Falling in love with the stage

Copyright Chris Frampton

Ten-year-old Rachel Barber takes centre stage in Toronto production

“Mom, I can do more,” said Whitby’s Rachel Barber, a professional dancer and performer in the upcoming Toronto production of Hey Marilyn.

Rachel began ballet classes at age four at the Janice Lynn School of Dance and from there, all she wanted was more. The rest is history, as she now does vocal, jazz, tap, lyrical, acro, ballet and drama.

Rachel thrives on the opportunity to give joy to others through her performances. “She loves all strands of dance and stage,” said her proud mom, Cathy. She has fallen in love with the stage. “At home she never sits still as her feet are always moving and her voice is always singing.”

This month, Rachel will showcase her talent at Toronto’s Jane Mallett Theatre in the production of Hey Marilyn, a musical biography of Marilyn Monroe.

After auditioning for the show’s directors, choreographers and musical director, and learning a quick dance routine, Cathy Barber received a call one week later.

“I was at the dance studio practicing and it was such an exciting moment to share with my dance teacher, Miss Janice Lynn,” said the young starlet.

Rachel will portray Norma Jean Baker (Marilyn Monroe) as a child. The role details her challenges and her childhood spent in foster homes.

Rachel’s love of drama and dance has developed with the help of many.

“I have many wonderful teachers at Whitby Montessori who love what they do and they pass on their talents to me. I’m so lucky.”

Ensuring Rachel’s success requires a family commitment — everyone helps out. Rachel’s parents drive her to rehearsals in Toronto several times during the week. And her brother, Spencer, is very patient through all of this as well.

Rachel is excited about the production too: “I appreciate everyone, including everyone who is coming to see the show. So far I have 100 people coming to see the production.”

Hey Marilyn seems to be the beginning of this young girl’s journey, one which she hopes will bring her to Broadway. Originally commissioned, produced, and broadcast by CBC Radio, the show was also acclaimed by critics and audiences alike, and was nominated for three ACTRA awards. In the original broadcast, film and Broadway star Beverly D’Angelo played the role of Marilyn Monroe.

Rachel, herself, was also awarded Star of the Year at the International Presentation of Performers in Vancouver. This is where she was also approached by King Talent. Having her agent, Bella Grundy, “...allows Rachel the ability to realize her full potential and her dreams,” Cathy said.

“I’m very excited and feel honoured to have the chance to portray Marilyn Monroe. It is important for people to understand her life and how, from childhood, she had many tragic moments,” said Rachel.

Hey Marilyn not only provides a professional stage for Rachel, it also offers her the platform to gain confidence, self-growth, and experience working with other performers, while learning from them, along with a sense of accomplishment of improving each and every time she performs.

The musical is described as a powerful pop/rock danced-filled production with a cast of over 30 and a full orchestra. Larry Westlake directs the play, Cliff Jones is author and composer while musical direction is provided by Lona Davis, and choreography/direction by Tracey Cairns-Sharpe.

The show runs from June 18 to 20 and 24 to 26 at 8 p.m. and matinee on June 20 at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $20 with group rates available at the Jane Mallett Theatre, St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, in Toronto. For the box office call 1-800-708-6754 or visit www.stlc.com