SARASOTA – Broadway actress Maria Wirries, who entertained Anna Maria Island audiences as a child performer, will perform with the Sarasota Orchestra in “My Favorite Things” in three shows March 6-7 at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.
The 22-year-old Haitian-American singer, dancer, actor, musician, composer and competitive figure skater won the Island’s Got Talent contest at the Sandbar restaurant in Anna Maria in 2009 at age 12 with her renditions of “Blue Bayou” and “New York, New York.”
After graduating from the musical theatre program at Penn State University, Wirries joined a two-year national tour as part of the cast of the Tony Award-winning musical, “Dear Evan Hansen.” She is an understudy in two roles: Zoe Murphy, the title character’s love interest, and his school friend, Alana Beck.
On a break from the tour, Wirries will star in “My Favorite Things,” featuring songs from The Sound of Music, Mamma Mia!, Les Misérables and more with the Center Stage Singers and the Sarasota Orchestra under the direction of Principal Pops Conductor Andrew Lane.
Wirries has previously performed with the Sarasota Orchestra in its Masterworks and Pops Concert Series, and with the Sarasota Orchestra Jazz Ensemble, and the Sarasota-based Jacobites Pipe and Drum Band.
“I’m a complete sucker for traditional musical theater songs,” Wirries said. “I jumped at them immediately.”
In her current tour, Wirries has participated in 560 shows in 38 cities.
“I didn’t realize that not every city is as fortunate to be surrounded by generous people who love and support the arts as Sarasota,” Wirries said. “Growing up, I was surrounded by it. We have the arts, along with the beach and good weather. We are so lucky.”
