As the host of the radio show and podcast It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, I get to interview some very interesting people with very diverse backgrounds in the entertainment industry.
I’m a life learner. I love to soak up knowledge. As such, I try to learn something from every guest. And I’ve had some really great and informative guests.
In a new episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee airing on WHRU on Friday, March 24 and available on all major podcast platforms, I interview renowned vocal instructor and performer Mary LeGere. And, I can tell you it is packed with valuable information for anyone who sings.
From dancers in the chorus to established Broadway stars to high school students preparing for college, everyone can learn from this episode. To put it simply, Mary LeGere is an incredible wealth of knowledge and talent.
During our interview, I discovered that Mary knows more about vocal technique than most professionals in the industry. What’s more, as a teacher who customizes the process to the learning modalities of each individual, and she has the ability to really translate that knowledge to her students.
RECORD OF SUCCESS
Mary’s students have included many Broadway performers, including many members of The Broadway Kids. The Broadway Kids was a very famous concert group in the 1990s and 2000s that consisted of performers with Broadway, Off-Broadway, and national touring credits.
Now in Chicago, Mary is one of a handful of the city’s top-tier vocal instructors. Mary’s students have appeared at Goodman Theatre, Drury Lane, Marriott Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Theater at the Center, and Porchlight Music Theatre.
I actually stumbled into the world of Mary LeGere when triple-threat actress Erica Stephan was starring in Porchlight Music Theatre’s stellar production of Cabaret. The show would have been good without Erica, but her performance as Sally Bowles made the show just staggeringly great.
I was blown away by Erica’s performance when I reviewed the production (see: Erica Stephan’s Sally Bowles in Porchlight ‘Cabaret’ is the Stuff of Legends). So, I jumped at the chance to interview her on It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee to promote Cabaret.
During our conversation, I remarked to Erica how impressive her voice is. She immediately credited Mary LeGere with developing her from a high school student with little singing experience to being one of the most compelling leading ladies in musical theater.
Having now talked extensively to Mary, I understand where the praise comes from. She really knows her stuff.
As I mentioned, Mary personalizes her instruction to each individual student. She has expertise in a wide variety of areas including teaching dancers to sing; preparing high school students, college students, and young professionals for vocal competitions; preparing college-bound singers for the entrance audition process; and ensuring proper vocal health for actors and singers.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
As a performer, Mary has appeared professionally in musical theater and opera throughout the Midwest, along the East Coast, and in Europe. She is a member of Actor’s Equity, SAG/AFTRA, and the National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS).
Mary LeGere teaches voice and vocal health at two Chicago-area locations: LeGere Vocal Studios in the northwest suburbs, and also out of Porchlight Music Theatre in the city. If you are interested in advancing your musical theater career with an amazing voice teacher, you can email marylegeremusic@aol.com.
And be sure to make plans to listen to my interview with Mary LeGere. On the radio, tune in on Friday March 24 at 3 PM Central at 101.5 FM. If you are outside the broadcast area you can stream the station at www.HuntleyRadio.com. And don’t forget you can listen new and past episodes of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio.
Peace. Love. Trust.
Rikki Lee Travolta
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