With a professional career spanning over 38 years, Vera Mann is one of the most prolific actors and performers The Netherlands and Belgium has known. With a professional career spanning over 38 years, Vera Mann is one of the most prolific actors and performers The Netherlands and Belgium has known. With leading roles ranging from Evita, Éponine in Les Misérable, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Diana, Peter Pan, Donna in Mamma Mia!, Fosca in The Passion, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd, and many more, Vera is a bona fide "Musical Star". The many awards she has won for her work most definitely speak to that. But think twice about using the term "musical star' to describe her, as the all-around performer feels this label carries a connotation that significantly negates the breadth of work a multifaceted actor/ performer is capable of. And this is definitely true of Vera - besides shining in major commercial musicals, she has appeared in scores of smaller musicals, is a celebrated straight play actor, has done TV shows, lent her voice to Fiona in the Flemish version of Shrek, and has headlined concerts accompanied by renowned orchestras like The Metropole Orchestra on many occasions. She also wrote and starred in her one woman show, Goesting - a beautiful, intimate journey through her life. During our candid and open conversation, Vera vulnerably speaks of her youth and what it's like to age in an industry where careers are fleeting, while holding up a sobering mirror to point out where changes need to be made. In true 'Vera fashion' she'll have you laughing throughout, even as she touches on some hard truths that resonate and will stay with you long after the conversation is over. 00:00:00 Sound bites 00:00:51 Introduction Vera Mann 00:02:23 Amsterdam is home 00:05:50 How playing Diana influenced my accent 00:06:40 The story of a girl, a calf, and the love for the piano and Chopin 00:10:52 Music lessons and ballet - a refuge 00:14:10 A difficult childhood 00:18:24 The body keeps the score 00:21:51 Age is just a number… 00:23:40 Studying acting, music, and dance 00:25:01 Labels: musicals vs straight plays 00:29:30 Anecdotes from an incredible repertoire of roles and shows 00:35:10 Never get too comfortable in a role 00:40:57 Being vulnerable 00:46:33 The fear and shame of losing your voice 00:53:07 Appreciating the gift 00:54:51 It's all about people 00:59:22 The solo show 01:08:31 The story behind playing Fosca in The Passion 01:13:36 A new show in the works with Ellen Evers - a comedy about Ageism 01:16:49 A lifetime of experience vs 'Instagram famous' - it's all about marketing 01:21:40 Holding up a mirror to the industry 01:24:37 For the love of art 01:26:54 Talent, perseverance, and a deep love for your craft 01:30:23 A knack for long conversations: the story of Vera and Maruja's reunion after 18 years 01:33:34 Grateful for a privileged and blessed journey 01:35:23 Deep losses and new beginnings 01:39:50 A challenge to the next "Vera and Maruja" duet Follow Vera: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/veramannofficial/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vera-mann/ Follow Maruja: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marujabogaardofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marujabogaardofficial/ https://marujabogaard.com https://marujamusic.com Get in touch: info@marujabogaard.com
