One-woman shows have been a predominant part of Broadway this year. First, Vanessa Redgrave gave a Tony-nominated performance in The Year of Magical Thinking and now Rena Strober's new musical comedy Spaghetti and Matzo Balls helps to prove that these actresses never fail to impress their audiences.
Spaghetti and Matzo Balls is co-written by Rena Strober and her brother Dean, with the musical direction of William Hindin. Strober discusses her life growing up in Middletown, NY, singing at popular Italian Restaurant Rao's, as well as collaborating with Italian tenor Michael Amante. Accompanied on bass and fiddle, Rena performs a mesmerizing version of the Italian operatic pop classic "Con te Partiro."
Other remarkable musical numbers in her set include Billy Joel's "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," and a rendition of the Italian national anthem, which Strober delivers after discussing her experiences in the Ms. Italian-American pageant. Rena also talks about meeting former president Bill Clinton, and her grandmother, Sunny Strober.
Strober opens her heart to the audience and discusses how she overcame one of the biggest events in her life: surviving a shooting at Rao's. She delivers a poignant rendition of Joni Mitchell's "Both Sides Now" in response to the traumatic event. Through great personal strength, as well as the love and support of her family, Strober is living proof of a person who was able to triumph over serious obstacles. Her finale performances of "I Don't Want to Live on the Moon" from the Sesame Street soundtrack, as well as a Yiddish version of Frank Sinatra's "My Way," are real treats for the audience.
Strober's talents are not limited to vocals; she's a true entertainer. She has the presence needed to command the stage and believes in what she is says, making eye contact with the audience, which inevitably loves her in return. Strober's use of sincere storytelling and mellifluous vocals will make you laugh, sing along, and at times, Strober even breaks your heart. Throughout the musical, the theme of her play is always conveyed, illustrating the importance of family values, and although Rena may be a part of two families, she only has one home.
Lauren Cartelli, the stage manager of Spaghetti and Matzo Balls sayid, "Rena's a blast; she's one of the sweetest, most understanding people ever and I wish her show did not have to end after five weeks."
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A Short Bio and Conversation with the star
Rena Strober has been performing since the age of 4. Her parents, along with Steve Martin, Mel Brooks and Madeline Kahn, were her biggest influences in life. She trained privately in high school in Goshen, New York, and she also received vocal training in the Opera Department of Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. Strober made her Broadway debut four years ago in Les Misérables, which she recalls as an "amazing experience, being able to embark on their national tour, as well as playing the hair hag in every show and being an understudy." Strober's proudest moments professionally include singing "God Bless America," a few weeks ago at Shea Stadium during the seventh inning stretch, as well as having her own show (Spaghetti and Matzo Balls) on Broadway. One of the toughest challenges for any actor is not getting the role; however Strober states "that it's never personal, but unfortunately, many people who are turned down for roles take it personally." In an effort to overcome rejection, Strober states that it's important for an individual in being confident in themself, and progress will arise through the continual work on the craft.
When asked why she decided to co-write this play, Strober states that "it was a therapeutic process, and she finally reached a point in her life where she had a story to say." For hopefuls interested in making it in the theater industry, she suggests that "if one has passions in any other fields they should pursue them, unless they are absolutely positive that theater is for them."
Strober's upcoming projects include singing at the Friar's Club, doing readings and voice-overs. She further states that "in an actor's life every day is different; it's hard for actors to plan a vacation." For Strober, "success" is doing what she loves, getting paid for it, being able to support herself, as well as being insured for healthcare, which is difficult in the theater industry.
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