Amy Lauter Spreads Some 1940s Christmas Magic As Ann Collier

Amy Lauter is having herself a Merry Little Christmas as Ann Collier

Amid the commotion of The 1940s Radio Hour, veteran singer Ann Collier is a steadying force and calming influence.  Likewise, Amy Lauter feels an affinity for her stable character Ann: “I feel like Ann is one of the most ‘normal’ persons in the show. When up against so many crazy characters, I have to make sure I don’t get lost in the chaos. Many of the other characters in the show are very comical, or boisterous, or have some specific characteristic that makes them stand out. Connie’s the kid, Ginger’s the bubble-head, Johnny’s the drunk, etc. I have to make sure I subtly stand out.”

Amy certainly does stand out with her stunning vocal performances as Ann, including such 1940s standards as That Old Black Magic and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.  Amy has “always enjoyed the ‘old standards’ but the main reason that I really wanted to be in this show was because I knew my grandmother, my mother and father in-law would enjoy it. The music and content in this show is something that they can all relate to and remember. I thought it would be nice to be in a show that pays tribute to an era they lived through. My father-in-law Bob (who turned 90 this year), served in the Army Air Corp. Hearing about his time there has been very interesting.”

As Amy developed her character, she discovered that Ann is “similar to me in ways that I did not realize at first. Ann began singing as a young girl, and continued to sing while in school. Although she was the featured vocalist at the Cavalcade, she still has a day job, as well as a young son that keeps her busy. She is one of those people that has a lot to juggle, but gets it done.”  Similarly, Amy began singing at a young age and began doing community theatre at age 10. Once she found the Farmington Players, she has had to juggle working full time, raising kids, rehearsing and more: “I wonder myself how I do it at times, but I think being so busy all the time keeps me at my best. You have to get things done – because there is no time to lose – so you make it happen.”

Amy has been “making it happen” for eight years at the Barn, and her favorite past roles with the Farmington Players include Claire in Proof, Dainty June in Gypsy, Laurie in Oklahoma, and multiple roles in last season's adaptation of A Christmas Carol.

The 1940s Radio Hour closes this weekend with final performances on December 20, 21 and 22.  Reserved seats for this musical comedy sponsored by Weinstein Jewelers are available now at www.farmingtonplayers.org or at the box office (248) 553-2955.