Gina Shmukler
(****-****). Child actress. Performed in Annie (as “Molly” for Brickhill/Burke), Follow that Rainbow (As “Raisin”). (SACD 1980/81)
(19*-) Actress and director. * Studied for B.A. Honors in Dramatic Art, University of the Witwatersrand. Did other voice, theatre and music courses overseas. She starred in Grease at the Alexander in 1992. She starred in Kevin Feather’s The Doowah Girls at the Richard Haines in 1993. She starred in Janice Honeyman’s production of Hair at the Civic in 1994. Master Class (Mark Graham), Love; Crime; Johannesburg (Malcolm Purkey), The Rocky Horrror Show (Colin Law), Grease (Fred Abrahamse), Hair (Janice Honeyman), *In 2001 she moved to New York, working extensively in theatre, film anmd TV there. Occasionally returned to do work in South Africa, including ** * Also starred in the local movie ***** Award winning Actress Gina Shmukler has recently played the role of Florence Vassy in Chess for which she received both a Fleur Du Cap Nomination and a Naledi Award. Internationally, she has toured in Paul Warrick Griffin's 'Jesus Christ Superstar' as Mary Magdalene, performing in both South Korea and Athens. In the USA and Asia she performed in Oscar Winner Sam Mendes' revival of Cabaret (Fraulein Kost & Sally Bowles understudy) and most recently toured Sweden with Cape Town Opera's Showboat as Julie. In New York, she has worked extensively with Tony Award Nominee, Elizabeth Swados, on Judith, Missionaries, Yerma, Journey To Benares and The Violence Project. Other USA highlights include: Salt Chocolate (at Duke on 42nd), Murder (at PS 122), Hidden Voices (at Minetta Lane) directed by Tony Award winner Terence Mann, Anyone Can Whistle as Fay Apple, Secret Garden as Martha, Mame as Sally Cato, and On The Town as Madam Dilly. Also in New York, Gina played the role of Amina in the Award winning independent film, Arranged. In SOUTH AFRICA, Gina was awarded the National Theatre Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Master Class as Sophie de Palma, Best Performance in a Musical for Blues Brothers and a nomination for Love, Crime, Johannesburg in which she created the role of Lulu. She also received the Award for Best Newcomer for her role as Sinbad in Sinbad's African Adventures. Her one-woman show Silk Ties was performed throughout South Africa as well as Namibia and Toronto earning nominations for Best Script and Best Director. Prior to her departure to the USA, Gina was privileged to share the stage with Elaine Paige in her concert in Sun City singing the duet I Know Him So Well. For stage, Gina has Directed iNje, Callback, Lost in the Stars ,Killer Queen and the Market Theatre's , Brer Rabbit. Gina has also directed many corporates including SAB ,Old Mutual and Unilever.
Sources
Tucker, 1997
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