Like some of her co-stars, Johanna Regan is making her Gilbert & Sullivan debut in Hole in the Wall Theater’s current production of The Pirates of Penzance. Her background is in musical theater. She earned a degree in it at Ashland University and has performed in numerous musicals in Ohio and Connecticut.
“I have been singing forever,” said Johanna. “I started performing in middle school.”
Playing “Mabel” had been a welcomed challenge for Johanna. “It is insane,” she said. “I’m studying a new vocal technique with my teacher. I’m discovering my Coloratura Soprano side. Working on this role has given me the confidence to sing in this range.”
“Mabel”, one of General Stanley’s daughters, is typically a comedic role. This is not uncommon for Gilbert & Sullivan leading ladies. Johanna’s interpretation, under Emily Trudeau’s direction, is that of an insufferable Prima-Madonna. “Johanna has really breathed new life into this dull ingénue part,” said Emily.
“Emily is great,” said Johanna. “She has a very clear vision for the show. It really came together well. This is also one of the most talented casts I have ever worked with.”
Johanna has an extensive listing of theatre credits including, “Mary” in Mary Poppins, “Tracy” in Hairspray, “Fiona” in Shrek and “Inga” in Young Frankenstein. She has performed with Connecticut Theatre Company, River Way Studios, Artful Living and the North Pole Express (Essex Steam Train).
Come see Johanna and the rest of the cast in Hole in the Wall Theater’s production of The Pirates of Penzance. Performances run Fridays & Saturdays May 20th through June 11th at 8:00pm with two Sunday matinees on May 22nd and June 5th at 2:00pm. The Pirates of Penzance is directed and choreographed by Emily Trudeau of Cheshire who helmed HITW’s successful 2015 summer production of Enron. Tickets are $25.00 (General Admission) and $20.00 (students & seniors). Tickets can be purchased at the door and online at www.hitw.org. The May 27th performance will be our Pay-What-You-Can performance where you name the price of your ticket.