In today’s world of “girls will be boys and boys will be girls” comes an original one-woman musical which reveals the life of Hollywood’s first superstar…Greta Garbo. Considered by many the greatest film actress of all time her image was that of androgynous glamour, mystery, and her desire to be left alone. Many years ahead of her time this highly visible lesbian/bi-sexual actress was forced to go underground with her sexuality to exist…and to preserve her image on the screen.
A clown off screen, this star of Grand Hotel, Camille, and Ninotchka tired of the struggle for good scripts. Her beauty beginning to fade she retired from the screen in 1941 at age 35 and eventually became a recluse in Manhattan. But her struggle with her conflicted sexuality continued as her world wide fame as a “goddess” of the screen weighed heavily on her ability to have a meaningful, lasting relationship. Nicknamed the “Swedish Sphinx” during the 1930’s, this bipolar, androgynous cut up was pursued by many during her lifetime. Two of her obsessed long-term lovers are also major characters in this one-woman musical: the Spanish American poet, playwright, screenwriter, adamant lesbian of her day, Mercedes de Acosta; and the acid-tongued, witty, gay/bi-sexual British theatrical designer and photographer to the stars, Cecil Beaton. Both lovers ultimately betray this lonely screen goddess by publishing their memoirs which reveal their intimate relationship with The Garbo. But Greta shows her true colors as a Viking and musters the intestinal fortitude to make sense of her life and soldier on. Set in the 1970s but very relevant to today’s world, this titillating menage, all brilliantly portrayed by the creator Jillann Gabrielle, teaches us the lesson that we are all one under the skin. Thirteen cleaver, witty songs and humorous monologues make this one-woman musical fun, compelling, and thought provoking. A MUST BOOK for those who want to educate millennials on the lives of individuals involved in the “unofficial,” underground LGBT movement during the 20th Century.
MUSICAL THEATER WORKSHOPS and MASTERCLASSES
A lifelong performer/educator/producer and musical theater/cabaret specialist, Jill has always had parallel careers as instructor and performer. 34 years as one of the leading voice/acting/ voiceover coaches in the U.S, one of her specialties is workshops and masterclasses tailored to your school’s needs. A comprehensive approach, she loves sharing her high level of skill as a singer/actor with students of all levels. Jill is also a life coach and helps her students with energy and focus techniques enabling them to succeed on stage and off.
-Song selection/interpretation
-Character interpretation
-Diction
-Vocal technique
-Acting technique
-Fusing your vocal and acting techniques for spectacular musical theater performance and auditions
-Appropriate movement
-Getting and staying centered/relaxation
-Clearing your mind/concentration
-Developing confidence and charisma
-Rehearsal technique
-Audition and monologue technique
-Staying healthy: the singer’s diet
708-829-5050
Jillann Gabrielle is a highly skilled cabaret and musical theatre singer, actress, comedienne, host/MC, creator/writer/producer, and a vocal/acting/voice over instructor. She recently has created two original one-woman musicals as vehicles for her talents: Hedda! A Musical Conversation on Hedda Hopper, the gossip columnist in the hats from Hollywood’s Golden Age; and The Garbo the Musical on Greta Garbo, the legendary and enigmatic Swedish film star. She markets them to theaters, colleges, and acting schools and produces special lunch/show performances for seniors across the Midwest. Jill also has a completed screenplay on Frederick the Great and the three Bachs which she is preparing to sell in 2016.
Jill created Paradise Productions (theatrical division) in 1989 and produced showcases for her students and starred in critically acclaimed musical theater productions across the greater Chicago area. Altogether she has appeared in 35 leading roles in musicals and comedy/drama.
Jillann has a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance, cum laude, from Dominican University; three years toward her Masters of Music in Voice from Indiana University; Meisner technique at The Actor’s Center; on-camera technique with casting director, Janet Louer; voice-over instruction with James Andelin; improvisational acting at Chicago’s famed Player’s Workshop of Second City. Jillann has appeared on the stage with numerous Broadway, cabaret, TV and film stars.
Click here to view entire The Garbo website including a full treatment, score,
and full bio of Jillann Gabrielle
708-829-5050