Tamyra Gray and Kara Mikula in Sister Act at Pittsburgh CLO , Summer 2022 ; Photo by Matt Polk
“ But Pittsburgh has some of the best doctors in the world and I was in good hands . Even though I started at Point Park in August of 2002 wearing an eye patch — with zero facial expression — I got better , was able to ditch the eye patch , quickly excelled as one of the top talents of my class and ended up being one of two freshmen cast in the summer shows at the Pittsburgh Playhouse that year . My myasthenia gravis is now extremely stable , and no one would ever even know that I have it . I still do aggressive immunotherapy treatments to keep everything in check . It ’ s just a part of my life now .”
Mikula has worked off-Broadway three times , all at the same theater , with the same director — Classic Stage Company and her favorite person to work with , John Doyle . “ The man is a dream . He ’ s a genius and it is an honor to be a player in his rehearsal room ,” she says . “ I am so grateful to have worked with him , three times , and even better to call him my friend . He is the inventor of the actor-muso form , and it is a gift to work with him .”
Mikula has been involved in lots of developmental work , including various workshops , readings and more , on new musicals with hopes of getting to Broadway . She has worked at 15 regional theaters across the country and will be adding two more to the list this summer !
Recently , she was seen in the off-Broadway production of “ A Man of No Importance ,” starring Jim Parsons and a star-studded cast . “‘ A Man of No Importance ’ was truly one of those magical theatrical experiences that you are lucky to have once in a lifetime . The cast was incredible , the process was amazing , the piece was beautiful and extremely relevant , and the music — oh , the music — just glorious . I loved going to work every day , if you can call it work !” she says .
Mikula was one of four actor-musicians in the cast . In addition to playing the entire score from memory , she had her acting / singing parts as well .
Unfortunately , the cast members were disappointed when they found out that “ A Man of No Importance ” would not be transferring to Broadway . After creating such a special bond with so many , Mikula was in a bit of a post-show slump but now looks forward to new endeavors this summer . She will be playing Alice in “ The Addams Family ” at Arrow Rock Lyceum in June and then heads to Vermont to do “ Singing in The Rain ” with Weston Theatre Company in July and August . n
Kara Mikula ’ s Theater Credits to Date
Off-Broadway : A Man of No Importance ( Mrs . Curtin / Violin / Accordion / Percussion ) at Classic Stage Company , directed by John Doyle ; The Cradle Will Rock ( Sister Mister / Professor Trixie / Pianist ) at Classic Stage Company , directed by John Doyle ; Allegro ( understudied 6 actors / musicians and performed Marjorie ) at Classic Stage Company , also directed by John Doyle .
Film : Blue ’ s Big City Adventure ( Accordion Audition Person ).
National Tours : Irving Berlin ’ s White Christmas ( Mrs . Snoring Man ; understudied and performed Martha Watson ), directed and choreographed by Randy Skinner .
Developmental Work : The Goree All-Girl String Band ( Bonnie / Violin ), directed by Ashley Brooke Monroe ; The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas ( Miss Mona ’ s Girl ), directed by Sarna Lapine ; Les Belles ( Mlle . Rheauna Bibeau ), a new musical by Neil Bartram and Brian Hill , directed by Sarna Lapine ; Fancy – A New Musical ( Fiddle Player / Ensemble ), directed and choreographed by Denis Jones ; The SpongeBob Musical ( Mrs . Puff / Ensemble ), directed by Tina Landau .
Regional : Actors Theatre of Louisville ( A Christmas Carol 2019 ); Alabama Shakespeare Festival ( Annie ); Arizona Theatre Company ( Man of La Mancha , The Music Man ): Bay Street Theater ( Annie Get Your Gun ); Capital Repertory Theatre ( A Christmas Story – the Musical , Mamma Mia !); The Gateway Playhouse ( Grease ); KC Starlight ( The Music Man , Sister Act ); Milwaukee Repertory Theatre ( My Way ); Ogunquit Playhouse ( Seven Brides for Seven Brothers , Heartbreak Hotel ); Paper Mill Playhouse ( Sister Act ); Pittsburgh CLO ( Sister Act , Oliver , The Sound of Music , Sunset Blvd , Fiddler on the Roof , Annie , Judge Jackie Justice , Ruthless – The Musical ); The REV Theatre Company ( Buddy Holly ); Riverside Theatre ( Funny Girl , Hello Dolly !); Virginia Stage Company ( A Merry Little Christmas Carol ); Surflight Theatre ( The Boys from Syracuse , Grease , Annie Get Your Gun ).
Eddie Cooper and Kara Mikula in The Cradle Will Rock at Classic Stage Company ; photo courtesy of The New York Times
UPPER ST . CLAIR | SUMMER 2023 19