Kitty's bound for Broadway, baby! We chat to Kerry Miller, the woman behind this one-woman show. It promises to be lighthearted, entertaining and musical. We find out more!
The show is really about a dream I always had myself, a small-town unlikely middle-aged woman who receives a chance in a lifetime and embarks on it, albeit reluctantly and with fear, a chance to win a spot to perform on Broadway. The show follows Kitty Adler as she does just that. This show is about realizing one’s dreams at any age and has a very encouraging, inspiring message that I believe will relate to people.
Tell us about your show
I have always dreamed of writing a one-woman show with music. When I moved back to the small rural community I grew up in and then took an early retirement, I had a lot of time to let the creative juices start flowing. The show is really about a dream I always had myself, a small-town unlikely middle-aged woman who receives a chance in a lifetime and embarks on it, albeit reluctantly and with fear, a chance to win a spot to perform on Broadway. The show follows Kitty Adler as she does just that. This show is about realizing one’s dreams at any age and has a very encouraging, inspiring message that I believe will relate to people. There are 11 originalsongs combined with monologues that are worked together to create a progressive storyline. It is a lighthearted, entertaining show with great music.
Why did you decide to take your show to Space UK this year?
Space UK offered a traditional intimate theatre setting and centrally located which I felt was a great fit for my show, especially being a first-timer to the Fringe. It was important to me that the Space UK is a well known, tried, tested and true, professional group of venues who I know will help my show be the best it can be.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s festival?
Seeing the whole Festival through a first-timer’s eyes. A first-timer at the Fringe, a first-time writer and presenter of a musical theater show. Just being there and experiencing it all for the first time.
Why Edinburgh? What’s the attraction?
Two attractions really. Firstly, Scotland is the birthplace of my grandfather who I never got to know. Nova Scotians have a special connection and fondness to Scotland because so many can trace their roots back to there. There is a great feeling of nostalgia towards Scotland here in Nova Scotia and after all, Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland. Secondly, once I wrote my show, it was “what to do with the show”? And then it was kind of a “go big or go home” kind of feeling. I might as well see if I can take this show to Edinburgh! Why Not!
What makes your show unique amongst the thousands of others at the festival?
The show is unique because it is all about first times!!
I am a first timer here at the Fringe. I am a first time writer of a play. I am a first time writer of songs. I am for the first time presenting a play, which I have completely produced and created on my own.
I believe this show has a universal message. Realize your dreams.
I really love the fact that my grandfather left Scotland to live in a new land, Nova Scotia, far from his home and made a life for himself there. He brought his musical ability with him which he passed on to his children and grandchildren, even great-grandchildren. We are all very aware of this. In a sense, by coming to Scotland and performing my original music, I am completing the circle my grandfather started. It feels very significant for me. This is perhaps the most unique aspect of all.
What has been the biggest challenge in getting your show ready for Edinburgh?
This is going to sound funny, but there were never really challenges, other than perhaps coming up with the money here and there needed to fund the trip! Things seemed to fall into place quite easily once I made the decision I wanted to do it!
How did you create your show?
I took an idea which was probably always a dream of mine, to perform on Broadway and gradually worked it into a story complete with music. One song, one monologue at a time, starting in May of 2014 and finishing writing the show in February of 2015. I have 30 years experience in community theatre, some theatre and vocal training and this all helped me be aware of what an audience might enjoy. I needed someone to compose the arrangements for my songs. My cousin came on board to do just that. He is a wonderful musician, bagpipes, piano, bass guitar, but also has a great composing ability and works a lot with software recording programs in his music studio. Every time I wrote I song, I would record it, and send it accapella to him via email. He would play around with different instruments and send me back the recorded music digitally. It was wonderful.
What’s the main thing you want to get out of the festival this year?
Mainly just to say that I accomplished it and did the show proud and perhaps see if there is a possibility of making this a regular event! But also network with others, get a feel for how I fit in, in the bigger picture I suppose.
Can you tell us a bit about your company’s background?
I am my company. I am 57. I grew up in rural Nova Scotia. I love folk music, play guitar and accordian, a little bit of fiddle! I spent 30 years off and on in Community Theater in Nova Scotia, British Columbia and Bermuda. I worked for 35 years as an admin assistant mostly for government agencies in the city. I took an early retirement to move home with my parents in the country. I really believe moving back to my “roots” opened up the creative floodgates and allowed “Kitty” to appear.
If your show does well in Edinburgh, what do you want to do with it next?
I would like to take it to more theatres back home in Nova Scotia. I have friends and relatives across the country (Canada) and maybe could take the show to a few cities. I have a few ideas for fundraisers, etc. within the family. There may possibly be an opportunity to do some dinner theatre with it as well. After 20 shows in Edinburgh, it will be a smoother, more polished production and will hopefully be ready to take to larger venues. This show will also hopefully be the beginning of more shows to be written. I already have some ideas and have sketched out some outlines. If the show does well at Edinburgh, perhaps I could bring it back for a 2nd time or even bring a new show. I would love to make this an annual thing!
Show Name: Kitty’s Bound For Broadway
Production Company: n/a individual production – Kerry Miller
Venue: 53 Surgeons Hall
Dates: Aug 7-9, Aug 10-15, Aug 17-22, Aug 24-29 (inclusive) £5 and £7
Times: 1810
Twitter Handle: @KerryMiller58
