“Emerald Man” was directed by fellow Hoosier and NCHS alum Josh Prince. ![]() She was in the New York Premiere of “Emerald Man,” originating the role of Peachy in the New York Musical Theatre Festival. She also worked at American Cabaret Theatre for a year before deciding to move to NYC in May of 2001.īurns was the Sour Kangaroo in the 2nd National Tour of “Seussical the Musical” and was the Seasons of Love soloist in the “Rent” National Tour. Soon she won an Encore Award for her role of Eve/Mama Noah in “Children of Eden” at Footlight. She started auditioning for community theater while working different day jobs. ![]() She also attended and performed in several Encore Awards shows there.Īfter graduating from NCHS in 1991, Burns earned her BS in Microbiology at Michigan State University, but she soon realized performing is what makes her truly happy. “She recently performed at the 50th Counterpoint Reunion and brought the house down with her performance!”Īlthough this is her debut in a Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre production, the Counterpoints’ annual dinner show took place here, so Burns was familiar with the theater. It is the highest honor.”Īnd Burns continues to impress Wiehe. The students voted and I confirmed the vote. Wiehe explained that it is awarded to “the Counterpoint with the most enthusiasm, talent and dedication (like) Meghan had. The award is given annually in memory of three-year Counterpoint Meghan Parker who was killed in a car accident in 1990, her first year of college. “LaDonna was a Counterpoint co-president and was the first recipient of the Counterpoint Meghan Parker Award,” Wiehe said. That teacher calls her former student an “amazing talent.” “I was still kind of shy, but achieved my goal of being a Counterpoint under the direction of Pat Wiehe.” “North Central’s performing arts program of course helped get me ready for my career today,” Burns said. When I first saw her perform in high school I couldn’t believe how she had transformed.”īurns attended North Central High School, where she was in the Counterpoints concert/show choir. She just needed some teacher support to chase the fear and boy, is it gone! After she stepped through the fear, it was easy for her. “She sang many solos in middle school and then went on to high school and I am so proud to be her former teacher,” Keyes remarked. Just feel the fear and do it anyway.’ I always ask them: ‘If you had no fear - what would you do?’ The answer is always: ‘Try out.’”īurns took that advice to heart. I always tell my students: ‘No matter what, if there is an opportunity for a solo, try out. “She liked to sit in the back row, never talked out or even talked to her neighbor and I could hardly hear her sing in class,” Keyes said. “She was ‘Choir Member of the Year’ for all three years at Westlane.”īut she also remembers the shyness Burns exhibited. ![]() “LaDonna was one of my favorite students,” Keyes admitted. Barb Keyes, who was my music teacher in elementary and middle school, always encouraged me to sing and go for the best - even though I was a very shy kid,” Burns said. Burns attended Crooked Creek Elementary School and Westlane Middle School, where she was motivated by a special teacher. I always participated in school plays since I can remember.”īut stepping onto a stage didn’t come easily at first. Music was an extracurricular activity for me. “Both of my parents sang in church while I was growing up. ![]() She admits there has always been a performer in her. “I’m so thrilled to be back home,” she exclaimed.īurns was born and raised in Indianapolis on the Northwestside of town, not far from the theater. That’s because her appearance as a principal singer in “A Beef & Boards Christmas” 2007 is a homecoming for Burns. When LaDonna Burns sings “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays” in Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre’s 15th annual holiday production, she’s singing from the heart.
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