Golden Age
Especially the stepsisters Sarah [Rudinoff] and Nick [Garrison]. When we cast them, I was like, “They’re hilarious and they’re good friends.” But it didn’t really hit me until we were into rehearsal that they were a true comedic duo as opposed to two funny actors who have never met before.
It’s what you do to get to your wish that counts. You need to work for it.
It’s the best [rehearsal] room to be in—all these people I’ve watched and admired for years. We have this unofficial rep company in Seattle, a pool of actors who work regularly, so they all know each other well and can pick up where they left off as far as collaboration goes. Especially the stepsisters Sarah [Rudinoff] and Nick [Garrison]. When we cast them, I was like, “They’re hilarious and they’re good friends.” But it didn’t really hit me until we were into rehearsal that they were a true comedic duo as opposed to two funny actors who have never met before.
I love musicals because they’re the epitome of the theatrical. You have every single performing art form at your disposal—dialogue, rhyme, singing, dancing—which makes it difficult because you have to be adept. Musicals are the ultimate way to tell a big story.
Sarah Rudinoff, Cinderella’s New Wicked Stepsister
“I get to be wicked with a friend who I have been wicked with in real life! Nick and I have worked with each other in countless plays, cabarets and rock shows, and now we get to be “sisters.” Like a good sister, I get to teach him about girl things like boobs and hips, and he can share his in-depth knowledge about makeup and hair…”
This article originally appeared in the December 2011 issue of Seattle Magazine.
BD: What’s the best part about being a wicked stepsister?
Sarah Rudinoff: I get to be wicked with a friend who I have been wicked with in real life! Nick and I have worked with each other in countless plays, cabarets and rock shows, and now we get to be “sisters.” Like a good sister, I get to teach him about girl things like boobs and hips, and he can share his in-depth knowledge about makeup and hair.
What will you be singing?
“The Stepsisters’ Lament” is our big duet in the show [in which] we get to go on about all the things we want to do to this mystery “Cinderella” girl who has captured the prince’s attention. We also get to sing about how lovely and pretty we are.
Who is your muse for this performance?
Kaye Ballard! She originated the Prunella role in the [1957] television version. Kaye is so funny in the part; I am trying not to steal all of her bits. She is still alive and tours cabaret shows, and her autobiography is called How I Lost 10 Pounds in 53 Years, so basically she is my inspiration all around.
The Stepsisters Lament
"The Stepsisters Lament" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Performed with Sarah Rudinoff and Nick Garrison
"The Stepsisters Lament" from Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella at The 5th Avenue Theatre. Performed with Sarah Rudinoff and Nick Garrison