5 Questions for Stepsister Joy
Monique Soleil is a ray of sunshine
Although no stranger to the stage, this is Monique's first foray with VOS Theatre and we couldn't be luckier to have her taking on the hilarious role of Step-sister Joy, sharing the stage with co-step-sister Grace, played by Lorol Avery. They make a formidable duo of daffy siblings. We are "over-Joyed" that she is now answering our 5 questions.
Joy and Grace, Anastasia and Drizella, Marguerite and Jacqueline, Brianna and Gabriella. There are so many renditions of this classic fairytale and these are just four sets of names for this iconic duo! I have always wanted to play a comedic character and the stepsisters are probably two of the most memorable and unintentionally funny ones to exist. The banter between them and the ridiculousness of it all make it next to impossible to not laugh during rehearsals. Plus we get to sing the incredible ‘Stepsisters Lament’! What could be better than that?
2) What is your “dream” role for a show yet to come?
There are so many incredible roles to choose from that it would be hard to pick just one! Top three would have to be Sophie Sheridan from Mamma Mia, Sue Snell from Carrie and Anna from Frozen. Honourable mention goes to Clara from The Light in the Piazza.
3) How do you compare to Joy? i.e. what characteristics do you share and/or not share?
Similar to Joy, I’m quite mean. JUST KIDDING!! I think Joy and I are the same where it matters and that is in the fierce love she has for her sister (even though it’s not always shown in this show). I admire the fact that she is carefree when it comes to others' opinions of her and just tries to appreciate life her own way. Whether that’s snorting in front of the prince or tripping up the steps in front of the king and queen. I’m also quite clumsy so there’s another way we’re the same!
4) You obviously love performing, when did you realize that?
In 2014 my parents took me to see Crazy For You at the Stratford Festival, although not my first time seeing a show, it was the first time I left feeling truly moved. The elaborate costumes and set pieces, the physical comedy and the music! I remember sitting there and being hit with this realization that this was something people did and was something that I could do. We bought the soundtrack in the gift shop and I spent the whole summer listening to it. I saw it for a second time in 2016 before going to school for musical theatre.
5) What kind of training have you done or are still doing? (i.e. vocal lessons, dance, workouts, etc)
I attended Sheridan College from 2016-2017 for their Performing Arts Preparation Program which introduced me to the Musical Theatre Program at St. Lawrence College in Brockville which I attended from 2017-2020. While there I was trained in ballet, tap and jazz as well as a variety of musical theatre style dances. Voice lessons and acting/scene study courses were a weekly occurrence and ranged anywhere from golden age to contemporary and Shakespearean to Mean Girls. Both of these programs helped me to become a more well-rounded performer.
Thanks Monique. We are so looking forward to your step-sister antics on stage in Cinderella.
VOS Theatre's production of CINDERELLA is coming to Victoria Hall in Cobourg starting April 24. Get your tickets by clicking here: CINDERELLA Tickets
or in person at the Victoria Hall Box Office, Monday to Friday 8:30AM to 4:30PM or call 1-855-372-2210