Marja Harmon
Broadway Performer
Homepage: http://www.marjaharmon.com
Feature By: Jacob Bosecker
From a young age, it was easily seen how music would be a large part of her life; belting Whitney Houston songs at the top of her lungs while directing and starring in her own makeshift productions. “Even as a little girl I understood that performance was my calling.” says Marja. At the age of eight, she was pulled aside after music class at school and persuaded into taking private lessons.
Jim Lazzell was her first voice teacher. Over time in private lessons, Jim began to expose Marja to Carol King, Bette Midler, and many great jazz and Broadway standards. Marja said “My lessons with Mr. Jim, as I called him, not only confirmed my love of music but also taught me that I was very natural in front of an audience.” Marja began performing solos at school events and vocal concerts. The moment she brought the audience to tears with Bette Midler's 'From a Distance' was the moment Marja knew that she wanted to make music her profession.
Shortly after Marja’s first year of lessons with Mr. Lazzell, he passed away, leaving a sadness and emptiness in Marja’s life. Coping with Marja’s loss, her parents looked around for a teacher that would be nurturing as well as someone who would provide sound instruction. Soon Marja’s parents found Janie Gordon to help Marja continue her vocal performance and musical theater.
At sixteen, she decided to try her luck professionally and auditioned in Los Angeles. Marja and her mother had been scouring the backstage west for the notice for Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities' production of 'Dreamgirls'. "We flew out the day of the audition with two hours to spare before the audition time," she recalls.
Marja performed 'All that Jazz' from Chicago and was called back the next day to sing and dance some more. Once Marja was done with her audition, the producer personally called Marja into his office to tell her that she was cast in the show. Marja spent the summer before her senior year in high school in Los Angeles, performing Dreamgirls and sharing a stage with a most remarkable and talented cast that included Kecia Lewis, Kingsley Leggs, Tonya Dixon, and Billy Porter. The musical went on to win an Ovation Award for best musical that year.
The following fall, after graduation, Marja moved to LA and attended the University of Southern California. Marja graduated with a B.A. in Theater and a B.S. in Music Industry, with a few more professional shows under her belt such as Ragtime and Jekyll and Hyde. Marja soon decided that the stage was her new home. Marja packed her bags and left Los Angeles for New York City.
With each successful call back, it became more apparent to Marja that she could actually get the roles that she desperately pursued. The company had auditioned in both Los Angeles and New York. Marja’s final call back for the entire creative team, including a Disney representative, was extremely nerve racking. Marja walked in and put all her fears aside and performed 'Easy as Life' from the depths of her soul.
After not hearing anything for three weeks, Marja began to wonder if the show had decided to go with someone else. Soon after, Marja got a very exciting phone call from her agent saying she was cast as Aida.
That brings us up to speed on Marja. She looks forward to a bright future with loads of opportunity to come. “I give thanks to the unwavering support of my family, friends, and my creator,” said Marja.
C-buz: Did you ever imagine that you would be on Broadway while you were still living in Columbus?
Marja Harmon: Absolutely! From a very young age I knew that I wanted to be a performer and every decision I have made in my training has been to help that goal materialize.
CB: How has Columbus played a role in your upbringing, your passions, and your network of friends?
MH: I think it has contributed to my well-roundedness as a person and a performer.
“The more contrasting experiences you have in your life the more you have to draw from as an artist.”
CB: How can Columbus be more nurturing of the arts and music? Did you find plenty of outlets during your time there?
MH: Mill Race Players was a wonderful outlet, especially during the summer when school drama wasn’t an option. The have such a diverse season, which is great for young performers. I think Columbus has always shown a great appreciation for the arts.
CB: If you didn't have your voice, what do you see yourself doing professionally?
MH: You know, I really enjoy nature and gardening…so probably landscaping. Spending the day in a greenhouse with my hands in the earth sounds awesome!