Here, via email, we hear from singing actress Donna Vivino, who can currently be seen Off-Broadway in Stars of David and who will release her debut solo recording, "Beautiful Dreamer," Dec. 10 on the Ghostlight Records label.
What show recently impressed you?
I really enjoyed Kinky Boots. The show had so much heart, and I thought the company was incredible. I left feeling both moved and wanting to dance in the streets. I also really loved Pippin as it is a show near and dear to my heart since we did it freshman year of high school! I thought Diane Paulus' reinvention was breathtaking and, of course, as a Wicked girl, how can I not love me some Stephen Schwartz?
What production are you most excited to see?
I am so pumped that Fun Home has extended for a third time. I really am looking forward to seeing it and hearing Jeanine Tesori’s music. I am currently singing an original song of hers in Stars of David, so I've become an even bigger fan of her work the past few months.
What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
Ok. I have three. One play, two musicals: I would like to play Bella in Neil Simon's Lost In Yonkers. It is such a wonderful play, and I have always felt connected to that time in New York City history. Bella is so ahead of her time despite her mental handicap — I think she's a marvelous character. I also think a revival of City of Angels is in order! As a jazz singer as well as a Broadway performer, I've always been drawn to the score of that piece. I would want to play Donna/Oolie in a revival of that show. And, finally...maybe a few years from now I think Falsettos should be back, and I would very much enjoy playing Trina and singing Bill Finn music every night watching “Jason play baseball.” That would also be a dream.
What are your current/upcoming projects?
I am currently in an Off-Broadway production of Stars of David at the DR2 in the Daryl Roth Theatre. It's a really great song cycle telling the stories of different Jewish celebrities based on the novel by Abigail Pogrebin. Every song is written by a different composer, so it's been an honor to sing the works of Gaby Alterman, Jeanine Tesori, Susan Birkenhead, Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, Tom Kitt, Marvin Hamlisch, Maltby & Shire, Amanda Green, Sheldon Harnick, et al. Just to name a few! I am also appearing on Season 3 of the webseries “Submissions Only” as Penny's “nemesis,” Serena Maxwell. So look out for that — very excited for the world to see that show. Season 3 is epic! Also, I'll be doing another performance of my one-woman show, It's Not Easy Being Green, at 54 Below Jan. 23 at 9:30 PM, so come check it out!
