By: Frank O’Donnell, Entertainment Contributor
In her soul, Amiee Turner is a dancer. “A dancer dances. A dancer doesn’t sing.”
And yet, the producing artistic director at Ocean State Theatre Company will be taking the stage on Valentine’s Day for a special musical cabaret. Called “Once in Love with Amiee,” she says she had to be talked into doing it. “When folks ask me to sing, it is still a little surprising and also a little terrifying.”
Don’t be fooled. The lady can sing, and sing well. She played Mama Rose in “Gypsy” last summer, and that involves singing. A lot of singing. She’s also performed in many of the theater’s post-show cabarets.
“Once in Love with Amiee” will be a night “exploring and celebrating everything about love,” says Turner. “Love lost, love found, puppy love, true love.”
She promises to explore it all. “Bring your sweetheart, bring your broken heart, bring yourself. It really does have something for everyone, no matter where you are in your life.”
Of course, she’ll perform “My Funny Valentine,” but there’s more. “Some country, some disco, some classic rock and a few standards.” On the set list: “I’m Not That Girl” from “Wicked” and John Legend’s “All of Me.”
She’ll be accompanied by Tamra Stephenson, who appeared in “Gypsy” with Turner. “She plays all genres of music. She was first a celebrated classical (pianist), so her ability to interpret every song is truly amazing.”
The show is a special addition to the theater’s new Cabaret Club series, usually presented in the lobby on an off-night. “We’re adding three more dates this season and we’re already planning next year to run throughout our Main Stage.” Another special cabaret-style show was recently added. “We’re super excited to have Tony Award winner Betty Buckley perform on April 6.”
As of this writing, it’s likely that “Once in Love with Amiee” will be presented on the theater’s main stage. “We’re playing it by ear. We always want to make sure the audience has the best and most intimate experience. Ticket sales are going very well, and it looks like it will be on the stage.”
Turner’s a Broadway veteran – performing in six shows, working on two that never got a theater and having turned down three others – and she’s done over a hundred regional productions, benefits and concerts. She’s got the chops to do whatever she wants to do.
But on Valentine’s Night, she’ll be singing. “There won’t be any high kicks in ‘Once in Love with Amiee.’”
Unless of course she decides to throw a couple in.
Ocean State Theatre Company presents “Once in Love with Amiee” on Sunday, February 14 at 7:30PM. For tickets and information, call 401.921.6800 or visit www.oceanstatetheatre.org.
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Frank O’Donnell’s stand-up and comedy writing career spans four decades. In 2014, he named the state’s Best Comedian by the Providence Phoenix and in 2015, he was inducted into the RI Comedy Hall of Fame. He also works regular in local theater, both at the community and professional level. In 2015, he won a Broadway World RI award as Best Supporting Actor in a Musical for his work in “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”
