She’s on her way up.
Jamaican American theater actress Dianne Dixon landed a role in the debut off-Broadway musical show “Falling in Love With Mr. Dellamort,” at the Slipper Room in Manhattan starting Dec. 6. In the show, Dixon takes on a role vastly different from her off-stage personality, and the other parts she has done in mostly Caribbean-centric theater, she said.
“The character I play is nothing like me and is actually the opposite — she is supposed to be this over the top and sexy seductress and I’m very shy,” said Dixon.
The musical follows Mr. Dellamort, a man of mystery and three guests in his South Carolina inn who are also romantically interested in him. And Dixon’s character is one his suitors and maintains some mystique of her own.
In the play she portrays Mina Thompson, an older woman in her sixties who presents a younger persona.
“No one knows how old she really is,” said Dixon. “She keeps a youthful appearance to keep herself sexy, and tries to seduce the owner of a hotel and resort.”
Dixon said she was drawn to the script for its humor and the opportunity to play a different type of role. She said that people will enjoy the hilarity the show has to offer, as much as her and her castmates do.
“I think people will like the wittiness of the script and the comedic timing,” said Dixon. “The script is so funny that even at rehearsal, we are all cracking top and turning red. It’s quite entertaining and people will come away feeling tickled and caught up in the story.”
Breaking into theater was not always an easy feat for Dixon. She mostly did Caribbean stageplays, working her way up but found her day job often interfering with her chances to secure auditions and roles. But now the up-and-coming actress is continuing to rise, recently appearing in “Naisula” and “Hair’itage: The Play” earlier this year.
Now she closes off the year with her latest role in the funny and mysterious musical “Falling in Love with Mr. Dellamort,” showcasing her diverse acting style. She credits that to her publicists at Sure Thing Productions, for being her third eye and booking auditions for her as she works a day job.
“They were the driving force behind me getting auditions,” said Dixon. “They would send my pictures and clips to casting directors, and I would get asked to come in for auditions.”
Dixon said she wanted audiences to see the light-hearted musical and support the actors in theater.
“I would love for people to come out to see this, and also give our little theater people a chance to show what we’re all about,” she said. “It’s a beautiful story and it’s all about comedy and fun, and who doesn’t need a little laughter?”
“Falling in Love with Mr. Dellamort” at the Slipper Room [167 Orchard St. between Stanton and Rivington streets in Lower East Side, Manhattan. (212) 253-7246, www.slipp
