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Gualala Arts
Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961.
Archive of past events: 2004 through 2014
You may have seen her carrying large bouquets of flowers into Surf Super in Gualala, or helping behind the counter at Garden-By-the-Sea Florist Shop. But theatre-goers at the Gualala Arts Center have come to recognize Olivia Harrison as a vibrant and accomplished young actress and singer who lights up the stage whenever she sets foot on it. Olivia has been seen most recently in Gualala Arts's production of "Oliver" in the role of Bet. Not too many years ago, she played the title character in Family Theater's "Oliver with a Twist." When Gualala Arts presented "The Secret Garden" she brought the role of the spirited Irish nanny, Martha, to life. It was then that her future voice teacher, Gloria Wood, saw her on stage for the first time and recognized the vocal potential of this grounded and expressive young actress. Whenever Olivia is on stage, it is hard not to focus on her because she is so "present" in every role - whether it is as a lead character or as a member of the ensemble. She is engaged, reactive and ready to bring her character to life as well as support the actors around her. And if someone forgets their line on stage, Olivia can somehow carry the ball and throw in an appropriate "cover" to hide the fact from the audience. The rule around the theatrical community has become - if you want someone you can count on to be prepared, behave in a professional manner and get the job done - call Olivia! She shone in a supportive role in "Beauty and the Beast" and could sing any harmony note thrown at her while simultaneously dancing or bantering with this or that actor in a scene.
Olivia riveted the audience with straight acting roles in both "Steel Magnolias" and recently in "The Little Foxes." In the latter, she also displayed her talent at the piano, because that was required for the character of Alexandra Giddens. Not only is Olivia reliable on stage, she has helped on numerous occasions behind the scenes as well. In the recent production directed by Tony Ariola of "Ain't Misbehavin," Olivia acted as assistant director, and it seemed she had everyone's music memorized before the show even hit the stage. It was more than evident that she could have stepped in and covered for a cast-member on the day of performance if they'd been felled by the flu or laryngitis. To name all the other instances in which she has assisted would require a very lengthy paragraph. If you saw Gualala Arts's recent production of "Wizard of Oz," you saw how beautifully Olivia inhabited the role of Dorothy. It again became evident what a bright theatrical future this young woman has ahead of her, should she choose that path.
A new journey starts for Olivia very soon. She will be leaving in March to go off to college. But before she goes, Gloria Wood suggested they put her center stage for a musical program to showcase her versatility as a singer/actress. Olivia will be singing songs from musical theatre, and will be accompanied by Gloria at the piano. Please join them at Gualala Arts Center on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. A reception will follow the program for audience members, friends and colleagues of Olivia to send her off with appreciation for all she has contributed to the theatrical life of this wonderful community. Tickets are $10 adults, $5 youth (7 to 17) in advance; $5 more day of performance. Purchase tickets online or by calling 800-838-3006. To purchase in person, visit the Gualala Arts Center or Dolphin Gallery.
The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA, |
Gualala Arts Local Eyes Series will present "It's Olivia!" featuring the well-loved local thespian and singer Olivia Harrison along with piano accompanist Gloria Wood on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.
