Who is Donna Lee?
Donna Lee is a Performer who was born into a Show Business family (her father Frank Cleary was a Juggler and her mother was Music Theatre Legend Gloria Dawn) who has been fortunate enough to make a living all her life in Show Business in MUSIC THEATRE, CABARET, TELEVISION and FILM.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I find it hard to even imagine not doing what I do, but I guess if I had to do something else, I would like to see how I would go at being a Hairdresser.
Who inspires you and why?
Anyone with TENACITY. People with strength to just keep on keeping on, no matter what life throws at them, I find is very inspiring.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I really find that RESPECT and SOCIAL GRACES seem to be diminishing in our society. I don’t know how, but it would be nice if we could bring a bit more of these simple things back into 2022.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My husband and I have become very fond a place on the Central Coast of NSW called Bateau Ba. So pretty and so much quieter than my home town (that I love) Sydney. Bateau Bay, Shelly Beach, Long Jetty is a very welcoming and laid back Community. Love it!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Well, living in Sydney it is just so easy to jump on a ferry and explore so many inlets and beaches on Sydney Harbour. I love taking friends to Luna Park too. Sitting right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and looking back at the Sydney Opera. It’s pretty special.
What are you currently reading?
I am right in the thick of rehearsals for HAIRSPRAY, so the answer to that is “the script for HAIRSPRAY.”
What are you currently listening to?
Yep, you guessed it, the Soundtrack to HAIRSPRAY.
Happiness is?
Having something to do, having someone to love, having something to look forward to. I am very lucky as I have all three.
What does the future hold for you?
More exciting chapters I hope. I am very happy and very lucky right now, so I hope for things to stay this way for a long time.
Donna stars as Female Authority Figure in the the 20th Anniversary original Broadway production of Hairspray – which officially opens at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre on Monday 15 August, before playing at the Adelaide Festival Centre from December 2022, and the Sydney Lyric Theatre from February 2023. For more information, visit: www.hairspraymusical.com.au for details.
Image: Donna Lee (supplied)