Broadway Star Leah Hocking Returns to Northern Michigan University as Commencement Speaker
Published: [Current Date]
Leah Hocking, a Marquette native and a distinguished alumna of Northern Michigan University (NMU), is set to deliver the keynote address at NMU’s commencement ceremony on May 3rd. Hocking,a celebrated Broadway veteran,will also be awarded an honorary Doctor of Theater Studies degree,marking a critically important homecoming for the accomplished actress.
Hocking’s career spans a decade of Broadway hits, showcasing her versatility and talent in a wide array of roles. Her impressive credits include:
- Mum in Billy Elliot
- Donna Sheridan in Mama Mia
- Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls
- Velma Von Tussle in Hairspray
- Lucy in jekyll and Hyde
- Marty in Grease
Her portrayal of Mrs. Wilkinson in the national tour of Billy Elliot earned her a Helen Hayes award nomination, a testament to her exceptional performance abilities. This prestigious nomination underscores her contribution to American theater and her ability to captivate audiences nationwide.
For U.S. readers unfamiliar with the Helen Hayes Awards, thes awards recognize outstanding achievement in professional theater in the Washington, D.C. area, akin to the Tony Awards for Broadway.
Despite her thriving career in New York City, Hocking maintains strong ties to her hometown. In June 2023, she graced the stage of NMU’s Forest Roberts Theatre with Out of the Window, a performance weaving together songs and personal stories reflecting on her life and illustrious career.
“I absolutely love Marquette and try to get back there once a year,”
– Leah Hocking
Hocking’s affection for Marquette is evident. She reminisced about the possibility of settling there, expressing a deep connection to the area:
“It’s such a gorgeous place. If I could have found a way to make a living there, as an actor, I would have stayed. I think about retiring in Marquette,but then again,I don’t plan on retiring ever. I love what I do.”
– Leah Hocking
Early Years and Education at NMU
Hocking’s journey in theater began early, with an estimated 15 youth, community theater, and college productions at NMU, starting at the age of 13. A standout role during this period was her portrayal of Dorothy in The Wizard of oz. after graduating from Marquette Senior High School in 1979, she continued her education at NMU.
Her time at NMU proved pivotal in shaping her future career. Hocking credits the late Forest Roberts Theatre Director, Jim Panowski, for providing invaluable training and exposure to the professional theater world.
“We actually had an audition class that [the late Forest Roberts Theatre Director] Jim Panowski started teaching,”
– Leah Hocking
Panowski’s guidance extended beyond the classroom, as he facilitated opportunities for students to audition for national summer theater programs.
“Then Dr. P would take us to national summer theater auditions. I got as much preparation as you could get for the real world in terms of auditioning. It was way more then other places offered. That was the era when conservatories were just starting to amp up. Now there are a lot and they are very difficult to get into.”
– Leah Hocking
This level of preparation was exceptional, equipping Hocking with the skills and confidence necessary to navigate the competitive world of professional theater. This approach is similar to programs at other universities, such as the university of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) or the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance, which emphasize rigorous training and industry connections.
Despite her eventual success in musicals, Hocking’s early experiences at northern Michigan University also included roles in more dramatic works. She appeared in Northern’s productions of Mother Courage and Her Children, an anti-war play by Bertolt Brecht, and The Night of the Iguana, a tale of tourists at a seedy Mexico hotel by Tennessee Williams.
From NMU to Broadway: A Career Takes Flight
After three years at Northern, Hocking transferred to Ohio State University before making the pivotal move to New York City. Though, the transition to professional success was not immediate.
“After my three years at Northern, I transferred to Ohio State University,”
– Leah Hocking
“I moved to New York City the following year, but it honestly took five years to get myself together and seriously commit to my career. Once that happened, things started going well for me. I landed my first steady off-Broadway show—Forbidden Broadway—in 1990. My first Broadway show was Guys and Dolls. I was cast in the revival in 1993, two weeks after I got married.”
– Leah Hocking
Her breakthrough came in 1990 with a role in Forbidden Broadway, followed by her Broadway debut in the 1993 revival of Guys and Dolls. This marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would see her grace the stages of numerous broadway theaters.
Personal Challenges and Continued Success
Tragedy struck in 2010 when Hocking’s husband passed away from ALS. She temporarily scaled back her work commitments to focus on raising their daughter, Mabel, who was then eight years old. This period reflects the challenges many working parents face in balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities.
Hocking’s resilience and dedication allowed her to return to the stage, adding to her impressive list of Broadway credits, which include The Last Ship, All Shook Up, The Wild Party, and Dance of the Vampires. She also expanded her repertoire to include opera, making her New York City Opera debut as Cleo in The Most Happy Fella.
