SARA PREISLER

SARA & TINA

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

I started in 2012 and have been with her ever since. Manny and Tina are basically like my grandparents.

Did you take voice lessons with Tina?

Yes

Did you take acting lessons with Tina?

Yes

What is your favorite memory of your time with Tina?

I have way too many to count. Tina has set me up on blind dates, told me all the gifts she wanted manny to get her and how I should plant the seeds, and of course are bling battles. I also threw her surprise birthday party at Playhouse 1960 and seeing all the people come and have the true Tina experience was great!

What was your favorite song that you sang for Tina?

I think I’m going to take it back to the first one. When she cast me and Isaiah as Penny and Seaweed in Hairspray.

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

Oh goodness: Hairspray, Legally Blonde, she helped with Manny’s My Fair Lady and Hello Dolly. Then was her whatever she needed tech director: Mary Poppins, Spamalot, Into the Woods, Whodunnit.

At which theaters did you perform for Tina?

The Crighton Theater

What is the most valuable lesson you learned from Tina?

To have confidence in myself. Tina was one of the most outspoken and fearless woman I’ve ever met. And to not let people take advantage of me.

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

I own a National talent agency and I am now Artistic Director for Stage Right of Texas.

What is your favorite memory of Manny?

Oh Pita. I have to many to count. He made me his leading lady for many years and I will always be forever grateful. I would say our morning coffee meetings or coming over to the house when I was having boyfriend troubles.

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

I truly have so many photos to dig up of this wonderful woman. I have past videos of her performing as well somewhere. So if you would love to contact me I can send them all in chunks. Ironically, I also believe in little signs after someone has passed that we receive from loved ones. Since her passing: during beauty and the beast I have received pink roses every night since.