Back to Columnist Page

PERSONALITY PEEKS:
BROADWAY MAMAS

by FRANK O'DONNELL
March 2007

The Broadway Mamas are working on a bit of choreography for "Anything Goes," a musical number. Lynn Nadrowski, who coaches these ladies every Tuesday night, has them paired off, slapping their partners' hands together in rhythm.


Well, sort of in rhythm. Few get it right immediately.

"It's not twice here," says Judy Cimini, shaking her head trying to sort out Nadrowski's directions.

"It's twice the second time," says Donna Castellone, pretty certain of what she's supposed to be doing.

Nadrowski runs through the bit twice, then stops to offer a critique.

"Auntie Judy and Jane, you're going to your own drum," she says.

"We're fired," Jane Bernardino cries.

"Didn't you play Pattycakes when you were kids?" Nadrowski wonders.

"We did not have normal childhoods," says Castellone. "That's why we're here today."

Welcome to Broadway Mamas, a theater workshop offered by Miss Lynn's Performing Arts Studio. "I designed Broadway Mamas exclusively for women who've always wanted to perform on stage, but never felt they had the talent or the time," says Nadrowski, a veteran actress and director. "Together, as a group, we have a good time and a lot of laughs while we work on a couple of song-and-dance routines that interest us."

Most of the 12 women in the group are from North Providence, but some come from as far away as North Attleboro.

Bernardino teaches high school during the day. In her eyes, she's performing all the time. "I was a little apprehensive when I joined this group," she says. "I am not a singer. But now, I've got the freedom to express myself."

That's part of the fun and part of the purpose of Broadway Mamas. "It's never too late to build a little self-confidence," says Nadrowski.

On April 21 and May 12, the Broadway Mamas will put their new skills to the test, performing in "Dolly's Revue," a Broadway-style cabaret presented by the North End players. "They're all very excited about it," says Nadrowski, "but I think they're a little nervous too."

An interesting camaraderie has developed within the group. Some of the ladies knew one another before joining, but most were strangers. No more. They've become comfortable with each other, and seemingly with themselves.

As I sat and watched, I felt a little bit like an intruder. Nadrowski had them work on another piece of "Anything Goes," which had them striking a pose with one leg raised. She stopped them for a moment to discuss part of the movement, saying, "Put your legs down so you don't get tired."

I couldn't help but snicker, which made some of the ladies snicker in turn.

Nadrowski blushed – just a little. "Oops. Forgot there was a man in the room."

At the end of the class, Nadrowski discussed future workshop plans, and mentioned the possibility of adding some Broadway Papas to the mix. The idea was met with a resounding no. "That would spoil the dynamic," says Ann Caputo, Nadrowski's mother. She was one of the first to sign up for the workshop, and she provides a variety of home-baked goods for the group's snacking. Her egg biscuits are delicious.

For some, Broadway Mamas is simply a fun night out, an opportunity to socialize without the loud music of the club scene. For others, it's the fulfillment of a dream.

"I've always wanted to do this," says Castellone. "I'm working on the vocal stuff. I really am."

"A few of these women never realized there was a theater community out there," says Nadrowski. "Some have expressed an interest in going further, and auditioning for upcoming community theater shows. Now they've got that confidence for being on the stage. And that's just terrific."

[The Broadway Mamas will perform as part of "Dolly's Revue" on Saturday, April 21 and Saturday, May 12 at the Bouffard Knights of Columbus Council on Bassett Street in North Providence, just off Mineral Spring Avenue in Marieville. Tickets are $25 each, and seating is limited. The next session of Broadway Mamas begins on Wednesday, June 20, running for eight weeks. Call (401) 722-7800 for tickets to "Dolly's Revue" and for upcoming workshop schedules. Miss Lynn's Performing Arts Studio's information can also be found at www.northendplayers.com.]