KRISTI JOHNSON
Kristi & TINA
Roughly, when did you work/study/perform with Tina? (years?)
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1985-2000
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Did you take acting lessons with Tina?
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Yes
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Were you in one of Tina's performing groups?
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Yes, Starmakers & Showstoppers
What is your favorite memory of your time with Tina?
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I have so many incredible memories of time spent with Tina that I cannot pick a single one. We have so many relationships that I cherish-mentor/ student, colleague, and most importantly friends. Watching her work with so many of us over the years, I was in awe of her level of respect for everyone she worked with. Her love, support, belief, and dedication were evident each and every day. Memories that I hold in my heart include belting out "How great Thou art" in the car driving to Conroe; "There are HOW MANY munchkins?!"; late night Whataburger visits; and all the dressing room giggles.
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What was your favorite song that you sang for Tina?
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Summertime
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Did you perform in any community theater musicals with Tina? If so, which ones?
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Annie, Gypsy, Holiday Specials, and so many others
At which theaters did you perform for Tina?
Cypress Creek Christian Community Center, Tina's Studio in Popolo Village, Tina's Studio in Greenwood Forrest, Playhouse 1960, & The Criton Theater
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Did you ever go to Jojo's restaurant after the shows?
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Yes
Do you have a fun/funny memory from Jojo's?
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​Performing "It's not where you start, it's where you finish" in and around all of the tables.​
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What is the most valuable lesson you learned from Tina?
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To be brave. Tina always presented the next challenge as simply the next step she knew you could accomplish. Never done it before-didn't matter. Never thought you could-didn't matter. Tina believed you could, so you simply did.
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What did you go on to do in life/career?
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I am lucky to have been able to work in the theater while remaining mainly in Houston with my family. My career has zigged and zagged throughout roles in theater from Opera Stage Manager to Symphony Director of Operations and Production and currently the Moores Opera House Manager.​
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What is your favorite memory of Manny?
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Working with Manny as his assistant director for Gypsy at both the Crighton Theater and Playhouse 1960 was one of the best experiences of my life. His love, support, and trust in my efforts were beyond description.
Is there anything you'd like to say to Tina on the occasion of her retirement?
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You are one of the most amazing people I have ever known. Through your performing, teaching and directing, you touched the lives of countless people, showing them how dreams come true. The lessons you taught us all reached beyond how to sing, act, dance, and perform. You taught us all to stretch beyond our comfort zones into the realms we wanted to inhabit. You demonstrated how to stand strong, put in the work, add a little "razzle-dazzle", and dare to dream.
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Is there anything else you'd like to say?
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I would not be the person I am today without your love, joy, support, and belief in me. My life path has been rooted in the lessons you taught me. I love you more than I can say!​​