JENNY
HOOFNAGLE

Roughly, when did you work/study/perform with Tina? (years?)

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1995-2004

 

Did you take voice lessons with Tina?

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Yes

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Did you take acting lessons with Tina?

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Yes

 

What is your favorite memory of your time with Tina?

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I am fortunate to say that there are truly too many incredible memories with Tina for me to possibly single out one. Tina has been my friend, my teacher and my family member for 2/3 of my life. I love watching Tina onstage, I love singing with Tina, I love watching Tina sing at a party, I love talking the night away with Tina hearing all about her fabulous experiences in NYC and traveling all around the US on tour and with Summer Stock. I always remember getting to see Tina in NYC in 2019. I always remember how Tina helped me really get my start being a leader in the theater, building my confidence to become a young girl who would go on to follow my dreams in NYC, just as she once did. Because Tina has believed in me, and most of all because Tina has been my very dear and close and wonderful friend for 29 years, I have become the woman I am today. I love you, Tina! Thank you for always being my number 1 fan!

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What was your favorite song that you sang for Tina?

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Somewhere Over the Rainbow

 

Did you perform in any community theater musicals with Tina? If so, which ones?

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Annie, Gypsy, Sound of Music, and *countless* shows directed by Tina over the years

 

At which theaters did you perform for Tina?

 

PLayhouse 1960 & The Crighton Theater​

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What is the most valuable lesson you learned from Tina?

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"Yayyyyyy Bobcats!" Razzle Dazzle 'em. Tenacity. Laughter and love. Friendship. Whenever I think of Tina, I think of her big, beautiful smile and her joy filled laugh. Tina has taught me to never ever ever give up on a dream and to always find the joy, the fun, and the laughter in every moment of life. Tina's huge heart, passion and strength didn't just make an imprint on me, they are woven into the fibers of my being. Tina's love, energy and enthusiasm for life has been a constant presence in my life. I am so lucky that so much of me has been made by watching and knowing and being friends with Tina.

 

What did you go on to do in life/career?

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I live in New York City and still audition for and perform in Musical Theater. I also run my own Pilates and Fitness business in NYC.

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What is your favorite memory of Manny?

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My favorite memory of Manny has always been each and every one of his speeches he stood up and gave us before rehearsals began for one of our shows. He would say how he would push and push and push us throughout the rehearsal process. And we may even feel like he was pushing us so far that we would be worried we might just fall right off the stage. But, we wouldn't fall. We would, on opening night, reach the edge of the stage and fly. Thank you, Manny. I always remember this. And I am forever thankful to you for helping me to fly!

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Is there anything you'd like to say to Tina on the occasion of her retirement?

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Tina, you have singlehandedly touched the lives of hundreds of performers in Houston and beyond. I have never known anyone who has made such an impact in the lives of those around them. Your love for everyone you know and your passion for bringing the magic of the theater to your communities is unmatched. We are all so much greater for knowing you. I am so blessed and grateful that my mom, dad and I have gotten to be counted among your very close inner circle for the greater part of the 29 years we have known each other. You are like a second mother to me and I just love you so very very much. I owe following my dream to you. Thank you.

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Is there anything else you'd like to say?

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I hope your retirement brings you all the happiness in the world.

 

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