By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
October 25, 2002
When Shane Williams occasionally sang on the television series “Early Edition,” her performance was good enough that many viewers wondered who was dubbing her singing voice.
“It was me,” Williams says, laughing. “I guess it’s a compliment when people asked if it was actually me singing. Usually, I sang stuff like ‘Danny Boy.’ It’s fun now to sing other types of songs.”
No, the actress (whose first name is pronounced sha-NAY) doesn’t have a CD out … yet. But she is starring in her first musical, “Comfortable Shoes,” at the Royal George Theatre.
“I’ve always loved singing, but it’s a skill I really didn’t tap into until recently,” says the Chicago-based actress. “I’d sung in theater productions before but I’d never done a full-out musical before. My biggest fear was whether I had the chops to do it. But the whole experience has been really exciting and fun. I’m thoroughly enjoying it.”
She’s also enjoying the reaction her singing has gotten from local casting directors.
“I surprised a few casting directors in the city who didn’t think I could handle a musical,” Williams says. “I won’t mention names, but a few had told me on other auditions that I was tone-deaf. So it was really nice when some of them showed up and told me, ‘I’m impressed. Good job.’ “
HERE’S WHAT ELSE WILLIAMS HAD TO SAY:
Favorite restaurant: I really like Red Light on Randolph and Banderas on Michigan.
Favorite meal to make: My specialty is pasta sauce. But my greens are good, too. I learned by watching my grandma make it. I like collards, cabbage and kale with a little smoked turkey. I just throw stuff in, basically, and it turns out wonderful. It’s great comfort food.
Last good play you’ve seen: “Vagina Monologues” was really enjoyable. At first, I was a little embarrassed, but then I was like, “Wait a minute. This play is about women being embarrassed,” so I loosened up and got into it. I had the opportunity to do it once, but I’m kind of conservative, so I took a pass. But I enjoyed seeing other people in the roles.
Favorite nightspot: I don’t go out much like that, but La Passage was nice. And I hang out at the House of Blues when [my friend] B.J. Murray is having his soirees there.
Favorite Chicago personalities: B.J. Murray, Roger Ebert and my agent. But God is always No. 1.
Lasting memories working in Chicago: I was 5-1/2 months pregnant with my daughter and waking up at 4 a.m. to go to work on “Early Edition” when it was bone-chilling cold out. In theater, I had so many performances where I’d run on stage and fall on my bottom or pieces of the stage would fall on top of me. Once, I did a show where the adding machine got caught on the curtain. I had to lean over, grab the adding machine and loosen it from the curtain and proceed with the scene. That’s when you know you’re alive and not just going through the motions.
A chip off the old shoulder: My daughter is very theatrical and I’m trying to get her away from that. She’s in rehearsals for “The Nutcracker” at ballet school. I danced for a long time and still enjoy it. I used to be embarrassed to say I was an actor who sang and danced because it sounds so disingenuous. But now I embrace it.
Favorite place to take visitors: People always are interested in going to the museums. I had a girlfriend from the Netherlands visiting with her daughter. We went to the Shedd Aquarium and they had so much fun. In the summer, I take them to Navy Pier and Grant Park.
Favorite thing to do in your spare time: Sleep! I try to run errands as well.
Best workout: I do Pilates. I think I give off that I’m in better shape than I actually am. But I’ve been very blessed to still have a 24-inch waist. I eat everything that I want, but in moderation. Dieting isn’t really a concept for me ’cause it sounds like I’d be depriving myself.
The last word on Chicago: Home.
