Get to know Maureen O’Hara!
Maureen has played many parts on stage in Limelight shows over the years, and she now serves as an instructor and Music Director for some of our summer shows, including the upcoming Winnie the Pooh KIDS!
We asked her a few questions, and here is what she has to say…
Briefly list your education/experience in theater:
I have been involved on stage acting since I was 9 years old. I started out at Limelight theatre company where all of my summers have been spent since. I am a graduate of Oswego High School, and I currently attend The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee where I am pursuing a BFA in musical theatre. Some of my favorite roles include Tracy in Hairspray, Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes, Aunt Abby in Arsenic and Old Lace, Paulette in Legally Blonde, April Green in Hot L Baltimore, Lady Croom in Arcadia, and I am very excited for my upcoming role in 9 to 5 as Violet Newstead at UW-Milwaukee. Along with my onstage time I also teach, and direct! I started as a student director at Limelight, and have since been a director at Limelight music directing The Jungle Book, and 101 Dalmatians. When I am in Milwaukee for school I work at Milwaukee Youth Theatre, a non-profit theatre where I have directed Harriet the Spy, and Esperanza Rising.
What are you most excited about sharing with Limelight participants?
I am so excited for these limelighters to be an important part of something special. The relationships, and memories they make on, and off stage are priceless.
What do you like most about theater?
My favorite part of theatre is that we get to be the voice for those who can not tell their own story.
Which Limelight productions have you been a part of?
I have performed in numerous Limelight productions, some of my favorite roles have been Erzuile Once on this Island, Paulette Legally Blonde, Mary Its a Wonderful Life Radio Show, and many many more! I have music directed Jungle Book, and 101 and Dalmatians!
Share a memory from your time as a Limelight participant.
I think it is hard to pick just one memory, but as a limelight participant, my favorite memories include all of the wonderful people I have met and the best theatre family I could ever ask for.
What is your dream role?
How do I pick one!? I guess I would have to say Tracy in Hairspray because she stands for the right of every person not matter there shape, color, or size.
What game or movie universe would you most like to live in?
I would live in the movie universe of Princess Diaries because I am still waiting for a long lost grandma of mine to tell me I am the princess of Genovia.