In the world of theater, some stories are so captivating that they seem to write themselves. Such is the case with Natalie Eickhoff-Newberry, a local thespian whose life has been intertwined with the stage from the very beginning.
Theatrical Destiny
Natalie's journey into the world of theater is nothing short of extraordinary. Quite literally, she made her debut as a fetus, performing in her mother's belly during a 1990 production of "Cabaret." Fast forward nearly three decades, and fate brought Natalie and her husband together during another production of the same show, directed by none other than the director from her mother's performance.
This serendipitous meet-cute feels like a scene straight out of a play, a testament to the magnetic pull that theater has on Natalie's life. As she puts it, "I've never not known theater." Growing up in Jefferson City, with parents deeply involved in community theater, Natalie's childhood was immersed in the world of the stage.
A Second Home
For Natalie, the theater was more than just a family tradition; it was a second home. She fondly remembers accompanying her mother to rehearsals and getting involved with local theater legend Wyn Riley's A Children's Theatrical Performing Arts Core. As she grew older, the impact of the stage became increasingly profound.
The feeling of singing, dancing, and acting on stage was transformative. Natalie describes it as a sense of transcendence, a chance to be someone else and tell stories that resonated with audiences. "It was just really fun to be able to create a character and share that with others," she says.
Emotional Exploration
Theater provided Natalie with a unique avenue to explore and express human emotions. While some may view it as escapism, Natalie sees it as a deeper connection to her own experiences. "A lot of characters require you to draw from real-life emotions," she explains. "It's about baring your soul and using those experiences to bring a character to life."
Singing, her first passion, merged seamlessly with acting and dancing, creating a fulfilling artistic experience. Performing, whether on stage or at home with her family, was where Natalie felt most at ease.
A Shift in Focus
As Natalie entered college at Missouri State University to study theater, her passion evolved. She discovered a new love for directing, a role that allowed her to be the "puppet master." Directing gave her the opportunity to lay the foundation for a show, crafting it piece by piece, and touching every aspect of the production.
"It's not just about the acting," Natalie says. "I started with singing and dancing, then moved to leads, and eventually found my niche in directing. It allows me to create in a different way."
Natalie's directorial debut came more than a decade ago at The Little Theatre of Jefferson City (TLTJC), making her one of the theater's youngest directors at the time. Today, she serves as the assistant director and assistant music director for Itsy Bitsy Broadway's "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown."
A Lifelong Love Affair
Natalie's story is a beautiful reminder of the power of theater to shape lives. From her fetal debut to her current role as a director, her journey is a testament to the enduring appeal of the stage. As she continues to create worlds on and off-stage, Natalie's love for theater remains unwavering.
In my opinion, Natalie's story highlights the transformative nature of the arts. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most captivating stories are the ones that write themselves, guided by a force as mysterious as it is powerful.
