Shana Farr
Shana Farr | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Shana Farr |
| Born | Columbia, Missouri, U.S. |
| Occupations |
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| Website | www |
Shana Farr is a New York City-based singer and actress known for her performances in operetta, musical theater, cabaret and concert.
She is from Columbia, Missouri, and graduated from Hickman High School.[1][2] She graduated with a B.M. in Voice Performance from Boston University College of Fine Arts. She continued her training in New York City under Doris Yarick-Cross of the Yale Opera Program and Carol Kirkpatrick, and studied acting with Ed Kovens.[citation needed]
In 2012, she won the Julie Wilson Award at the Mabel Mercer Foundation's 23rd Annual Cabaret Convention.[3] In 2018, she received the Donald F. Smith Award at the Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention.[4]
Her performance for In the Still of Night received positive reviews in Bistro Awards.[5] Writing for The Wall Street Journal, Will Friedwald praised her "delightfully old-fashioned, pure operetta chops."[6]
Theater
[edit]Farr has performed leading roles in New York City as well as in regional productions, earning praise for both her “impressive vocalizing”[7] and acting versatility. “She is a first-rate actor, unafraid to take big risks, both vocally and physically. She does not hold back, and she is exciting to watch.”[8] Her notable roles include Marion Paroo in The Music Man, Hanna Glawari in The Merry Widow, Laurey Williams in Oklahoma!, and Elsie Maynard in The Yeomen of the Guard[9] with New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players. She also appeared as Ruth Condomine in Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit and Titania/Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night's Dream.
She has performed on major stages including New York City Center, McCarter Theatre, the Missouri Theater[10] and with Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera. With a soprano voice described as both lyric and crystalline, Farr often bridges the gap between opera and musical theater, bringing classical technique to Broadway standards and vice versa.
Recordings
[edit]Farr’s debut album, Out of the Shadows, with music direction by Jon Weber, features her interpretations of both classic and contemporary songs. Will Friedwald of The Wall Street Journal noted, "Her voice is bright, strong, and true...she is not afraid of the darker moments,” and praised her as “probably the most convincing younger American to sing Noël Coward.”[11]
References
[edit]- ^ Danielsen, Aarik (2009-12-20). "Bright lights of New York shine on Hickman grad Shana Farr". Columbia Daily Tribune. p. 25. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ "There's no place like home with the Boone piano". Columbia Daily Tribune. 2015-07-17. p. 2. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ "Farr to headline March 'Music at the Mansion'". The Nutley Sun. 2013-03-21. pp. A10. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ "Donald F. Smith Award".
- ^ Dundas Wood, Mark. "Shana Farr – Bistro Awards". bistroawards.com. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ Friedwald, Will (2014-04-11). "Gypsy Jazz and 15 Years of Eternity". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Archived from the original on 2014-12-17. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
- ^ "The Pirates of Penzance". www.backstage.com. 2003-12-17. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
- ^ "Shana Farr – Bistro Awards". bistroawards.com. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
- ^ Scheck, Frank (2007-01-08). "YO, MAN! GILBERT & SULLIVAN'S GOOD FUN". Retrieved 2025-05-07.
- ^ Danielsen, Aarik. "Bright lights of New York shine on Hickman grad Shana Farr". Columbia Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
- ^ Friedwald, Will (2012-11-30). "The Jazz Scene: Ornette Coleman Inspires, Steve Tyrell Serenades". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
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