A region native is making her mark in the Chicago theater scene.
Brenda Barrie grew up in the Whiting/Robertsdale area and graduated from Clark High School.
In 2009, her roles included starring as the sensual postulant in "Mariette in Ecstasy" at Lifeline Theatre; as evil, malicious Aunt Dan in BackStage Theatre Company's production of "Aunt Dan and Lemon"; and lonely, struggling Sara in Profiles Theatre's production of "Graceland."
Now Barrie is returning to Lifeline Theatre to play Dorothy in "Mrs. Caliban."
"Mariette in Ecstasy" was a solid production, and the fact that I got a Jeff nomination (Jeff Award Nominee, Actress in a Principal Role) is a compliment to everyone involved," Barrie said. "I loved coming to Lifeline's space, they're so professional, courteous and generous. I'm delighted that I have an opportunity to come back with the role in "Mrs. Caliban."
Barrie said "Mrs. Caliban" is a difficult show to narrow down.
"It has a sense of magical realism," she explained. "The reality of the world is painfully true, but something fantastical can happen."
Her character, Dorothy, is dealing with horrible loss and grief which she channels into the radio. The story is about escaping a creature -- and she doesn't know if the creature is in her imagination or is really happening.
Barrie feels she has been blessed with great roles this far in her career. "In my six years in Chicago, each show has been another great step forward. I've learned things about myself with each character. I've worked hard to discover the undercurrent to these characters -- the things people can relate to."
Barrie's most awesome experience in theater so far occurred last year when she played Blanche Dubois in "A Streetcar Named Desire" at Metropolis Theatre in Arlington Heights. She says the role was invigorating and challenging.
Barrie discovered theater when her mother, Lynda Sonday, and sister, Violet Stephanson, took her to a performance of "Our Town" at Marian Theatre Guild. "Before that, I had no idea that live performance could have such an impact," she said.
Sonday is proud of her very determined daughter.
"She doesn't quit," she said. "She works three different jobs and just keeps going."
Sonday recounted a story of Barrie's childhood as an example of her determination.
"She wanted a bike, but I told her no, not until you learn to ride a bike. Brenda borrowed a 10-speed from our neighbor and learned to ride it. She wasn't even 5 then; she couldn't sit on the bike and reach the pedals, so she stood up to ride it."
When Barrie was a junior at Clark, she auditioned for a part in the school play, "House of Blue Leaves." She landed the lead, playing a character named "Bananas," who is crazy but full of emotional depth.
"I decided then and there that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life," she said. In fact, Barrie credits Debbie Wozniak, who directed that show, for introducing her to this whole acting thing.
In addition, Wozniak, who has since moved to Alaska, wrote reference letters which helped Barrie get a theater scholarship to the University of Indianapolis.
While in college, Barrie studied at the University of Ulsterin Northern Ireland through the university's exchange program. In addition to taking classes in Ireland, she worked backstage and appeared in productions. Ultimately, she earned her bachelor's of fine arts in theater.
In addition to her on-stage career, Barrie works full-time at the University of Illinois Chicago reviewing research contracts. She also works part-time backstage at Blue Man Group. Barrie now lives in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood with her husband, Andy Brower.
'Mrs. Caliban,' 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 4 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 4 p.m. Sundays, through March 28.
WHERE: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago
COST: Regular single tickets, $30; seniors with ID, $25; students with ID, $15. Group rates available upon request.
FYI: (773) 761-4477, www.lifelinetheatre.com
