Debuting Artists at OpenStage: Elizabeth Baugh
Introducing Elizabeth Baugh as “Greta Ohlsson” in Murder on the Orient Express
OpenStage is home to many incredible artists, some who have worked with the company for years and others who are brand new. This week, we continue our Debuting Artists series to get to know another one of our new company members! As we approach the second show of our 49th season, we are proud to introduce Elizabeth Baugh, making her OpenStage debut in our upcoming production of Murder on the Orient Express! I was able to ask Elizabeth, or ‘Liz,’ a few questions before she takes the stage as “Greta Ohlsson,” a missionary and baby nurse serving as a companion to Princess Dragomiroff. Here is what she had to say:
Tell me about yourself! Where you’re from, your hobbies, past work, fun facts, or anything that comes to mind!
My name is Liz. I grew up in Loveland/Fort Collins but moved to Michigan for a while, and then I moved back in 2015! I love anything to do with the outdoors: hiking, biking, kayaking, etc. I also teach private voice and piano lessons at the Loveland Academy of Music. Fun Fact: I wrote a musical when I was in college.
What made you decide to audition for Murder on the Orient Express? What was the audition like?
I’ve seen a couple of OpenStage shows, and they have always been great; so I’ve been looking forward to possibly being a part of one someday. I saw the opportunity to audition for this show and sent in my resume right away! The audition process was great. It was so encouraging seeing so many talented people all in the same room. There’s a lot of talent in Northern Colorado, so it was a little daunting, but also fun to see everyone give it their best shot at auditions!
How has your experience with OpenStage been so far?
So far, things have been awesome! This is a fantastic example of an ensemble show where you get to work with everyone in the cast the whole time, so it has been a pleasure getting to know my fellow castmates and see how they bring their characters to life. Plus, we’re all a bunch of goofballs, so it keeps things fun!
What is your favorite thing about acting?
I love the connections you make with fellow actors, both on and off stage. Whether you’re in character relating to each other’s actions and emotions, or whether you’re hanging out after a show as yourself, the camaraderie and vulnerability you share as actors is really something special.
What is your favorite show/film that you have ever worked on and why?
There are a lot to choose from, but I think one of my most recent favorites was the musical, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, with The Stampede Troupe in Greeley. The story is so moving, and the music is stunning! Plus the production value and people involved were top-notch!
Do you have any upcoming projects after Murder on the Orient Express?
Not necessarily in the theatre, but check out the acoustic duo I’m a part of with my husband (Phil) called Distant Rivers. We play acoustic covers from various decades and genres all around Northern Colorado, and if I may say so…we’re pretty good. ?
Find us at @distantrivers on Facebook/Instagram.
Come see Liz and the rest of the cast in Murder on the Orient Express, opening October 30th!
Murder on the Orient Express
Directed by Bruce K. Freestone
October 30 – November 27, 2021
It’s 1934. Snow is falling. And the Orient Express is filled to capacity. What starts as a luxurious journey through Europe becomes the scene of a murder in the blink of an eye. Just after midnight, the famous train is stopped in its tracks by a snowdrift. When the isolated passengers discover a man stabbed to death in his room, they quickly become suspects as the one and only detective Hercule Poirot strives to identify the killer before the murderer strikes again. This clever and quick-witted adaptation of Agatha Christie’s famous mystery, will keep you asking, “Whodunit?”
