Tawny Stephens’ name has been in a lot of theater programs around town, both as an actress and as a director. The latter is the case for “Dance Nation,” the show she’s directing at Theatre Downtown. Before it opens Friday, she talked a bit about her theater history, braving the elements to see the original cast of “Rent” and directing “Dance Nation,” which is loosely inspired by a popular reality show.
Tell me a little about yourself.
I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, but I have been in Birmingham since 2001, so Alabama is definitely home.
Can you tell me about your theater history?
I’ve been performing and directing in various regional and community theaters for 25 years.
What’s your first memory of being on stage?
I was in a classroom production of “King Midas and the Golden Touch” when I was in kindergarten and played the queen. My kindergarten teacher called me “Queenie” from there on out.
What’s your favorite role you’ve played or show you’ve been in?
I am terrible at picking favorites of anything! Top three roles: The Witch in “Into the Woods,” Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors” and Yitzhak in “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” My favorite show to direct was probably “Rock of Ages.”
Who is your favorite composer?
Sondheim.
Do you have a favorite show?
“Into the Woods.”
What’s a performance (on stage or screen) that sticks out to you as an audience member?
I sat on the street for 18 hours in January 1997 to get 2nd-row tickets to see the OBC in “Rent.” I almost got frostbite – totally worth it.
What is a role you wish you will or could have played?
I feel like I’m coming into my Mama Rose era.
Do you have any pre-performance rituals?
I like to listen to music that makes me feel like my character
Tell me about “Dance Nation.” What is it about?
“Dance Nation” is an odd little unicorn of a show that is loosely inspired by the TV show “Dance Moms.” On the surface it’s the story of a group of pre-teen dancers who are part of a dance team trying to make their way to nationals. The dancers, however, are played by adults, most of whom have no dance experience. There are also moments and monologues that transcend linear time. Sometimes they become the adult versions of themselves or tell a story about something they miss from their childhood. It’s a coming-of-age story about friendship, ambition and sacrifice. Oh, and there are dance numbers, vampire fangs and lots of adult language.
What do you hope audiences will take away from the show?
I hope it will spark discussion about women learning to embrace their power as they come of age, but also the sacrifices that sometimes come along with that. What is success worth? And how does becoming successful push us outside the expectations of femininity?
Anything else you’d like to say about the production?
This show doesn’t work unless your actors are 1000% willing to embrace the material. Some of the things that are called for feel very strange at first, and this cast has jumped in headfirst from Day 1. Honestly, it is a tremendous group of actors, and they are handling the material with incredible heart, humor and honesty.
Tell me something people might be surprised to know about you.
I barely know any names of famous people on Broadway. That spectacular human who just won all the Tonys? Never heard of ‘em. But I’m gonna nod along to your story like I know who you’re talking about.
What kind of music do you listen to when you’re not performing?
Everything. But my binge album for the last year has been “Cowboy Carter.”
What’s the last TV series you binged?
“Severance” is my top show, but my guilty pleasure is “School Spirits.”
What’s next for you?
Unclear … but there may be a performance coming in the fall … stay tuned!
“Dance Nation,” at Theatre Downtown April 25-May 11.
