Kevin Ray Johnson, Staff Writer

It is my honor to introduce you to Crystal J. Freeman. This Detroit native will be performing in Signature Theatre's upcoming highly anticipated production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods (Opening in November) Directed and Choreographed by Signature Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner. Regionally, Crystal has performed w/ Toby's Dinner Theatre in their productions of Ghost the Musical, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Shrek the Musical, Grease, Aint Misbehavin', The Color Purple, and at ArtsCentric in their production of Dreamgirls.

I have been a huge fan of Crystal for many years. She is truly someone who knows how to leave their mark on any production they are a part of that is felt and remembered for a very long time. I am so grateful to have the chance to feature this very talented Morgan State University, Alumni!

How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a Performer?

I knew that I wanted to be a performer since I was about 5 or 6. My dream as a kid was to be a Vegas Lounge Singer. Don't ask me why because I don't know. I think I saw one in a movie and thought they were so cool.

Where did you study? Are there any mentors that helped make you the Performer you are today?

I graduated from Morgan State University with a B.A. in music. There are so many people that have helped make me the performer that I am today. It's hard to narrow it down, but four names come to mind when I think about it. Nina Scott, my high school choir director. Dr. Nathan Carter, my college choir director. Kevin S. McAllister, my dearest friend, cast me in my first musical. And last but not least Toby Orenstein.

Into the Woods is arguably one of the greatest musicals ever written. How has your time been with this wonderful Sondheim classic at Signature?

It's been such an amazing experience! I'm still in shock that I've been given the opportunity to be a part of this production. I still haven't found the words to express how happy I am to be a part of this cast. Rehearsals have been a dream.

Are there any other shows, performances, or moments in your career that will always stick out and be near and dear to your heart?

It was the fall of 2017 and I was in a production of Dreamgirls (Pre- Covid). Two cast members would have to greet the audience after the show as they exited the building. Most of the patrons were gone and a woman was standing by the side waiting. She hugs me tight and thanks me for making her feel. She said something tragic happened many years before and she had been numb. We stood there and hugged for a few moments and she walked out of the door. I don't know which of us needed the hug more.

What advice would you give any young artist who would like a career in the performing arts?

My advice for a young artist is to always be kind. Your talent will get you the job, but your attitude will determine whether or not you keep working. Theatre is such a small world and everyone talks. Your name will be in rooms that you have never stepped foot in. Make sure that when your name is brought up it's only for how you treat people and your work ethic.

Into the Woods at Signature Theatre opens on November 8th, 2022, and will run until January 19th, 2023. For more information make sure you visit - https://www.sigtheatre.org; to learn more about Crystal, please visit her official website at - https://www.crystaljfreeman.com

"Your Attitude Will Determine Whether or Not You Keep Working." Chatting with Crystal J. Freeman!

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