Beyond broadway, Hocking has remained active in regional theater, recently appearing in the world premiere of Hard Road to Heaven, a country musical that ran at Bucks County Playhouse. In the summer of 2022, she garnered critical acclaim for her role as the mother in All of Me at the Barrington Stage Company, earning a Berkshire Theatre Critics Award for best supporting actress in a play.
Hocking’s passion for new works extends to staged readings, where she enjoys the creative process of developing new characters. This involvement highlights her commitment to the evolution of theater and her desire to contribute to the creation of innovative and engaging productions.
Commencement Details and Streaming Information
NMU’s commencement ceremony is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.on Saturday, May 3rd, and will be held in the Superior Dome. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be broadcast on WNMU-TV and streamed online at nmu.edu/commencement.
Leah Hocking’s return to NMU as commencement speaker is a testament to her remarkable achievements and her enduring connection to her alma mater.Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring performers and a reminder of the transformative power of education and dedication.
What advice woudl you give to aspiring performers looking to break into the industry?
Broadway Star Leah Hocking Talks NMU Homecoming, Career, and the Power of Theater
Published: [Current Date]
A Homecoming for the Ages
Interviewer: Leah, welcome back to Archyde News! It’s a real honor to speak with you ahead of such a monumental occasion – your return to Northern Michigan university as commencement speaker and recipient of an honorary degree. How does it feel to be coming back to NMU?
Leah Hocking: It’s absolutely wonderful! Marquette and NMU hold such a special place in my heart. It feels like coming home, truly. I have so many fond memories from my time there, and I’m incredibly excited to share this moment with the graduating class.
NMU and The Early Years
Interviewer: Your journey in the theater world began early, with numerous productions at NMU starting at age 13. How did your time at NMU, particularly with the late Jim Panowski, shape your trajectory and prepare you for the demanding world of Broadway?
Leah Hocking: Jim Panowski was a mentor, truly. He provided invaluable hands-on training and gave us the possibility to audition for national summer theater programs. He offered a level of planning you just didn’t get everywhere. It was a fantastic education, very similar to top programs. He instilled a level of professionalism and confidence that was critical when I moved to New York.
From Marquette to Broadway and Beyond
Interviewer: from your early roles in productions like *The Wizard of Oz* to your Broadway debut in *Guys and Dolls*,your versatility is remarkable. What fueled your passion for theater, and what advice would you give to aspiring performers looking to break into the industry?
Leah Hocking: I just loved being part of a cast and bringing stories to life. The energy, the collaboration, it feeds the soul. My advice? Persevere. The road is long, but the rewards are real. Find your passion, hone your craft, and never stop learning. And don’t be afraid of rejection; it’s part of the journey. You have to commit,as I finally did,and make it happen.
Overcoming Challenges
Interviewer: You’ve navigated personal challenges, including the loss of your husband, with astonishing grace. How did you find the strength to continue your career while raising your daughter, and what lessons did you learn during that time?
Leah Hocking: It was a difficult time, but my love for my daughter, Mabel, and my passion for the theater helped me through. Family is everything. I learned the importance of prioritizing what truly matters and finding strength in the support network around me. I’m incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received, and you learn to take it one day at a time. and sometimes to take a step back and allow yourself the time to heal.
The Future of Theater
Interviewer: You have embraced roles in new works and continue to push creative boundaries.What excites you most about the current state of theater, and what direction do you see it taking?
Leah Hocking: I’m excited about the innovation! The theater’s constantly evolving, with new voices, new stories, and new forms of expression emerging all the time. Digital streaming has changed the audience, offering new opportunities, even if it does pose it own challenges. There’s a real commitment to diversity and inclusion, which is fantastic. As for where it’s going, I believe theater will continue to be a vital space for storytelling, for bringing people together, and for sparking important conversations.
Commencement and Beyond
Interviewer: The commencement ceremony at NMU is scheduled for May 3rd. what message do you hope to convey to the graduating class?
Leah Hocking: Embrace your passions and your dreams. Be adaptable and resilient. Never be afraid to take chances, and remember the importance of community. And most importantly, believe in yourselves. the future is yours to create.
Interviewer: A wonderful message indeed.Your words will undoubtedly inspire countless graduates! Leah, is there anything else you’d like to add before we wrap up?
Leah hocking: Just a huge thank you to NMU and to the people of Marquette for their enduring support. I am so grateful for the memories, the education, and the community that helped shape me. I hope to continue to find opportunities to come back and collaborate. And to the graduating class of NMU – congratulations and best of luck!
Interviewer: Leah Hocking,thank you so much for this insightful interview. We at Archyde News certainly wish you a memorable return to NMU and much continued success.
Leah Hocking: Thank you for having me!
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