Hometown: Clearwater, Florida
Education: BFA from The Boston Conservatory
Select Credits: Woman 1 in Amerike The Golden Land, Carrie Pipperidge in Carousel, Brenda Strong in Catch Me if You Can
Why theater?: I love that theater is an art form based in relationship and human connection. I freaking love people. Discovering and exploring different types of people by embodying them, collaborating with the people involved in the project(s), and then of course having the privilege of sharing that work with an audience. Also, the kind of people the theater community draws in are the people I want to spend my life working with.
Who do you play in Fiddler on the Roof?: Bielke
Tell us about Fiddler on the Roof: Fiddler on the Roof is one of the most beloved shows in the musical theater cannon. It centers around a milkman, Tevye, and his family living in the town of Anatevka. Our production, directed by Joel Grey, choreographed by Staś Kmieć, and music directed by Zalmen Mlotek brings the human relationships of the show to the forefront. The simplicity of the set and the richness of the yiddish language, as well as the superb direction of the show allow those relationships, and the heartbreak and joys of the story to flourish.
What is it like being a part of Fiddler on the Roof?: It is magic. I am blown away by the dedication, professionalism, and kindness of the cast and crew. On top of that, it is such a gift to speak and sing in yiddish, which is the language that my great-grandparents spoke after escaping Germany during WWII. They felt so betrayed by Germany that the German language felt violent, whereas yiddish connected them with other Jewish immigrants. To tell the story of Fiddler in the language that so many Jewish immigrants spoke/speak is such a privilege. Not to mention that I share a toilet with the infamous Jackie Hoffman. (Joking-she absolutely rocks).
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Theater that can answer the questions “Why this play? Why now?” speaks to me most. I am most inspired by theater that is daring, exposed, and simple. There is nothing more beautiful or exhilarating to me than watching actors live and breathe in real time, exposing their flaws and asking the most difficult questions. Some theater artists I am inspired by are Sarah Ruhl, Lynn Nottage, David Yazbek, Paula Vogel, Jeanine Tesori Mark Rylance, Kelli O’Hara, Laura Benanti, Jessie Mueller, Katrina Lenk and truly so many others. This community inspires me.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Dot in Sunday in the Park with George, Fanny Brice in Funny Girl, and woman who says “and in a bed” in Les Miserables
What’s your favorite showtune?: "Sunday in the Park with George" from Sunday in the Park with George and everything in “Waitress.”
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Mark Rylance. I saw him as Olivia in “Twelfth Night,” and that performance shifted the trajectory of my career goals and ambitions. He is breathtaking.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: I would want to cast Meryl Streep because I think one should always cast Meryl in biopics. It would either be called “Hand Me My Bra, I’m Going to Bushwick” or “Funnier Girl” or “Quirky With a Capital Q”
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: I would want to see Bernadette and Mandy in “Sunday in the Park with George.”
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Come From Away
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Expensive lattes with oat milk or Bachelor in Paradise
What’s up next?: Hopefully a manicure and some very cool theater/film projects
For more on Maya, visit www.mayajacobson.net
