Lisa Ramey in acclaimed ‘Aida’ with Simone
By Bill Beene
Of the St. Louis American
“I’m a big deal,” jokes former Muny Kids, the dancer, singer and actress Lisa Ramey, about landing the role of Nehebka in the Muny’s upcoming production of Elton John and Tim Rice’s theatrical treasure “Aida” on June 26.
For 20-year-old, upbeat and humorous Lisa Ramey, the role really is a big deal.
This is her second time actually having a few lines on the country’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. And one of the principals she’ll dialogue with is Simone, the daughter of late, great Nina Simone.
Simone replaced Heather Headley in the title role in the award-winning Broadway production of a love triangle during a Nubian and Egyptian war.
“How often does that happen?” Ramey asked rhetorically, sitting in a Muny boardroom.
“I get to work with her. She’s amazing, and she’s coming here to be my best friend. I’m so excited because she’s a huge, big deal.”
Nehebka, a Nubian slave, is a close friend of Aida in the show.
In her role as a loyal friend to Aida, Ramey has two scenes and two solos, which Ramey is also excited about.
Last year, in her first show as an adult in the Muny’s production of “Showboat,” Ramey sang an a cappella solo.
“That was my big, thing and I didn’t think it would get any better than that,” she said, “but year after year, I keep getting better and better things.”
Things got so much better this year that Ramey had to renege on a couple of roles.
She had to sacrifice a role in Stages St. Louis’s productions of “Cabaret” and “Grease.” Turning those roles down wasn’t easy for Ramey. All isn’t lost, because the talented performer is cast in most of the shows in Stages St. Louis’s summer season.
“Everybody has been very understanding about everything, and I certainly don’t want to burn any bridges,” Ramey said.
She certainly has built bridges in this theatrically rich city.
In addition to performing with Stages St. Louis, where she also teaches classes and just wrapped up a showcase, Ramey previously played in the Black Rep’s “Caroline or Change.”
She recently pulled the curtain on a show at The Sheldon and a recital at the St. Louis Family Church.
A role she landed in the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ “Urinetown: The Musical” is on cue this fall, and so is the Muny’s “White Christmas.”
Being booked from June to December in any city is a local performer’s dream.
And while Ramey’s versatility as dancer, singer and actor vaults her value and chances, she knows the clout of the Muny name.
“This is the top theatre company to work for in St. Louis. Though I think of it as Camp Muny, because I’ve been here for so long,” she said.
“But when you start at the top, you get into so many other things because it’s on your resume. And these other theatre companies – which are just as great to work for – see that.”
Ramey said her decisions to take or turn down roles are based on what’s best for her, her resume and her chances of moving to New York.
But Ramey said she won’t be going to the Big Apple until she gets another call. She’s had one, but it was last-minute and she had prior commitments.
She isn’t jumping at New York, because she says it’s too expensive. The subway has some characters that she’d rather play on stage than commute with. And she isn’t the starving-artist type, willing to miss meals or heat in a cold abode.
Ramey is willing to continue working hard and auditioning. That’s the advice she gives to youngsters.
“Keep auditioning, no matter what – you have to train,” she said. “You can’t just go in and sing – this is much harder. It’s gets so much easier if you have training, so get voice, dance and acting lessons.”
And then, like Ramey, “You get so much more because you’re offering them so much. I tell everybody, do it all while you’re young.”
The Muny opens on June 19 with “The King and I.” June 26 is “Aida;” “The Wizard of Oz” July 6; “Gypsy” July 17; “White Christmas July 24; and “Oliver!” July 31.
For ticket information, call (314) 361-1900 x550 or visit www.muny.org.
