STAGE VIEWS: Evita and Cats Star Loni Ackerman

By Andrew Gans
October 6, 2012

Playbill.com's series features actors commenting on their recent theatregoing experiences, what productions they are looking forward to and more. Here, via email, we hear from singing actress Loni Ackerman, who played the title role during the original Broadway run of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Evita and returns to the Metropolitan Room Sundays, Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at 7 PM.

What show recently impressed you?
Jesus Christ Superstar...I thought the cast was outstanding...Paul Nolan's voice definitely comes from heaven...and Des McAnuff's thrilling direction...I was totally devastated by the whipping scene..and I know the story...!!!! We all need to be nicer to each other.

What production are you most excited to see?
Hands on a Hardbody...I love PHISH...and Amanda Green!!!!

What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
I Do! I Do!...the role of Agnes...opposite Brian Stokes Mitchell!!! I saw the OBC in 1965...fell in love with the score and the role! And, can we talk about Brian Stokes...a leading lady's dream come true!!!!

What are your current/upcoming projects?
Next to abnormal at The Metropolitan Room all four Sundays in October! It's about growing up in NYC in what I thought was a normal childhood...Our house on the Upper West Side was politically and culturally off-the-charts exciting with family friends like Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon, so I thought it would be fun to share some these stories...oh, yes...and a few songs!!!!

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Loni Ackerman has been seen on Broadway in Cats; Evita; So Long, 174th Street; The Magic Show; No, No, Nanette; and George M! Read more about her in the Playbill Vault.