Tell our patrons about yourself! I was born on September 30th, in the small town of Chickasha, Oklahoma. As a child, my first dance studio was in my backyard. It was owned and operated by my parents, both musical theatre performers, dance instructors & drama majors! Their love of the theatre was greatly influential; they taught me a balance of technique as well as appreciation for the art. I continued to dance, sing and act throughout high school. I went to college for a musical theatre degree, moved to NYC, and joined Actor’s Equity Association. I returned to Oklahoma in 2005 for, what was meant to be, a short visit. There, I was asked to join the faculty at the University of Oklahoma, teaching dance in the Weizenhoffer Department of Musical Theatre for the 2005-2006 academic school year. In February of 2007 I returned to New York City to further my career.
How did you become involved in theatre? Both of my parents were theatre folks, so from the very beginning, I was always involved. My mother taught dance right up until she had me. Then as a baby, she took me to her dance classes in a portable bassinet. And let’s just say, the minute I could stand, well, I’ve been dancing ever since…
What is it about the theatre that inspires you? The theatre inspires me because I love the thrill of the “right now” that happens onstage. I have a deep admiration for performers who do the same show night after night, but stay open to whatever happens in the moment. Part of the artform of being onstage is working tremendously hard preparing, so as to make everything onstage look effortless. Plus, an audience inspires me. These are people, myself included, who are hungry for art, knowledge, escape, entertainment, who keep coming back for more, and thus, inspiring theatre itself.
Of all the experiences you have had in the theatre world, what has been the one that outshines the rest? I grew up watching Sesame Street, so having the opportunity to play Kira/Clio in XANADU with Alan Maroka directing is absolutely a dream come true!
Tell us about your involvement with Lyric.Personally, I’ve been involved with Lyric Theatre for about 15 years now. (Wow, has it been that long?! I guess time flies when you’re having fun!) However, Lyric has always been a part of my life because my father, Robert Windsor, was in the very first Lyric production of OKLAHOMA! in 1963. He was doing shows with Lyric all through my childhood, and I remember being a little girl going to watch daddy in his shows, and wanting to be up there with him! My dreams came true in 1996, when I did my first Lyric production, which was WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, with my dad! We also had the honors of performing together again on the Lyric stage in the 2007 centennial production of OKLAHOMA!
What should patrons expect out of Xanadu? I have heard the musical, XANADU, described as a “goofy, glitterball of a musical” and I would absolutely agree! XANADU is a complete break from reality, swan-diving into a colorful fantasy world, full of roller skates and legwarmers, funny muses, one ridiculous Australian accent & even visits from Medusa, Cyclops & Cupid!
What are you most excited about when it comes to starring in Xanadu? I love the music of Electric Light Orchestra, and I’m so excited to go to the theatre every night, throw on some roller skates and rock out to ELO for a fun evening of live music & slaphappy comedy! But ultimately, I love the challenge. I haven’t had a role with this much responsibility on the Lyric stage before, so it is truly an honor to attempt something of this measure. XANADU is based on the 1980 cult classic film, of the same name, starring Olivia Newton John, which was, in turn, inspired by the 1947 Rita Hayworth film, Down to Earth. So I figure, if Olivia Newton John and Rita Hayworth can make magic, so can I!
To learn more about Lexi’s career go to her professional website!
