Tamyra with a 'Twist'
Former ‘Idol’ contestant Tamyra Gray tops a decade of solid roles in ‘Twist’ at the Pasadena Playhouse.
By Carl Kozlowski 06/09/2011
For the past 10 years, the FOX TV ratings juggernaut “American Idol” has been giving breaks to new singing stars, among them Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry. But for every new superstar, plenty of other talented performers have faded back into obscurity (Taylor Hicks, anyone?)
Tamyra Gray is one performer who has managed to maintain a viable career despite having lost the “Idol” championship. It’s been a full decade since she competed for the title against future superstar Clarkson and the instantly forgotten Justin Guarini. However, she’s managed to not only sing but also act in numerous memorable projects. After taking two years off to care for her baby, her comeback officially begins on Tuesday with a new high-profile role in the Pasadena Playhouse’s production of the musical “Twist,” a modern-day, R&B/jazz take on the Charles Dickens classic “Oliver Twist” set in New Orleans just prior to the Great Depression.
“I just like to work, and for me it’s all about working,” says Gray. “I love what I do — acting on stage, singing, acting in TV and films. That’s all I ever wanted. It wasn’t about winning the show; it was about a career. Loving your craft means there’s always going to be work. There’s no job too small or too big.”
In addition to one prior album and a second one on the way, Gray’s diverse resume has included roles on the FOX series “Boston Public,” as well as in the Broadway cast of “Rent,” and films including director Jonathan Demme’s “Rachel Getting Married.”
In “Twist, directed by acclaimed choreographer Debbie Allen, Gray plays Della, a nightclub singer with a dream and a past who’s transformed by her meeting with Twist.
“I’ve always been in love with ‘Oliver Twist’ and always wanted to play this role, and that’s, ironically, what I got,” says Gray. “It’s a fresher take, a little more relatable to our current situation in the world. You can’t get past those glorious songs like ‘Food Glorious Food’ that are in the musical. You get the feel of 1920s New Orleans in this version, and it’s a happening, good time. It totally transports you.”
“Twist” opens in previews at 8 p.m. Tuesday and officially runs from June 25 through July 17 at the Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. Tickets cost from $29 to $100. Call (626) 356-7529 or visit pasadenaplayhouse.org.
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In my world, Tamyra Gray has faded into obscurity. But I think she is a fabulous singing talent & even voted for her in season 1. I'm glad to see her maintaining a living in the entertainment field
Taylor Hicks google alert got me here. Despite what this writer believes to be true, Taylor remains busy in his music career & continues to tour with hundreds of concerts under his belt, as well as a stint on Broadway. Check him out as a headliner at the Telluride Jazz Celebration, or at the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills in August.