Big hair, big role equal big career for OU alumna
Thursday, September 4, 2008by Deborah Benjamin
Read through review threads of the Broadway production of Hairspray and one thing becomes readily apparent: theater-goers who check out the show sure don’t have a problem when the standby in the role of Tracy Turnblad, OU alumna Annie Funke, takes the reins.
“This girl was absolutely fantastic! I adored her! She was perfect for the role, and very believable,” reads one message on broadwayworld.com.
Funke returned to Norman Aug. 27 to give a master class to OU Weitzenhoffer Department of Musical Theatre students. Funke, who earned her bachelor’s degree in musical theater in May 2007, knew almost everyone in attendance, and kept the session relaxed, doling out advice to OU students who also may find themselves working on Broadway in the coming years.
Funke said returning to her alma mater was important, especially since she can give insight into the world of professional theater and life in New York that only comes with experience.
“I think not only is it something exciting that I get to do, but it’s something I need to do. I’ve gotten a lot out of this department and program, and if I can do anything to give back, I think that’s what we’re called upon to do,” she said. “You never really know until you’re in that situation. But I think if you have a little heads-up and something does happen to you, you’re like, ‘Oh, I remember that she said that and it’s happening to me, so it’s going to be OK.’”
As a standby for the part, Funke is not in the Broadway show every night – she is not part of the ensemble cast – but she has first priority when the lead is sick. Funke has been called on 12 ½ times to take over the lead since she first stepped foot in the Neil Simon Theatre as a standby on April 15. She also is called upon to rehearse with every new cast member and is involved in press/publicity events related to the show.
Funke said her first brush with the role of Tracy Turnblad actually occurred during a summer stint with the Music Theatre of Wichita, and luckily two of her fellow Wichita cast members also had worked on the Broadway production.
“I cannot stress to you enough how important summer work is,” Funke told the crowd of OU students. “It’s the most important thing you can do for yourself in the summer – the contacts, the networking, the friends you will make and have when you come to New York. If I did not work in that show in the summer, I would not be in the position I am now.”
While her resume is impressive, especially for such a recent graduate, Funke credits her education at OU with helping to prepare her for Broadway and a professional career in the theater.
“I think one of the things that’s great about this department is that they don’t try to make you fit something that you’re not. I think, here, I was very nurtured and they helped me find my identity,” she said.
Funke will be back in New York as the standby for Tracy. She’s also looking for an agent and plans to study the Meisner Acting Technique at the William Esper Studio for Acting in New York City.