At the young age of 10, Elodie Gillett was already taking show business seriously.
While visiting her mom's relatives in France, Gillett helped put on a production of Les Miserables for the family.
"We even made programs," says the multi-talented performer. "I still have a copy. My parents videotaped my performances. I get a kick out of watching it today."
Gillett always knew performing is what she wanted to do. She took gymnastics and dance lessons and attended outdoor theatre with her parents.
"I'd watch the actors and think, I can do that!"
Then came the 1980 movie Fame.
"I was determined to go to a school for the performing arts where I could sing and dance all day long," says Gillett.
She attended Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts in Toronto.
Her first break, of sorts, came at the Shaw Festival. "I was in Pal Joey. Granted, I moved scenery, but it was exciting to ... learn from amazingly talented actors," says Gillett.
After three seasons at the Shaw, Gillett went on to perform across Canada. Her theatre credits include the lead role in Sweet Charity at Stage West Theatre in Calgary. At the Stratford Festival, she was in Oklahoma and My One and Only.
Gillett was a huge fan of Jersey Boys before she was cast in the role of Lorraine (and others) in the Toronto production. The musical shines the spotlight on the careers of Franki Valli and the Four Seasons, when songs like Earth Angel and Sherry were hits.
"The music is terrific and brings back memories," says Gillett. "I feel privileged to be a part of it."
Jersey Boys is on stage through July 26 at the Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts. For tickets, call 416-644-3665.
Gillett welcomed 24 hours into her home.
Q: How would you describe your home?
A: Bright and comforting. It is a 535-square foot condo in the Jarvis and Carlton area. I have lived here for almost a year. The building has a gym and an aerobics studio, which can be used as a dance studio if I ever need it. I'm planning on planting an herb garden on my balcony.
Q: What attracted you to this space?
A: The floor-to-ceiling windows are what I love most, because it makes the space feel so open. I also love the location and feel of the neighbourhood. I made a checklist before I purchased a home: it had to have a laundry; it also had to be situated so that I could sing without disturbing my neighbours.
Q: What is your favourite room and why?
A: My bedroom. Two of the four walls are windows... I can wake up in the morning, open my eyes and see nothing but blue skies.
Q: Describe your decorating style.
A: I'm new to decorating because I've been renting and moving around so much up until now. I had to start from scratch and had no idea where to begin. I find (it) exciting.
Before, when I would walk by a store like the Pottery Barn, I would think how nice it would be to shop there. Now...a whole new world of shopping has opened up for me. I read decor and design magazines and mark pages that I find interesting.
I've worked out a system for myself. I shop armed with a camera. When I find a piece I like, I take a picture of it. I take the picture to my friends in the Jersey Boys wig department and they give me their opinions.
The first piece of furniture I bought was my wine chest at a shop on Queen Street West. It has an antique feel to it. I picked everything else to match it. I'm still gathering more furniture as I go, but I've ended up with a classic and eclectic look...I was really attracted to dark woods and antique-style pieces. I use an old trunk as a coffee table.
The other thing that I'm happy to have in my home is my mom's artwork. I've hung one of her landscapes. She also did a pair of paintings that show dancers performing in a cabaret. And I also have a Jersey Boys poster on my wall.
Q: What is your fondest memory in this home?
A: Moving-in day was really exciting. It was a great feeling to walk into my condo as a homeowner. My friends and I had a picnic on the floor of Thai food and champagne. The first time I relaxed, I was sitting on the balcony,...putting my feet up and sipping a glass of wine. It was an unforgettable moment.
