SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTIST: Performer Lacy Sauter
What does Cinderella mean to you personally?
I grew up watching all the Disney movies, singing every song and creating makeshift costumes from whatever I could find around the house. My mom grew up watching the Lesley Ann Warren version of Cinderella each year when it was broadcast on TV. Thanks to my grandmother's VHS recording, that magical production became my introduction to Rodgers and Hammerstein. I was completely captivated, especially by that breathtaking moment when Cinderella appears at the top of the stairs and time stands still. I wanted to be her! I fashioned my own version of her ballgown from a white nightgown, adding a safety-pinned fur wrap and a tiara. I feel like I have had my own Cinderella story in my life as a performer. I was very shy outside of my living room, but with some encouragement from my voice teacher and my high school choir director I was able to pursue my dream of singing and playing dress-ups for a living!
What do you hope audiences take away from this version of Cinderella?
I hope that audiences leave with a renewed sense of hope and smiles on their faces! This version of Cinderella shows us that real magic comes from having the courage to stand up for yourself and pursue your dreams, even when others doubt you. As Marie says, “If you have a dream, then very soon thereafter you are going to have to fight for it, otherwise, how do you know the dream is yours?” Following your dreams requires taking risks, but if you never take the chance then you might miss out on an opportunity to live your dream! Impossible things are happening every day! I also love that this version showcases Cinderella’s kindness.
How have you approached bringing your character to life? What kind of research or preparation have you done?
What makes this version of the Fairy Godmother so fun and interesting to play is her own transformation - beginning as 'Crazy Marie' the beggar woman before revealing her magical identity. It's been an exciting challenge exploring the different physical and vocal qualities to create two distinct personas. I've drawn inspiration from many sources: various Cinderella adaptations, beloved quirky TV moms like Beverly Goldberg, and even Glinda the Good Witch. Marie is magical in so many ways, but mostly she is warm, playful, quirky, supportive, and caring. Her real superpower isn't in waving a wand - it's helping people get out of their own way, realize their potential, and believe in themselves.
What has been one of your most memorable experiences at Duluth Playhouse?
One of my most memorable experiences was my first show at Duluth Playhouse – I was playing a couple of small roles and understudying Mother in Ragtime. Getting to step in to play Mother for the final performance was incredibly special, not just because Mother had always been a dream role, but because of the remarkable support I felt from everyone involved. I had just moved back to Duluth during the pandemic in August of 2021 and I was really missing performing and having a theater community. During Ragtime, I had really found a home and felt welcomed by the Playhouse community and our audiences. After so many years of being a nomad travelling all over the country pursuing opportunities to be a performer and opera singer, I found a community where I could do it all in one beautiful place. We are so lucky to have so many wonderful performing arts organizations in Duluth!
When did you start performing, and what inspired you to pursue it?
I always loved singing and playing dress ups when I was growing up and I had a very active imagination! I started in choir in elementary school and did a couple of school plays as well and the rest is history. I continued in choir and started taking voice lessons in high school. I would check out every single score, CD and movie musical from the libraries. I wanted to know all of the shows and find the best songs to sing. I found that singing allowed me the freedom to be vulnerable and express emotions in ways that I am not able to articulate through speaking. There's something so powerful about how a melody can carry truth and feeling in such a direct way and touch your soul. This is why I love storytelling through song and making music with friends!
You've been in a couple of holiday shows on the NorShor stage, including Little Women and The Sound of Music. What makes these seasonal productions different or special for you?
After growing up in Phoenix, being in Duluth and driving past the twinkling lights of Bentleyville, seeing snow on the ground, and walking into the festively decorated lobby at the NorShor–feels like stepping into a holiday card. I love that the holiday shows are a tradition for some families and for many children, this might be their first live theater experience. It is very special to think that maybe some of those children will become theater fans or performers themselves because they were inspired by our show. It is also lovely spending time with my theater family during the holidays. We often have potluck meals on two show days and do gift exchanges. We create our own kind of holiday magic here at Duluth Playhouse and I'm grateful to be part of it!
