Allison Simmons earned a BA in Musical Theatre from Hope College in Holland, MI. in 2015. While at Hope College, she was in numerous shows including Urinetown the Musical (Little Sally), Helen (Io), Stage Door (Big Mary) and Hamlet (Claudius). Since then, she has worked with different theaters across Michigan. (Circle Theatre of Grand Rapids – “Cats” as Rumpleteazer. The Penny Seats Theatre of Ann Arbor – “Xanadu” as Calliope. Riverwalk Theatre of Lansing. Ixion Theatre Ensemble of Lansing.). Since moving to Georgia in August, she has worked with New Origins Theatre Co. on their production of “Wrestling with Life.” We at Live Arts are delighted to present her in A Christmas Carol: The Radio Show, where she will be playing Lana Sherwood, Ghost of Christmas Past, “Good Little Girl”.
Let’s get to know a little more about Allison:
Q: Is this your first show at Live Arts, and what other shows have you done with us?
A: This is my first show with Live Arts!
Q: What attracted you to audition for A Christmas Carol?
A: I was actually in a production of “A Christmas Carol” last year in Lansing, MI where I also played the Ghost of Christmas Past. This was a musical version of the show and so it was a little bit different from our version. However I greatly enjoyed being in a production of the show last year and I particularly enjoyed playing Ghost of Christmas Past. Thus I was excited at the idea of being in the show again, and was intrigued by this particular portrayal of the story.
Q: What is your approach to playing multiple characters?
A: I have always enjoyed playing with different ways to use my voice for different characters. When I think about the style of speaking voice a particular character should have, I take into account their age, their personality, their accent (if they have one), etc. I do what I can to make each character’s voice unique and distinct.
- Q: How can you relate to your character(s)?The Ghost of Christmas Past has been portrayed in many different ways in all of the various versions of the show. In our version however, she is a child. I always enjoy playing young roles because my natural speaking voice lends itself well to doing so. I also enjoy playing the character of Lana Sherwood who has very little backstory given, and so I can interpret her in almost any way I want.
Q: As the Holidays approach, how is/will working on A Christmas Carol affect your attitude and excitement towards Christmas?
A: The story of A Christmas Carol has become so beloved and well-known that it seems almost impossible to have a Christmas season without seeing the story in one of its many forms. (I personally have always loved the Muppets’ version.) And so it seems all the more special to get to be a part of something that has indeed become a holiday tradition for so many people.
You don’t want to miss this special holiday production and a chance to see Allison Simmons in action! Oh, and by the way, you might want to join our email list for special notices and surprises. Learn more about the show and purchase tickets here.