10 Questions
Take Ten - MARIKA COUNTOURIS
Everything is Go-Go's right now over at Monumental Theatre Company as their production of the jukebox musical Head Over Heels opens in previews on Thursday, March 5. The show is based on Sir Philip Sidney's Arcadia and follows a royal family at risk of losing their "beat" and their journey to save their kingdom and find true love. Directed by Jimmy Mavrikes, the show features the music of Belinda Carlisle's all-girl pop group, with songs including "We Got the Beat" and "Vacation" brought to the stage by Monumental's music supervisor, MARIKA COUNTOURIS. In this week's Take Ten from theatreWashington, Countouris talks about her dramatic childhood introduction to musicals, what she's enjoying most about working on Head Over Heels, and how she's pretty sure she peaked during a high school performance of The Phantom of the Opera (we're not sure about that!). Head Over Heels runs through March 23 at the Ainslie Arts Center in Alexandria.
1) What was the first show you ever saw, and what impact did it have?
The first movie musical I saw is a better story. I was two when I went to see The Little Mermaid and of course I got scared, because that movie is a little scary even for adult Marika, and had to leave the theater. My mom brought me back in at the end and apparently I was so moved by the happy ending that I was sobbing. How dramatic.
2) What was your first involvement in a theatrical production?
I’m not sure what my first theatrical production was but my “musical” debut was at the St. Maurice Talent show when I was in kindergarten. I performed “Smoke on the Water” with my two older cousins, Paula and Malamo. I got to sing the first verse and play a mean tambourine. It was pretty epic.
3) What’s your favorite play or musical, and why do you like it so much?
I don't really pick favorites for things, but if I had to choose my favorite piece that I’ve worked on it would have to be We’re Gonna Die. As an actress myself, I loved the opportunity to dive into the emotional circumstances of the stories to rewrite and arrange the songs specifically for Farrell [Parker].
4) What’s the worst day job you ever took?
My day jobs have all been pretty great. Everything I do is connected to music, theatre, or teaching so I can’t complain!
5) What is your most embarrassing moment in the theatre?
I played Christine Daaé when I was 16. I’m not sure what’s more embarrassing, the fact that my high school did Phantom or that I was actually pretty good and definitely peaked in high school.
6) What are you enjoying most about working on Head Over Heels for Monumental Theatre Company?
I love getting to rock out with the band everyday. Also, this cast is SINGING. It’s sweet when a jukebox musical crosses your path and then you learn so much about a specific artist/genre. It’s been especially awesome to study the kick-ass ladies of The Go-Go’s!
7) Other than your significant other, who’s your dream date (living or dead) and why?
Dream date?!? Who wrote this question? Just kidding - it would probably be Hayley Williams from Paramore. I met her once at a meet and greet! She said she liked my blue tights because they matched her hair, so we are obviously meant to be.
8) What is your dream role/job?
My dream is to have a “job” that gives me time for writing and performing. I miss doing music for myself. Being in a band someday would be awesome.
9) If you could travel back in time, what famous production or performance would you choose to see?
I would choose to see two things : 1) the first ever Paramore show 2) probably the original Broadway cast of Bridges of Madison County.
10) What advice would you give to an 8-year-old smitten by theatre / for a graduating MFA student?
Adults can be really sucky sometimes, but don’t let them get to you. You are the only one who knows what you are truly capable of. Be sure to listen to yourself above everyone else and never give up.
MARIKA COUNTOURIS is Monumental Theatre Company’s Music Supervisor. Her Monumental music directing credits are: Head Over Heels, Be More Chill, Daddy Long Legs, Brooklyn and Montgomery. Other credits include: Flying V: We’re Gonna Die (Helen Hayes Nomination for Outstanding Music Direction); NextStop Theatre Company: Beehive; Levine Music Theatre: Matilda; Constellation Theatre Company: Little Shop of Horrors, Aida; Redhouse Theatre: Peter and the Starcatcher; Catholic University: 9 to 5; Montgomery College: Urinetown and Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play; MC Summer Dinner Theater: Sister Act, Into the Woods, and Catch Me If You Can; Woodrow Wilson High School: Legally Blonde; Gonzaga Dramatic Association: Newsies, Grease, Beauty & The Beast, Curtains, Peter and the Star Catcher, Hairspray and Godspell. She also serves as the Choral Arts Director at Georgetown Visitation, where she teaches private voice and leads both the Chorus and Madrigals. Marika received a BM in Musical Theatre from Catholic University. Next up: Monumental’s The Drowsy Chaperone and Songs for a New World.
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