Irina Dvorovenko[1] never had to open her mouth as a prima ballerina, but since leaving the American Ballet Theatre she’s played a Russian spy on FX’s “The Americans,” and will now sing in the musical “Grand Hotel,” in a role made famous in the US by Greta Garbo.
“Thank God I’m surrounded by people who believe in me,” Dvorovenko told me during a rehearsal break.
The musical, part of Encores! at City Center, will run for seven performances starting Wednesday.
Dvorovenko said her voice was so low when she was a little girl that surgery was suggested, and she was never encouraged to sing. She had some coaching before her audition.
“I thought, ‘What can I lose? Maybe they’ll be laughing.’ It’s something I never thought I’d be able to do,” she said. “I’m a virgin, but I’m learning very quickly.”
References
- ^ Irina Dvorovenko (pagesix.com)