tonight will mark perhaps the most monumental make-it-all-worthwhile moment of Columbia native Shana Farr's career. The Hickman High School graduate -- who has performed locally at the University of Missouri, with the Columbia Entertainment Company and Missouri Symphony Orchestra -- will deliver her cabaret show, "Pure Imagination," on Park Avenue at New York City's Feinstein's at Loews Regency. Run by recording artist and Broadway giant Michael Feinstein, the renowned nightclub has played host to Hollywood stalwarts from Danny Aiello to Jane Krakowski, such Broadway standouts as Patti LuPone and legendary musicians such as Rosemary Clooney and Darlene Love.
"Pure Imagination," however, is just the latest station on a journey of worthwhile instances: Farr has performed in musical productions in and around New York City, modeled in print ads and appeared on television shows such as "Guiding Light." Increasingly, Farr is garnering recognition off-stage for her fine jewelry design, a talent she honed while working at the empire created by famed jeweler Harry Winston. In these passages from an e-mail Q&A with Farr, she discussed the nature of cabaret, her new show and living a dream that began in Columbia.
Farr: I first want to speak about cabaret in general. There is a common misunderstanding that cabaret is a bawdy, burlesque hour of entertainment, but this is not true at all. Imagine singers such as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Betty Hutton, Doris Day performing with a jazz trio while the audience is dining in an elegant atmosphere set with plush velvet, half round booths, dark wood tables covered with crisp, white tablecloths, a wait staff in tuxedos and gold accents on the walls, ceilings and chandeliers. This is the classic cabaret that is resurfacing here in the New York scene with Broadway and television performers bringing their talents to the more intimate setting of a cabaret venue.
Tribune: Tell me about your show "Pure Imagination." What sparked the concept, and, specifically, how have you adapted it for the Feinstein's crowd?
Farr: I'm a strong advocate for the use of creativity and make-believe, and this show blends the worlds of make-believe into my own reality. This allows the audience to get to know a little bit about me. I have certainly enjoyed the larger stages such as the New York City Center, but a small supper club or cabaret room can offer a much more personal experience for both the performer and the audience. Since "Pure Imagination" was my debut cabaret show this past summer, I took the opportunity to sing songs from different genres that say what I want to say. In this show, the audience will be entertained with classics by Kurt Weill and Harold Arlen; novelty songs by Francesca Blumenthal and Jeanine Tesori; hit songs by Carly Simon and Cyndi Lauper; a gorgeous snow medley arranged just for me; and, of course, my holiday favorites.
Tribune: Our national consciousness is marked by tales of young people from small and mid-size towns heading to New York to become stars. Few make it, but you seem to be among their number. What was most challenging about moving to New York City, and what has, subsequently, been most rewarding about that decision?
Farr: When I moved to NYC, I had very little money. I had no job yet, and I had rented an apartment just five days before I was scheduled to move. But I was determined to go. What you learn quickly about NYC is how fast you have to make decisions, and you have to be prepared for whatever comes your way. While there is a bit of luck involved, you must also treat performing like a true business. As a performer, you do your own marketing and PR; you must network; you must keep yourself in shape; you must continue to study your craft; and you must, must, must never take anything personally. This last one is the hardest thing to learn, but it is the most important.
Tribune: How did your childhood in Columbia prepare you for what you're doing now? How have you sought to maintain connections to the city?
Farr: There are several groups and individuals in Columbia that helped to prepare me for my time here in NYC. My parents, John and Janice Farr, enrolled me in The Columbia Entertainment Company Theater School at age 8. They started me out on that road, and I have never looked back. During my freshman year of high school, I began voice lessons with Mike Straw and continued to study with Harry Morrison at MU during my two years there. I was also involved in the drama programs at West Junior High and at Hickman High School. In fact, my first visit to NYC was the summer after my freshman year of high school with the West Junior High Drama club led by Kim Bard. I saw four Broadway shows, all of which I vividly remember -- "Phantom," "Les Mis," "Miss Saigon" and "The Secret Garden." When I came back home, I told my parents I was going to live in New York some day. I don't think they knew how serious I was. During my two years at MU, I participated in the musicals as well as the Summer Repertory Theatre program. I have performed as a guest soloist with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra conducted by Kirk Trevor, and I frequently sing at Broadway Christian Church, where I attended with my family while living in Columbia.
Tribune: There's a pretty remarkable, even historic, list of performers who've graced the Feinstein's stage. For those outside the New York performing arts scene, explain the significance of that venue. What does it mean to you to play there?
Farr: Betty Buckley, Cheyenne Jackson, Barbara Cook, Chita Rivera -- definitely a historic list of performers! Feinstein's is "The Nightclub" of New York. Over the past year, Feinstein's has scouted the cabaret world and the Broadway world for new, young performers. When they see a new face they like, they offer her a "one-nighter" on either a Sunday or a Monday. Well, one of the Feinstein's scouts saw "Pure Imagination" over the summer and asked if I wanted to schedule a Sunday night at Feinstein's. Of course, my answer was yes! To play in the same room as all of these amazing talents is an incredible opportunity.
Tribune: You're also gaining a lot of attention for your jewelry design, having studied with Harry Winston. What catalyzed that interest? How do you manage to ever get a second's rest among all of your creative pursuits?
Farr: When I moved to New York to pursue singing, my "day job" landed me at Harry Winston, the luxury jeweler on Fifth Avenue where I stayed for several years and where I picked up a few things about jewelry design, quality and craftsmanship. I then worked for a company where I developed a line of fashion jewelry with a high-end couture fashion designer where I picked up a thing or two about the fashion industry. It was also during this time that I designed and developed a line of jewelry that I traveled with and sold on shop channels in Tokyo, London, Paris and Munich. New York City IS the city that never sleeps. ... I don't get a whole lot of rest.
Tribune: What project will you undertake after "Pure Imagination?" What's one dream job left undone or avenue you still want to conquer?
Farr: My next steps will be to continue with my cabaret show and jewelry line and to even possibly integrate the two business ventures. I have several private trunk shows scheduled, and I'm hoping to be in several boutiques across the U.S. by the end of the year. In regards to my performing, I am already planning a new show for the fall of 2010, but I will be traveling with "Pure Imagination" in early 2010. I will be in St. Louis in April and Columbia, once I've found a venue, and I will then head to Florida, perhaps Chicago, and I am in discussions with a venue in England. I would also love to produce a CD in the year 2010. 2009 has been a great year of creativity and challenge with great cabaret and jewelry. I know that 2010 will offer more of the same, so I'm gearing up to meet those challenges and opportunities head-on.
Reach Aarik Danielsen at 573-815-1731 or e-mail ajdanielsen@columbiatribune.com.
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