Performer Stuff Presents “In the Holding Room” Industry Podcast Episode 12

Written by: Christiaan Abbott

April 29, 2021

Performer Stuff continues with episode 12 of the podcast “In the Holding Room.” The podcast, hosted by Christiaan Abbott, features industry insiders and Broadway professionals to help you crush your next audition! New episodes drop on Performer Stuff every Wednesday.

Episode Summary

Desireé Davar, Anita in the World Tour and on Broadway, tells us about her audition for West Side Story. My “Thank You 5” segment is about my go-to cast album for inspiration. In “Professor’s Corner” this week, Ralph Perkins is back once again, keeping it real, as he talks about “Doing the work!”

Intro to this Episode

n this episode of “In The Holding Room,” we are joined by performer Desireé Davar. She has performed all over the United States in some of the most prestigious regional theaters and all over the world in the world tour of West Side Story. She performed the role of Anita in West Side Story, and with the release of Steven Spielberg’s theatrical trailer of West Side Story we thought it was the perfect time to hear what it was like auditioning for this show on Broadway.

In “Thank you 5” this week, I talk about my go-to Broadway cast album for finding inspiration. They always say, “Write what you know.” well these guys did and their show speaks to my heart, speaks to my creativity, and gets me motivated!

Ralph Perkins has choreographed professionally for several regional theaters across the country, and Las Vegas venues. Among his credits are La Cage Aux Folles, Camelot and 1776 for Goodspeed Musicals, South Pacific for The Asolo Repertory Theater and Papermill Playhouse, The Wizard of Oz, Hello Dolly! (nominated for best choreography St. Louis Critics Circle Awards) South Pacific and The King and I for The Muny in St. Louis, and Sweet Charity for The Barrington Stage Company. Ralph also choreographed Follies and Sunday in the Park with George (winner of the “Louie” Award for best musical) for The Repertory Theater of St. Louis, Urinetown: The Musical and Kiss Me Kate in which he received Kevin Kline Award nominations for outstanding choreography.  Residing and working in Las Vegas, Nevada for many years, Ralph was the choreographer for EFX starring Tommy Tune at the MGM Grand, Tournament of Kings at the Excalibur and he also worked with Siegfried and Roy at The Mirage, to name a few. In 2002 Ralph relocated to West Hartford, CT to become Director of Dance for the Theatre Division at The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. Ralph is also on the adjunct faculty of The Hartt School Dance Division teaching the Martha Graham Technique.

Desireé Davar

http://www.superheroesinlove.com/

http://www.desireedavar.com/

Click on the video below to watch “In the Holding Room” Episode 12


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