Although living out of a suitcase is tough, Melanie Penn loves her job as a cast member with the national tour of the musical "Grease." For her, performing professionally has been a dream come true.
"It's incredibly interesting to see how audiences change in different parts of the country," said Penn, who became a member of the touring company last August.
The former Falls Church resident will perform for her hometown audience when "Grease" rolls into Washington's Warner Theatre on March 11-16. Penn plays Patty, the cheerleader and "fun, mean character" who befriends Sandy, Rydell High's new co-ed.
"I can't even describe it. I'm so excited," said Penn of the opportunity to perform in her hometown. Her family, some family friends and her old voice teacher will be among the cheering audience. "It's going to be great. I can't wait."
Penn began singing at 6 or 7, when her mother put her into their church choir. She describes herself as a classical music kid growing up, participating in local competitions and performing with the Washington Savoyards, an area Gilbert and Sullivan troupe.
AT MCLEAN HIGH SCHOOL where she graduated in 1994, she continued performing and was also a high-school columnist for The Connection.
When she went to DePauw University, she majored in both vocal performance and English. After graduation, Penn decided to pursue performing full-time, with her first job working at a children's theater in Michigan.
"I always knew I loved to sing," Penn said.
After Michigan and a brief stint at home, she moved to New York for the purpose of seeking out a career. She played Mary in the off-Broadway production of "Tarnish," an original rock musical.
"It's great," Penn said of living in New York. "There's a lot of opportunity up there if you want to perform."
When Penn won the role of Patty after auditioning with hundreds of other women for a spot on the tour, her support group of her fellow theater friends cheered.
"We really help each other and support each other," Penn said.
As a touring member of "Grease," Penn has connected with old friends and family friends across the states. As for the musical, she says she loves the orchestrations and the band, as well as working with her fellow cast members, including Frankie Avalon, who portrayed Teen Angel in the movie version.
"Working with Frankie Avalon is really cool," Penn said.
When she completes her tour with "Grease" in August, Penn hopes to find more work. In her opinion, success as a performer isn't just about making it on Broadway, but finding continuous opportunities to delight audiences.
"I think in the back of your mind, you have that dream that you're going to make it. You need to have faith," Penn said.