"Find Moments of Gratitude Even in the Low Points." - Chatting w/ The Music Man's Amanda LaMotte!
Amanda LaMotte.
By. Kevin Ray Johnson (Staff Writer for OnStage Blog)
I would like you to meet Amanda LaMotte. This triple threat recently just joined the Broadway Company of The Music Man (Starring Hugh Jackman & Sutton Foster) as a member of the ensemble. She has also performed on Broadway in Matilda, Hello, Dolly! (u/s Minnie, Ermengarde), and Kiss Me, Kate. She has also appeared on Television in SNL, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and Westworld. Regionally, she has performed for well-respected companies such as The Barrington Stage, The Muny, Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, NC Theatre, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Starlight Dinner Theatre, and Theatre by the Sea.
Amanda has taught masterclasses and private lessons at schools and studios across the country in which she helps students (in her own words) find their sparkle. I am so grateful to feature such and talented, kind, and giving artist!
How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a Performer?
My mom took me to see a touring production of Annie when I was about 8 or 9. The story goes that on the way home I didn’t say a single word in the car. My mom was unsure if I was upset. So, she asked me how I liked the show. Apparently, I said “how did all those kids get to do that?!”- So I guess you could say I was hooked when I realized even kids my age could be on stage in a musical!
Where did you study? Are there any mentors that helped make you the Amazing Performer you are today?
I have been so lucky to have such amazing educators. I grew up in the dance competition world, but as a teenager my dance mentor Pam Bolling really pushed me to dance as big as the adults around me, pick up choreography very quickly, and also how to still have FUN. My teacher Janine Papin held our non-performing arts school theater department to a very high standard and expected the utmost professionalism even from the middle school and high school students. I also earned a BFA in Musical Theater from Florida State University! Even now in NY, teachers like Sheila Barker and my voice teacher Marianne Wells have pushed me to keep training and working with love and support. I am so grateful to every person I have trained with- the list could go on and on!
Congratulations on joining the Broadway Revival of The Music Man. How has the process been for you?
Thank you so much!!! It has been a whirlwind! I am so grateful to be back on stage and to be joining such a BEAUTIFUL company of people who have welcomed me instantly. I learned the show in roughly 2 weeks- and last night had my 3rd performance with the show!
Amanda outside of the Winter Garden Theater.
Are there any other shows, performances, or moments in your career that will always stick out and be near and dear to your heart?
Honestly, every show has a moment that is dear to my heart. I think as performers we are SO lucky to do this craft for our jobs. This career is full of hardships, and low points- so I try my best to celebrate and be grateful for every single performance. It is easy to get caught up in the “no’s,” and the body pain, and the fatigue. It is so much harder to keep celebrating- but it is important! There are hundreds of people who are dying to be in your shoes, so we cannot take it for granted when we are lucky enough to do it.
What advice would you give any young artist who would like a career in the performing arts?
Be kind. Above all. This world is too small and life is too short to get caught up in the competition and comparison and let that take over. Find moments of gratitude even in the low points. And remember- Broadway isn’t the end-all-be-all. Beautiful theater is made all over the world. Just keep making art. Because work begets work!
The Music Man is currently running on Broadway at The Winter Garden Theater. For more information please visit -https://musicmanonbroadway.com; andto learn more about Amanda, make sure you visit her official website at -www.amandalamotte.com