Who is Anne Wood?
I am an actor currently in rehearsal for the William Finn song cycle, ELEGIES, which is happening at Bennett’s Lane this month.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I’d be more organised, go to bed earlier and not care at all if I missed an episode of The Good Wife.
Who inspires you and why?
Just about everyone inspires me in some way, but particularly people who make their way in the world with grace, no matter what the day throws at them.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I think making a difference in the world starts at home… clearing our emotional clutter so we can make more authentic connections with ourselves and with one another.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Tioman Island off the coast of Malaysia. Nothing to do but swim, eat and sleep and no-one cares what’s going on with your hair … that’s a holiday.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take then to, and why?
I love taking visitors to Abbottsford Convent in Collingwood for a browse through the markets and excellent coffee, and then its only a couple of minutes to Studley Park to breath in the scented gums. My backyard is also a pretty good place to hang out.
What are you currently reading?
An Open Letter To Humanity by Serge Benhayon…. Trying to make sense of everything… and I Quit Sugar For Life by Sarah Wilson, no explanation necessary!
What are you currently listening to?
All those gorgeous songs from ELEGIES…. Each a delicious little vignette that can take you straight to the heart of another moment in time.
Happiness is?
Listening to my daughter chew her broccoli with the same enthusiasm she has for a jelly baby!
What does the future hold for you?
I have no idea! But I hope it includes the realization of some projects I have in development and a lot of quality time spent with my family and friends.
After studying at the Victorian College of Arts Opera Studio, Anne Wood’s career began with the original Melbourne production of Cats, then the first national tour before joining the German company in Hamburg. She subsequently spent six successful years working in the UK and Germany.
The premiere of A Swell Party (the story of Cole Porter) marked Anne’s London West End debut when she stepped in for the leading lady on opening night. Due to her overwhelming success, she continued to play the role for the entire season and featured in the subsequent film of the same name.
Other credits include Rose Vibert in Aspects of Love, Charity Barnum in Barnum, Irene Roth in Crazy for You, Romance Romance, The Baker’s Wife in Into The Woods and Closer Than Ever. On returning to Australia, Anne appeared in Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (Green Room Award for Best Cabaret), Crazy for You (Irene Roth) and The Sound of Music (Elsa Schraeder); those two roles earning her Green Room Award nominations.
Anne spent nearly 3 years playing the playing the lead role of Donna Sheridan in the original smash hit production Mamma Mia!, earning her a Green Room Award and an invitation to play the role on London’s West End. Anne also recreated the role for the 10th Anniversary Australian national tour.
For The Production Company in Melbourne, Anne has appeared as Phyllis Stone in Follies, Mrs Mullin in Carousel, Meg Boyd in Damn Yankees, Evangeline Harcourt in Anything Goes and as Electra the Stripper in Gypsy.
Other credits include Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show, the mother in Prodigal, Closer Than Ever, Minefields and Miniskirts, Australia’s Leading Ladies (concerts throughout Australia), the Soap star in Menopause the Musical and the role of Madam Morrible in the Australasian tour of Wicked.
Anne recently starred as Muriel Eubanks in the Sydney season of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and Madame De La Grande Bouche in a concert version of Beauty and the Beast at Melbourne Zoo. Her debut solo album – Divine Discontent – was released in 2012.
Anne will be appearing in Elegies: A Song Cycle at Bennett’s Lane on Monday 11 August. For more information, visit: www.bennettslane.com for details.
Image: Anne Wood