ANDREA MARTIN IS coming full circle. After starting out in Toronto theatre and joining the cast of SCTV and Second City, Martin hit it big in films and on Broadway south of the border. During a time of reflection, it occurred to her that Toronto is where she was happiest.
Here, her two sons were born. Here, her career blossomed and she established friendships she cherishes to this day. And here, she returns to star in the new production of Love, Loss and What I Wore, a smash off-Broadway hit opening on July 16 (lovelossonstage.ca).
Tell me about this new production Love, Loss and What I Wore?
It is a collection of stories by women, reminiscences about how clothes and the memories of the clothes that they wore can tell stories about their lives.…It is humorous, poignant.
Sounds like the theatrical equivalent of a chick flick.
Men like it, too. They put on pants, come on!
How many times have you seen a man in the audience?
I’ve seen a couple, some good-natured fellas dragged along by their wives. But honestly, it is very entertaining to see wonderful actors up there bringing these stories to life.The actual acting is pure entertainment, and it really crosses both sexes.
The production of Godspell in Toronto you did along with Eugene Levy, Martin Short and so many other future stars you mentioned. Did you ever look at each other, and say, “Man, we are going places”?
No, at least I didn’t. I was just thinking, “What’s my job today?” and that I hope I get another job.Today, I don’t know, actors starting out with huge ambitions and goals.…We were just happy to get an audition, to perform and have fun. But it was a fabulous experience, and the proof is that they are all my close friends today, friends, relatives, family.
With that production, along with SCTV and Second City, you became an honorary Canadian. Do you still get back here?
Actually, I bought a little house in High Park.…That’s a huge reason why I’m doing the play. I’ve wanted to come back and spend some time there in my house; come back to my roots, to be honest with you; come full circle.The happiest times in my career, honestly, were starting out in Toronto, doing Theatre in the Dell, all the regional theatres, Godspell.
