Gerri Smith Weagraff is “Old Guard” Summer Stage. Her wonderful portrayals of classic musical theatre characters remain treasured in our memories. From 1977 to 1980, Summer Stage was the only place where Gerri performed. It was where she spent her summers while home from college, and she says it truly served as the foundation for her life onstage and off, developing such qualities as teamwork, commitment, respect, confidence, and much more. Musical theatre has always been a family affair for Gerri, for she has performed on stage with her parents, her husband, and their children. Early in her professional career, she was a radio announcer for local stations in South Jersey and Wilmington, Delaware. Since the mid-80s, Gerri has performed with many Summer Stagers at other theaters in the tri-state area, and she cherishes the bond we all share. While in her fifties and sixties, Gerri found amazing opportunities with the national touring companies of A Fiddler on the Roof and Anastasia. I interviewed her from her hotel room in Jackson, Mississippi, where she is traveling with the national touring company of My Fair Lady. I hope you enjoy our conversation, so come along and have some fun. . .
Gerri’s website www.gerriwegraff.com
Follow Gerri on Instagram @gerriweagraff
We all have stories to tell, and they can be heard here. Welcome to Brave and Strong and True, a podcast that engages Summer Stage alumni of all ages. I’m Bob Falkenstein.
Our music is composed and performed by Neil McGettigan https://neilmcgettiganandtheeleventhhour.bandcamp.com/releases
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If you want to be a guest on Brave and Strong and True, please contact me at braveandstrongandtrue@gmail.com. You must have a desktop or laptop computer running the latest version of the Google Chrome browser. It helps if you have an external microphone and headphones, but Apple earbuds work too; however, BlueTooth ones are not 100% reliable, so see if you can borrow wired ones.
Upper Darby Summer Stage is now in its 49th season of magic. Please visit their website www.udsummerstage.org for information about performances and ticket sales. If you are able to make a donation, please consider it. Summer Stage is now a not-for-profit organization and relies on contributions from good folks like you. Tell them Bob sent you.
Upper Darby Summer Stage is now part of the non-profit organization known as the Upper Darby Arts and Education Foundation. Harry Dietzler is the Executive Director of the UDAEF.
If you are able to support Summer Stage financially, please visit udsummerstage.org to find out more.