Shavonne Conroy Interview by Jen Bush
What do you get when you put together a Jewish resistance fighter in occupied Poland who falls in love with the daughter of a Nazi officer? Aside from the obvious of a strange bedfellows situation, you get a compelling musical called Finding Helena. The musical will have its premiere on July 30th in Texas gearing up for a New York City run in October. The musical is being produced by Shavonne Conroy.
Shavonne Conroy had done it all in the entertainment industry from fronting a band to cabaret and everything in between. This gifted singer and actress holds an MFA in theatre/voice. You can’t be a working actor in NYC for 20 years and not have a credit in the “Law and Order” franchise. Ms. Conroy has several. She’s equally as comfortable being on centerstage as she is behind the scenes. This canine enthusiast is also a cosplayer. We had a wonderful conversation about her life in the arts and this exciting musical.
“I’m Shavonne Conroy. After grad school for musical theatre and opera I toured with a Top 40 band before moving to New York where I did stage, cabaret, film and television for 20 years. After headlining at the Waldorf, stints on Law & Order, David Letterman, Rescue Me, and some producing – I returned home to Texas to be near my mother after my father passed away. In Texas I’ve performed in many regional productions and continue to produce shows and events of all sizes. Also, you Comic-Con fans may know me as the Baby Carriage Lady, Jasmine Jolene and other characters from the original edition Bioshock!, one of the biggest video games in history.”
In her own words, Ms. Conroy tells us about the show. “Finding Helena is an epic love story about a Nazi officer’s daughter who runs away with a Jewish resistance fighter in 1940.”
For this production, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. It’s a total family affair. The decision to produce it was pretty much a no-brainer. “My daughter, Alexandra (BFA in theater) started writing the piece years ago. It went through many versions and a few producers before my husband (who is a former television writer and had been one of Alexandra’s mentors) joined her as co-writer to bring it to fruition.”
This is an ambitious production in that the subject matter is delicate and controversial. Ms. Conroy is not concerned because the ultimate message of the piece is hopeful and inclusive. “We don’t feel like we’re pushing any envelopes. We love musicals and love making them. It’s a beautiful love story that is born out of the tragic and horrible circumstances of World War II and the Holocaust. We do realize antisemitism is still going on, and that context makes this story more relevant than ever. The story does carry the message that we’re all equal and deserve dignity no matter our backgrounds.”
There is always a personal outcome to every artistic journey. For this particular production, it was all about support and Ms. Conroy couldn’t be more grateful. “Gosh, I learned so much about myself! One of the most profound things is fully realizing that I have amazing friends who are excited to help us bring this incredible story to the stage! The other is when you have a great family, working with them on a gorgeous common goal in the Arts is the most rewarding experience one can have.”
Ms. Conroy recognizes that a project of this caliber comes with an added sense of responsibility toward getting the historical context accurate and presenting the material with sensitivity. “Absolutely, that is also something we have realized. We have an enormous responsibility to get this story right, make sure it is entertaining, heartwarming and dramatic – so the audience loves it – so it will get to as many people as possible. And our closing number is “Spread the Word, Spread the Love.” The final lines are “Spread the word. THIS cannot be forgotten!”
Ms. Conroy is originally from Texas. That’s where she got her start in the arts. After her 20-year stint in New York City, she moved back to Texas where she has been working ever since. She is committed to making Finding Helena a success, beginning in her home state. “We have a staged public reading with live music on July 30th in San Antonio, Texas; then New York City October 26th and 27th.”
If you’re in Texas in July or New York in October, find your way to Finding Helena. You’ll be entertained and uplifted by discovering that an impossible love is actually very possible and beautiful.
Arts Independent 