TDF Stages

Welcome to Meet the Member, where TDF members let you know which shows they love.

Today's member: Katherine Fatta, a TDF student member since 2012 -- she joined while still in high school. Originally from Freehold, NJ, she is currently a junior at Montclair State University majoring in communications and theatre.

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Emily Travis, Marketing Manager at TDF: Hello, Katherine! You're majoring in theatre at college, so I assume it's one of your passions?

Katherine: Yes! I've seen at least 40 Broadway shows -- and I'm only 20! I love it so much. I saw Heathers the Musical nine times and Newsies eight times. This Thursday I'm seeing Something Rotten. The cast recording is my favorite ever!

Emily: You've been a TDF member since you were in high school. What inspired you to join?

Katherine: My grandma has been a member for many years and we've been seeing shows together for forever! We recently saw It Shoulda Been You [before it closed] and she loved it. She said she hadn't had so much fun at the theatre in a long time. She likes plays, and I like musicals. But I'll see anything with her.

Emily: I know Montclair State has fantastic performing arts programs. What activities are you involved in there?

Katherine: Starting this year, I get to work on student productions. I may work on costumes or as an usher. I'm also in a sorority, but none of my sisters understand theatre. I grew up going to the theatre, so it's funny to be around people that don't get it. It's like living a double life!

Emily: What's the coolest project you've done as part of your theatre studies so far?

Katherine: Last year I took a class called "The History of Broadway," and the final project was to come up with an idea and creative team for a new show. I had to pick a producer, director, writers, stars, etc. I decided to make a musical out of the [2004 Jennifer Garner/Mark Ruffalo rom-com] 13 Going on 30.

Emily: Musicalizations of movies are definitely popular. Can you share your dream creative team and cast?

Katherine: Music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and book by Peter Duchan (they all previously collaborated on the musical Dogfight). Direction by Bartlett Sher (The King and I). Starring Kara Lindsay (Newsies) and Santino Fontana (Cinderella). The assignment was so fun. And I got an A!

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Note: This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Photo courtesy of Katherine Fatta