by Marcy Horst

Halane and Diana performing the crowd-pleasing improvisation of “An Interview with Mrs. Claus” in the December variety show.  Grease Paint editor Marcy Horst recently caught up with the sisters on-line.

What was your first theatre experience?

Halane:  My first theatre experience was in high school. We did "Oliver!" and I played the Artful Dodger.  I was also Mama in "Bye Bye Birdie", Lucy in "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown" and Jessica in "Murder on Center Stage."
Diana:  My first acting experience came in 5th grade when I had a sizable part in our school's Christmas pageant.  I also learned at this time the importance of keeping your legs together while on stage!!!

How did you become involved with ACT I?

Halane:  I became involved in ACT I when a production that Diana was in needed a fast replacement. That was as Trixie in "The Broadway Melody Murder Mystery" (or whatever it was, I can never remember the real name). From there I was hooked.
Diana: My first ACT I experience was with “The Foreigner.”

What was your favorite role?

Halane:  My favorite would have to be Mama in "Bye Bye Birdie.”  I loved the over-the-top character!
Diana:  My favorite would probably be the same “Foreigner,” because it was fun being at the Old Creamery in Garrison, thinking about all of those who had also been on that stage.  Also because it was a fun cast to work with.  Boardwalk Mystery was also a fun one because of Sisters Ron and Halane (it was the first time working with her).

What do you do in your real life?

Halane:  In my real life I'm a high school teacher at Center Point-Urbana. I teach health and career planning. Before that I was a camp director for Camp Hitaga. My hobbies include reading, gardening, canning and camping.
Diana: I teach k-4 physical education and health at Center Point-Urbana.  Besides plays and movies, I love to read, play golf, and just plain loaf with my family.  (Notice nowhere does it say anything about cooking and cleaning!!)

Family?

Halane:  Currently my husband Phil and our dog, Ding. We are expecting our first child in September.
Diana:  I have two older, married step children, Ron and Deb, plus my daughter Carrie who is a sophomore at Kirkwood and James a Jr. at CPU. Can't forget my biggest kid, my husband Marion who works at Rockwell.

What future show would you most like to be involved in?

Halane:  I would love to be Mama Rose in "Gypsy." She's another pushy mama type. I seem to be drawn to those characters that are larger than life. I can't see myself playing a Julie Andrews type. I saw "Rent" last year and would love to be involved; I just don't think Vinton will ever be ready for it.
Diana:  The show I would love to do??? Is Vinton ready for Hair??? Probably not, so I would have to say a musical comedy where it wouldn't matter that I can't sing, even though I love to.

Do you enjoy working with each other?

Halane:  Do I enjoy working with Diana? What did she say? I guess it's OK. A person has to be careful, though. Did you ever see the movie "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?"  Crazy sister keeps much more talented sister (me) locked away because of jealousy. (Just kidding)
Diana:  Working with Halane?? What can I say but she had to learn her acting talent from someone and I have been acting as the big sister for years. In reality, I actually think it’s a little harder because she will yell at me if I mess up or give her the wrong cue where everyone else is nice and understanding!!!!

Update:

Since the publication of this article over two years ago, each of the sisters has been back on the Palace Theatre stage for more!  Halane, after the birth of twin girls, gave us a delightful interpretation of Domina in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, and Diana was back recently for Matron in It Runs in the Family!

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