2008/05/21
AMRA-Faye Wright has been from Broadway in New York to the West End in London and yesterday the superstar of the global stage musical hit Chicago returned home to East London for a few days.
Taking a break from her hectic schedule, she jetted in to the city for mom Natalie Ball’s 80th birthday.
East London may be a long way from the glitz and glamour that has become the norm for her, but she said she had fond memories of growing up in the city and going to the beach every day.
“People are friendly and laid back here,” she said, during an interview at the airport.
One of her fondest memories was taking the bus after school to see the movie The Sound of Music.
Wright loved it so much she went five times in a row.
“I lived that movie. As soon as I watched it, I knew immediately that this was something I wanted to do,” she said.
The down-to-earth bubbly star attended Clarendon Girls’ School from junior to high school where her love for the stage developed.
But those early days were spent overcoming her shyness that remains with her even today, despite her celebrity status.
Her mom said her daughter was extremely shy when she was young. “I decided to take her to dancing lessons because she was so shy,” she said.
After training in East London, Wright left for Sun City where she starred in various productions and travelled the world.
“East London is a great training ground. A lot of people I’ve met in the industry have trained here and it’s a jolly good place to come from.”
Wright has just finished starring in the South African production of Chicago, the show that has made her a familiar face to millions of people worldwide.
Wright knows the part of Velma Kelly well, having appeared in the original United Kingdom touring production of the show in 2001, and the European tour the following year.
She also performed alongside Brooke Shields and Melanie Griffith in the 10-year anniversary production of Chicago.
“Velma Kelly is very bold; she’s a murderess and in control of everything. She’s the total opposite of me and that’s why I think I’ve been able to play her so well.”
Wright has been living in London for the past eight years.
Her talent and hard work has taken her from Broadway and the West End to the Far East. She is in the process of obtaining a green card for the US.
“I will be doing a lot more shows in America now and am planning on moving to New York soon,” she said.
Wright performs about eight shows a week and admitted to needing a break. But the joy of her job keeps her going back for more.
“I love it. I love my work,” she said.
• See video interview: www.dispatch.co.za
- By NICOLETTE SCROOBY
Lifestyle Reporter
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