Meet Renata Bielskis
My Three Angels Spotlight
As a student, I had supporting & ensemble roles in shows such as Jesus Christ Superstar & the American premier of Lehar's Giuditta. Recent theater work all has been backstage. After being away from acting for decades, I jumped at the chance to audition for My 3 Angels when I saw that Craig Gustafson was directing. I remembered, from our college days, his impeccable comic timing and quirky sense of humor. It's a joy to join with such an ensemble to bring this sweet, funny show to life.
We asked Renata a few questions about her background and interest in this show.
Q: Who or what inspired you to start doing theater?
A: My mother had a colorful personality and a love of theater, music, art, and poetry. From an early age, she introduced me to all these wonderful things and encouraged me to participate as much as possible.
Q: What was the musical that had you fall in love with musicals?
A: When I was 8, I was allowed to stay up late to watch The King & I with Yul Brynner on color TV. Many years later, in a school production, I got to play the king's head wife, Lady Thiang, and sing a challenging solo.
Q: What is the first play you remember seeing?
A: Besides being in and seeing friends and cousins in various school plays, I remember when my high school British Lit teacher took our class on a field trip to Steppenwolf Theater to see George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man. It thrilled me how history, psychology, and literature can be melded and brought to life via live theater.
Q: What is the favorite role you've ever played?
A: I love playing Emilie in this production of My Three Angels; she and I have much in common.
Q: What is the dream role you still want to play?
A: ... so many choices...
Q: Most challenging part of bringing this story to life?
A: Even though this show is a comedy, it has many real-life, heart-felt moments that need to be honored and portrayed sincerely.
Q: Do you have any performance superstitions?
A: I pray a lot. For me it's real life, but some people may consider that superstitious.
Q: If someone was going to make your life into a movie, who would you want to play you?
A: I've always felt a particular affinity with Audrey Hepburn, and am sad she's gone.
Q: What do you do when you’re not doing theater?
A: I'm a nanny. Enough said.
Q: Which character from M3A would most like to have dinner with and why?
A: Joseph has such interesting stories.
Q: Why should people come see this production of M3A?
A: For a few hours of smiles, chuckles, love stories, and intrigue, where "there's always hope", watching My Three Angels is the perfect way to spend a pleasant evening.