The Voice - The Official Linda Eder Newsletter

Linda's fans consider themselves blessed for so many reasons. Her incredible voice has given the fans countless hours of enjoyment in concerts and on her CDs. Her accomplishments as an actress, first in JEKYLL & HYDE and most recently in CAMILLE CLAUDEL, have amazed and thrilled everyone. One of the greatest gifts Linda continuously gives to her fans is her kindness. She truly cares about her fans and has a connection with them that is rare in the entertainment business. Linda has generously taken the time to give us a glimpse into her life and career, and most especially, to tell the fans about her experience playing the role of Camille Claudel, in an interview with THE VOICE.

VOICE: We know you spent so much time immersing yourself in Camille's life and art long before the world premiere in Chester, Connecticut last summer. As you were preparing for the role of Camille Claudel, did you have the opportunity to see any of her works of art in person?

LINDA: I did not know of Camille when I was last in France, so I have never seen her works in person. I plan to remedy that one day.

VOICE: Do you have a favorite work by Camille Claudel?

LINDA: My favorite Camille works are CLOTHO and THE LITTLE CHATELAINE… reminds me of Jake.

VOICE: What was your favorite thing you learned about Camille Claudel and how did you use what you learned to play her character on stage?

LINDA: That she had a sense of humor… a sarcastic sense of humor… love that!

VOICE: That sarcastic sense of humor was evident in your voice and facial expressions every time you mentioned the name “Rose” during the show.

LINDA: (laughs)

VOICE: Opening Night was an experience every person who was there will never forget. What were you thinking when you walked into The Norma Terris Theatre that night and saw all the flowers you had received?

LINDA: I thought they surely dressed up the lobby of the theatre. Thank you everyone!!!

VOICE: What is your favorite song from CAMILLE CLAUDEL? With such a wonderful score, is it even possible to pick one?

LINDA: I'll actually pick two… “Gold” and “What's Wrong With Wanting More”… love that one.

VOICE: Was there any song that was more vocally challenging than the others?

LINDA: For me the vocal challenge is just belting out the score eight times a week.

VOICE: Your female fans want to know what it was like kissing Michael Nouri.

LINDA: Great! He's an old pro!

VOICE: Your relationship with your on-stage father, Milo O'Shea, was so touching and sincere. Did he in any way remind you of your own father?

LINDA: He has dignity and that reminded me of my father. I loved Milo.

VOICE: How challenging did you find it having to adapt to numerous changes in the script, musical numbers and staging?

LINDA: I'm a fairly quick study so I didn't mind it. I was all for anything that made the show better.

VOICE: Your performance was so stirring that it moved many audience members to tears on a nightly basis. How hard was it for you to keep your own emotions in character, given the strong reaction from the crowd?

LINDA: I don't think I kept them in order. I was just out there and raw. It was emotionally draining but also therapeutic.

VOICE: Do you think it's good to start off a show in a small theatre like The Norma Terris before going to Broadway?

LINDA: Yes, the more times you can work on something in front of an audience the better. It's the only honest feedback you get.

VOICE: Were you surprised by the fans' reaction to “the sketch?”

LINDA: Yes, and I was glad the money was going to a good cause. I wish I could have sat there longer. Milo has a wonderful face to draw.

VOICE: Now that the developmental run of CAMILLE CLAUDEL is finished, what can the fans expect in the future?

LINDA: I have no idea. It is not in my hands. We have done our work and now it is in the hands of the producers who own the option on the show. We know what creative changes we want to make, but basically the show is in great shape.

VOICE: Is there anything you can share about your next album?

LINDA: Atlantic Records is now under new ownership and we are all waiting to see what the fallout will be. The album is on the books for 2004, but there are no sure things in the record business anymore.

VOICE: We know that Jake is growing up and is into a new phase in his life… school. How is he enjoying it?

LINDA: He LOVES it! Every day he brings home something new in his hands or in his head. It's a wonderful school, small with lovely ladies who are really great with the kids.

VOICE: What are you most looking forward to in the new year?

LINDA: I want CAMILLE to happen. That's the most important thing to me creatively. Privately I want to spend as much time as possible at home and with my family.

VOICE: That sounds wonderful! Is there anything else you'd like to share with your fans?

LINDA: I want to again thank everyone on THE VOICE staff who works so hard to create this site. You do a great job and I am very grateful. Also I want to thank the fans for their endless support. As I mentioned on the message board about a month ago, flu season and all the scary reports have gotten me a bit wigged out, so to take extra precautions for Jake's sake and to avoid missing any concerts, I will not be at stage doors for the next few months. Everyone I know is getting ill. So be careful everyone and please understand why I am not there to meet you. I will miss you for awhile.

VOICE: That is very understandable. Thank you for taking the time to do this interview. Best wishes for a great 2004!