Over the summer, I was fortunate enough to meet Ms. Kristine Bendul- a stellar Broadway performer with an overwhelming amount of Broadway credits. Kristine was the Camp Broadway choreographer for my group in Tempe, AZ. I had such an amazing time in all of the classes I took from her, and she quickly became a role model for myself and several other campers. Kristine radiates positivity and happiness while she works, and is completely dedicated to what she does. Kristine believes in “the power of positive over negative, nurture over neglect”. She notes that theatre is a gift, and she reaches more people when they are “at ease and happy”. Kristine truly loves her students, making sure to tell me that, “It fills my heart if I can gift [theatre] to my students/performers. My gratitude and focus make it possible to maintain my joyful outlook. I was also blessed with such a great group of campers, that it was easy to stay positive and enjoy the ride!”
Without further ado, here is my interview with Kristine!
SUTTELL: At Camp Broadway, we celebrate the Broadway tradition of the Gypsy Robe. Can you describe your own experience receiving the Gypsy Robe on Broadway?
BENDUL: The show I received the Gypsy Robe for was Twyla Tharp’s Come Fly Away at the Marriott Marquis. This was to be my sixth Broadway show. There was another performer who had the same amount of past show credits as I, so I was not sure I would be the recipient at all. With all the work and excitement of opening a Broadway production, the Gypsy Robe ceremony was not on my mind until we were all called to the stage. To be onstage for an opening of a Broadway show is truly an incredible experience. There are speeches given and finally the stage is turned over for the Gypsy Robe ceremony. We are all told the history of the passing of the robe, and past recipients from other shows are invited. They present the robe as well as tell us which show they were in when they received the robe. I am now on the list of Gypsy Robe recipients invited to the opening of every Broadway musical. Stephen Buntrock was the prior recipient and had gotten the robe for A Little Night Music. When he announced my name, it was definitely one of the exciting moments of my career to be recognized as a true Broadway Gypsy. I did the circling of the stage and in addition, custom has you visit every dressing room/department to spread the good luck throughout the theater. I, in turn, ended up passing the robe onto James Borstelman on the opening night of The Addams Family which was a special treat to be a part of another show’s opening night and to see their flurry of activity and excitement.
SUTTELL: What has your experience been like with Camp Broadway, and what is your favorite thing about choreographing for Camp Broadway?
BENDUL: I feel fortunate to have taught for Camp Broadway for the past three years in New York City, both through camp, and in workshops, representing Roger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Groups would come in from out-of-town to see a show and experience learning the music and choreography from that production in a workshop. I was elated when asked to be a part of the touring camp team. As you know, there is so much material to give to the campers and everything in the schedule literally fits together like a puzzle, so there is a definite challenge to putting the show together. The reward however, was seeing my “Nederlanders” and “Dodgers” on that stage lighting up and bringing the show to life. I cried tears of happiness and gratitude upon seeing my campers perform. I was so proud of everyone and so honored to be able to give the gift not only of dance, but everything else that goes with the week… hard work, discipline, professionalism, joy, laughter and camaraderie.
SUTTELL: I was told that you recently became a published author and sent a copy of your book, Noodles Needs a Nap, to the Camp Broadway Offices! Was it inspired by your own work in R&H
Cinderella?
BENDUL: It is truly amazing how the show led to the creation of Noodles Needs A Nap. The cast were all peasants and villagers in “The Prince Is Giving A Ball” and we had all come up with names for ourselves. Being that I was a fishmonger, I named myself “Noodles” because my back story was that I noodled my fish (caught them with my bare hands). My fellow actors loved the moniker and so I was “Noodles” to everyone at the theater. One day, I was so inexplicably exhausted that I remarked to a fellow actress, “Noodles needs a nap.” The proverbial light bulb literally went off over my head and I saw her not just as a role I was playing, but a completely separate character. Growing up I had always loved art and would draw all the time, so that very night I went home and drew her. “Noodles” was born! It was two years from the time I had the idea, to when I held my author’s copy of the book in my hand. My book launch party was just two weeks ago! I’ll shamelessly plug it and say that it is available online at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Balboa Press.
Once again, thank you to Ms. Kristine for taking the time to talk to me! You can find more information about Kristine on her website, and be sure to check out her book!