With every Main Stage production, we like to highlight an artist who has not only been involved with the show but has also made an awesome impact on the Playhouse. From the set to costumes to lights, a lot of hard work goes into each production behind-the-scenes weeks before that opening night performance (and a lot of this work is something audience members never see!).
And with our current production of La Cage Aux Folles, we’re shining a spotlight on Nancy Gregg.
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How are you involved with the Duluth Playhouse?
I’m a relative newcomer to the Playhouse family. After a career as a registered Occupational Therapist, followed by several years as a stained glass artisan, I joined the Playhouse costume sewers with a goal of meeting new people while sewing on snaps and buttons. My first play was Les Miserables and it was only a few weeks before I was charged with creating costumes for the “ladies of the night.” Helping with backstage quick changes, beginning with Mary Poppins, added a new dimension to my Playhouse experience as a volunteer.
How did the theatre become part of your life?
As a native Duluthian, I’ve been in the Playhouse audience watching countless productions. I would laugh, cry, applaud, and go home. Since becoming involved in sewing costumes and backstage quick changes, I have come to think of the Playhouse as my “other” home. Now, when watching any play, I am overwhelmed, not just by the acting and story, but by the realization of the hundreds of hours and incredible talent contributed by the actors, techs, set constructors, costumers, and musicians that give life to the production. The Playhouse community is composed of warm, supportive, and, of course, creative people. I love being part of the behind-the-scenes Playhouse family.
What is your favorite show you’ve worked on?
My favorite show is always the one on which I’m currently working. Probably Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has best demonstrated to me just how incredible “out of the box” costuming can be. And 42nd Street is still unsurpassed for the sheer speed of its quick-changes!
What are you looking forward to next?
Our move to the NorShor Theatre will be truly exciting. I’m eagerly anticipating working on Mamma Mia! with the amazing director, Michael Matthew Ferrell, and with my mentor, Peg Ferguson, who is both a costume designer and wardrobe manager.
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GET TICKETS TO THE SHOW
What: La Cage Aux Folles
When: Performing one final weekend from May 3-7, 2017
Show Times: Wednesday-Saturday @ 7:30pm | Sunday @ 2pm
Where: The Duluth Playhouse (506 W. Michigan Street, Duluth, Minn., 55802)
Tickets: Adults – $32 | Youth/Student – $27 | Groups (15+) – $27 | Buy here
- STUDENT NIGHT: Wednesday, May 3 – All student tickets $10 with valid school ID. Buy student tickets now.
Box Office: Call 218.733.7555, go online at duluthplayhouse.org/main-stage, or stop by during office hours (M-F, 10am-5pm)
Be a VIP Guest: Be a VIP in Zaza’a Club by sitting stage-side in exclusive seating that includes a complimentary bottle of wine (or beverage of your choice) and a fruit & cheese plate (must be 21+). Limited seats available for each performance. Call 733.7555 to reserve your VIP seats today!