Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

Jamibeth Margolis Interview by Jen Bush

Jamibeth Margolis is a NYC based director and casting director.  Her prolific credits include working in prestigious theatres and opera houses across the U.S.A.  She had the distinction of working with Jerry Zaks on Broadway and at the Lincoln Center Theatre.  Her latest directorial endeavor is Bonjour Mon Amour the Musical.  We had a chance to chat with Ms. Margolis about her work and this very exciting production.

Ms. Margolis enjoys her work and what she can contribute to a production behind the scenes.  “I am a director and a casting director.  I love how these two creative positions inform each other and help a show merge into a seamless whole.”

Ms. Margolis’s creative process relies heavily upon collaboration.  She finds great value in working with the vast array of talent that brings a production to fruition.  “I love directing new work.  As a director, I thrive on collaboration and being a part of the development process.  I love meeting with the writer(s) and learning more about the characters and helping to shape the story through staging.  I love working with actors and musical directors and the creative team.   New works take a village.”

Ms. Margolis would like for the audience to be both entertained and have a thought-provoking experience.  “I want this show to entertain with a fantastic score and a serio-comic book.  But, I also want this show to provide a lens through which every audience member is able to see a version of themselves and cause them to be introspective and find ways to be a better person.  We can all relate to a trait in every one of these characters.”

Working on this production gave Ms. Margolis a deeper and more positive perspective on the relationships in her life.  “This show reminds me to seize the moment and to enjoy the friends and partners that are such a crucial part of life.  Do not take good things for granted as they can be gone in a moment.”

Ms. Margolis is hoping that audiences say oui oui to Bonjour Mon Amour the Musical so that it can continuer!  Next is lots more casting and directing and hopefully next steps for BONJOUR MON AMOUR.