Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
Education: M.F.A. , NYU / TISCH Graduate School of Acting
Select Credits: Frequently appeared as Mary Pembleton in Homicide: Life on the Streets. Other TV credits include Law & Order Svu, Damages, Unforgettable, Law & Order, The Beat, The Jury, Wonderland and various Soap Operas. New York Premiere of Tough Titty by Oni Faida Lampley. Some of her favorite regional theater roles include Quilly in John Henry Redwood's The Old Settler, Berniece in August Wilson's The Piano Lesson, Helena in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Rose in August Wilson's Fences.
Why theater?: I enjoy performing cabaret because of the freedom it allows. I can sing, tell stories, recite poetry and other texts – cut & paste it all together to create a show that is a very personal artistic expression. I love it!
Tell us about Phenomenal Woman: It's an afternoon of music, poetry and storytelling that celebrates phenomenal women - like Ruby Dee, Phoebe Snow and Congresswoman Barbara Lee – who have dared to speak their minds.
What inspired you to create Phenomenal Woman?: The desire to create my own work and perform work that is meaningful to me.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I like theater that is humorous and thought provoking. Some of my kindest, most compassionate and loving friends are extraordinary artists. They inspire me personally and artistically.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Juliet
What’s your favorite show tune?:“Gimme, Gimme” from Thoroughly Modern Millie
What’s your favorite song to sing in the shower?: “I’m The Only One” by Melissa Ehteridge
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Audra McDonald
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: It would be called “Late Bloomer” and the role depicting me would be played by Sophie Okonedo
What show have you recommended to your friends?:Violet. I loved that show.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Eating dark chocolate with almonds
What’s up next?: More cabaret performances, specifics TBD
For more on Ami, visit www.amibrabson.com