Ann Sanders models the robe. Photo by Jenny Anderson.
"For me, the Legacy Robe represents the connection of a community of artists who choose to come together to tell stories, all with the hope that audiences might leave a little different from when they first entered the theater. The ceremony was even more meaningful to me because there were 21 Broadway debuts celebrating with me. To experience their discipline, talent and kindness daily inspires me and assures me that the future of theatre is strong."
Name: Ann Sanders
Show: The Music Man
Opening Night: February 10, 2022
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Broadway Debut: Beauty and The Beast in 2001
Professional Training: Texas Tech University, Mary and John Gillas, Tim Keller, Craig Carnelia
Year joined Equity: 2001
How I got my Equity card: When I joined the company of Beauty and The Beast I was told I would also get my Equity card! In speaking with my company manager, Randy Meyer, he explained that I might not be able to use the name “Ann Sanders” if someone else had already claimed it in the union, and to start thinking on what I might want my name to be if that were the case. He must have seen the look of concern on my face as I went into rehearsal because he immediately walked over to the Equity building and secured my name for me. By the time I got out of rehearsal it was all done! It is a gesture I will never forget. Fifteen years later, I was able to reconnect with Randy (then the general manager for Frozen). This is a small example of the kind of people, the community, that is live theatre.
Broadway Chorus credits: Beauty and The Beast, Avenue Q, Leap of Faith, If/Then, The King and I, Frozen
Fun Fact:
When I got engaged, my beautiful, hilarious Korean mother told my soon-to-be husband that it was a Korean tradition for the groom to eat a fish head kimchee wrap before marrying.
This is not a tradition.
I miss her.
Sanders blesses her company with the Robe. Photo by Jenny Anderson.
Sanders and colleagues pose with the many, many Music Man cast members making their Broadway debuts! Photo by Jenny Anderson.
Sanders with Hugh Jackman. Photo by Ronnie S. Bowman.
