Reviving Marlene Dietrich
The Actors Studio’s Cindy Marinangel Embodies a Kindred Spirit
I had the privilege of watching Cindy Marinangel perform her one woman show Dietrich at the Triad Theatre. Here’s what Ms. Marinangel disclosed about her process as an actress and embodying Marlene Dietrich:
How extensive was your research of the character? Did you live in or visit Berlin? Did you learn how to shoot a gun or speak German?
A few years back I did spend three weeks sightseeing in Berlin and toured the Marlene Dietrich museum that houses most of her gowns, trunks and personal items. At the time I did not know I would be playing her and would love to go back again.
I was raised in the Midwest and although I am a long practicing vegan, come from a hunting family. I was taught respect for guns very early on and have shot skeet with my great grandfather’s rifle in the backyard as well as hand guns in ranges. I understand the power behind pulling a trigger and cannot imagine ever shooting at anything living.
Where are you from originally….how did you develop such a believable foreign accent?
I was born in Riveredge, New Jersey but from the age of three raised in the Northern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. I am a Chicago Second City Conservatory graduate and spent many years performing nightly in Chicago before moving to Hollywood for over two decades. It has been my dream to live and perform in New York and I finally made it happen a little over two years ago.
So you’re a triple threat…able to sing, dance and act?
I am a member of the Actors Studio. Singing has been a tentative pond I have dipped my toe into in the last few years. I consider myself first a dancer (I adore all forms of ballroom) and then an actor who sings when asked. The cool thing about playing Marlene Dietrich is that she also really wasn’t much of a singer although she was the highest paid entertainer in Las Vegas, sang to thousands of soldiers during the war and recorded many albums. She talked through parts of her songs. So I have an affinity for her style and that has helped me onstage playing her.
What is your daily and nightly beauty regimen?
I believe in sleeping until the body awakens naturally. I maintain an animal free diet- I feel strongly about not supporting the animal death holocaust and in not feeding from the death camps. I seek veggies when I can and take plant based vitamins. Water of course is essential.
How do you stay so slim?
The best and most natural way I have found to maintain my weight has to be in motion as much as possible and to listen for that signal when my stomach is full. That is when I consciously put down my fork and take a moment. And save the rest for a snack later. When I feel like I need to slim down a bit I go out salsa or swing dancing at night and love waking up feeling skinny. I abhor gyms.
How do you prepare before a show…what is your process for becoming Ms. Dietrich?
I always listen to her sing and speak before going onstage and also invite her essence to enter me during a show. The rest of my job is to reveal my own truths through the lines of this play and guide the audience through an emotional ride safely.
The interviews and footage on You Tube have proven invaluable to not only get a feel for her outside of her film roles but also to help have the wig styled that I wear and to guide the make up designed by Karen Kubeck from Los Angeles.
Your first character is a man. How do you transform yourself…what male character do you have in mind that you are emulating?
We have played a lot with the beginning of this new play and this last incarnation did have me enter as a man which was advisor Gary Swanson’s idea. Marlene Dietrich was known to dress in disguise with dowdy coats and big hats and glasses to be able to move among the general public. As this play takes place in 1960 amidst bomb and death threats if she dared to perform, it was decided that as Ms. Dietrich I would slip into the theatre in disguise as a man this time.
Where do you hope this show will end up? We are seeking angel investors to take the play to the next level of a run in New York. Bookings across the country and Europe would also be welcome. Reviews, show information and booking inquiries can be found on the Dietrich website.
The script was written by Willard Manus. Producers include Ms. Marinangel, Errol Rappaport, Paul Sladkus and Lou Martinez. Executive Produced by Jim and Kathy Marinangel and Dr. Judy Kuriansky. Pianist Russell Daisey.