Carmichaels native makes mark in musical theater
A Carmichaels native, who has made her mark in American musical theater, is eager to make a return to her alma mater for a special performance.
Sandy Bainum, a West Virginia University alumna and cabaret star, will celebrate the holiday season and the spirit of giving by returning to Morgantown for the concert, “This Christmas,” at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre at WVU’s Creative Arts Center.
“I’m very excited to come back to Morgantown and WVU, and to be able to bring along some of my talented friends like choreographer/director Karma Camp, musical director Lanny Meyers and producer/director Cindy Oxberry. Karma is a Helen Hayes Award-winning choreographer, and Lanny is a six-time Emmy Award winner, and Cindy is an experienced director with groups like the Washington National Opera. It should be a great experience for the student performers. It’s fun to bring talent along with me to work with the kids at the University,” said Bainum.
The concert will feature a blend of classic Christmas tunes and modern favorites. Proceeds from the concert will go to support scholarships for students in WVU’s new musical theatre program.
“We’re incredibly excited to have a talent of Sandy’s caliber on stage at the Creative Arts Center, and we’re so grateful for her loyalty to WVU and her willingness to do this for our students,” said Paul Kreider, dean of the College of Creative Arts.
After earning a degree in music at WVU – and even serving as homecoming queen – Bainum made the leap to Broadway when she was hired for the chorus of David Merrick’s legendary production of “42nd Street,” first in the National Tour and then on Broadway in the role of Annie.
Since then, she’s established a career appearing in Washington, D.C.’s top theatrical venues in plays and musicals. Her sold out-cabaret shows at the Signature, along with featured roles at the city’s top theatrical venues in shows such as “Gypsy,” “Company,” “Parade,” “Ladies Swing the Blues” and “The Music Man,” have made her one of the city’s most ubiquitous entertainers.
After raising her family, Bainum has been performing in New York, Los Angeles and the D.C. area for well over a decade. She had a role in a recent episode of the CBS hit series “Criminal Minds,” which aired Nov. 18.
Bainum is now playing her dream role, the fabulously eccentric title role of “Mame” at the Riverside Dinner Theater in Fredricksburg, Virginia, co-starring Sally Struthers of “All in the Family” and “Gilmore Girls” fame.
Bainum was injured during rehearsals and had to start the run with a full cast, but she recently got the cast off, and has been able to perform unhindered.
“It’s great to have friends in the business. A designer friend of mine was able to make about nine matching slings for my costumes. But appearing on stage without my cast for the first time was like getting an amazing Christmas present,” Bainum laughed.
It’s not the first time Bainum has given back to her alma mater. Last year at WVU she held a master class for students.
“I came to do a master class last year, and I was a little nervous about it, because I consider myself a struggling working actress. But the students were so open to learning, and we had a great time. I think it’s important for working professionals to come and talk about the realities of a life in the arts and to let students know that you have to work hard,” she said.
For the upcoming performance, the singer, dancer, actress will be joined on stage by students from WVU’s School of Music and School of Theatre & Dance, accompanied by musicians from the WVU Symphony Orchestra and jazz ensembles and triple-threats from the new musical theater program.
“In addition to the scholarship support this concert will create, Sandy is also providing great performing opportunities for our students,” said Kreider.
“They’ll have the chance to sharpen their skills with a seasoned musical-theater professional.”
For tickets and information, call the WVU Box Office at 304-293-SHOW.