DANIEL PENA
DANIEL & TINA
Roughly, when did you work/study/perform with Tina? (years?)
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1987-1992?
Did you take voice lessons with Tina?
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Yes​
What is your favorite memory of your time with Tina?
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​Doing the Children's workshop of Snow White because that was the start of our friendship 😃 But a close second would be A Little Princess. Choosing a favorite memory with Tina and Manny is a real Sophie's Choice because we've had so many fun memories together. I'll also always remember Snow White (the dog), The Throne (toilet), and tassels. Tassels for days. As far as the eye could see. Seriously, I can't believe how lucky I am to have Tina and Manny in my life in my most formative years. I wish them all the best. Thank you Tina and Manny!!!
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What was your favorite song that you sang for Tina?
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You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two :-)
Did you perform in any community theater musicals with Tina? If so, which ones?
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​Several! Sound of Music x2, Mame, Annie, etc
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At which theaters did you perform for Tina?
Playhouse 1960 & The Crighton Theater
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Did you ever go to Jojo's restaurant with Tina and the cast?
No, but I do remember the cast and crew always going to TGI Fridays without reservations for a party of 30 during peak business hours and all of us kids had no concept of the tipping culture. Those poor servers, lol
What is the most valuable lesson you learned from Tina?
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Tina always encouraged me to just be myself and it gave me a tremendous amount of confidence because then I was free to explore a role or a song and make the art more unique from my perspective.
What did you go on to do in life/career?
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I act in movies and do stand up comedy
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What is your favorite memory of Manny?
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The first time we worked together on The Sound of Music because that's when we got to know each other as friends and work together. Before then he was a mysterious man that I saw occasionally while I waited for my singing lessons to begin.
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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 are so wonderfully talented and that you share so much of yourself with people is nothing less than incredible. You have shaped so many new performers into strong, confident artists and cultivated beautiful friendships along the way. You're greater than any star. You, my friend, are a nebula; creating the brightest and most beautiful among us. Thank you for being you. I'm incredibly honored to know you as a friend, a teacher and a co-star. I wish you the best and congratulations on your retirement.
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