Paige McNamara is a talented theater pro who hails from Lynnfield. She credits her upbringing there with giving her the drive to pursue a career in musical theater.
She plays the Factory Girl and is a member of the ensemble in the national tour of” Les Misérables,” which ends its run at Citizens Opera House in Boston from June 9-28. Here’s what she recently told Stages.
Stages: What was it like growing up in Lynnfield and did you know early or later that you would go into musical theatre?McNamara: As a blossoming “theater kid,” I was lucky to grow up in Lynnfield. We had a tight-knit group of teachers, parents, and fellow theater nerds who were all supportive of our passion. My first show was in third grade, and I haven’t stopped since! I wouldn’t have known this was a career path or something you could study in college if the community didn’t foster one or two students going on to graduate from Lynnfield High to study Musical Theater/Acting in college every year. My voice teacher, Noel Smith (who is still based in Lynnfield!) was a huge factor. She’s helped me through my career, and many of her students are on Broadway or on tour.
Stages: How do you like touring and how long have you been on tour?
McNamara: When we close “Les Miz” in Boston, I will have been with the show for two years, but I’ve been a touring actor for about a decade. I feel lucky to have toured so much. I’ve seen parts of the country and parts of the world I never thought I’d see. Moving around and living out of suitcases has its pros and cons, but the good absolutely outweighs the bad. Being on tour leaves you no choice but to become more adaptable and more flexible as a person.
Stages: “Les Mis’ has been around for decades so how do you keep it fresh?
“Les Miz” means more to audience members now than ever before. Year after year, it continues to stay relevant and touch more people. It’s an evergreen story about redemption and survival of the human spirit, and it’s our job to tell that story every night and inspire the audience. It’s so amazing to meet people at the Stage Door who tell us they’ve seen it anywhere from five to 25 times. What touches me the most is parents who have taught their children about the show and allowed to legacy to continue.
Stages: Describe your character and what she is like and does.
McNamara: As a member of the ensemble, I play several characters throughout the show. I change costumes six times in the first 45 minutes! My main featured role is the Factory Girl. Without spoiling it too much, I’m the antagonist to the beloved character Fantine who sings the show-stopping “I Dreamed a Dream.” I have an intense, high-energy scene with Fantine before her big song, and it’s my favorite scene to do in the show.
Stages: Anything else you want to add?
McNamara: I wouldn’t have the confidence and drive to pursue my career without the support and encouragement of every English teacher, music teacher, and theater director I had growing up. It is crucial to pour into students interested in the arts in the same way we pour into students with athletic and academic potential. I’m thankful to have grown up in Lynnfield where I had that. It is Imperative to keep music and theater programs alive so students can have the same life-affirming experiences I did.
Go to www.BroadwayInBoston for tickets and info.
Nancye Tuttle ‘ s email address is [email protected]
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