By Vicky Mejia
This summer’s most highly-anticipated musical is finally here and we broke the ice (pun intended) in a rapid-fire Q&A with Iceboy!‘s choreographer JoAnn Hunter (The Penelopiad, 23/24 Season) to tell us what it’s like to work on the world premiere production, notable career highlights and where she finds inspiration for her creativity.
Great theater makes me feel thrilled that I am a part of that world. Great theatre challenges me to be better.
Courtesy of JoAnn Hunter.
A memorable mentor told me I have been lucky enough to have had remarkable mentors in my life. I walk with each one of them everyday. A memorable moment happened with the brilliant David Loud, Music Director. We were in rehearsal for Steel Pier, learning vocals and he said to the company, “change that note in bar (something) from a 1/16th note to an 1/8th note.” Everyone grabbed their pencils and made the change. I looked around and pretended to also write the change into my score. David, noticed this and asked me, “JoAnn, are you okay.” I was mortified! I finally admitted that I did not read music. “Has it stopped you from working?” I replied, “no”. He then said, “then I would not worry about it.”
I will forever remember that gift he gave me. From that day forward I freely admit that I do not read music. I do everything by feel and common sense. He gave me the gift of trusting myself.
A step forward equals that I have not stopped.
Courtesy of JoAnn Hunter.
I am my most creative when I am in the shower… I know, kooky but their are times when I unlock a block while in the shower. Luckily, we have a large walk in shower in our apartment in NYC.
I’ll never forget the first time I danced on a Broadway stage under the direction of Jerome Robbins.
Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Choreographer JoAnn Hunter during rehearsals for The Penelopiad, 23/24 Season.
I was excited to work on Iceboy! because…Excited for many reasons. First, to work with Marc Bruni. Our Director again. Second, Megan and Nick…I mean comic geniuses! And the crazy original story of this piece. And thrilled to be back at The Goodman. I adore Susan Booth and am always grateful for her.
My inspiration for the choreography in Iceboy! is inspired by…Oh heavens. Let me start by saying this show is not a ‘dance’ show in the way one may think. The movement is character driven, and I love funny! So funny is my inspiration.
JoAnn with the cast of The Penelopiad.
When I’m in a room with new people, an “icebreaker” I like to use is humor and revealing a little something fun or wacky about myself. And trust! I immediately trust everyone in the room because I think a rehearsal room should be the safest place to be.
Vicky Mejia is the Digital Marketing Associate at Goodman Theatre
