Joy Franz | |
|---|---|
| Born | Maybelle Franz (1941-06-13)June 13, 1941 (age 84) Modesto, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of Missouri-Kansas City |
| Occupations | Theater actress, singer |
Joy Franz (bornMaybelle Franz; June 13, 1941) is an American actress and singer. She’s best known for her stage work, most notably her roles inInto the Woods. She most recently appeared as the Dowager Empress in US National Tour ofAnastasia.[1]
Franz was born Maybelle Franz[2] on June 13, 1941, in Modesto, California.[3] "Joy" became a nickname used by her friends after a restaurateur said that she was "a joy to have around".[2] She eventually took "Joy" as her professional name.[2] A native ofOverland Park, Kansas, she graduated fromShawnee Mission East High School[4] and theUniversity of Missouri-Kansas City (majoring in music).[2] She acted in theStarlight Theatre in Kansas City three summers before she moved to New York.[4]
Franz played Susan in the original 1972West End production ofStephen Sondheim'sCompany, and the role of Cinderella's Stepmother in the original 1987Broadway production of Sondheim'sInto the Woods.[5] (She also understudied the role of the Witch). She was also in the ensemble of the 1965New York City Center production ofGuys and Dolls and understudied the female lead Sarah Brown. She also appeared in the Broadway productions ofA Little Night Music andPippin, and the national tours ofCompany,The Sound of Music,Guys and Dolls, andDamn Yankees.[6]
She reprised her role of Cinderella’s Stepmother inInto the Woods twice. First, in the 1988-90 US Tour,[7] and then again in the 2002 Broadway revival. In the Broadway revival she also played Little Red’s Granny and understudied the role of Jack’s Mother.[8]
She was one of the Street Singers in the world premiere ofLeonard Bernstein'sMass at theJohn F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on September 8, 1971. She currently portrays the role of the Mother inMy Damn Channel's television seriesHorrible People.
