ALANDA COON

"...the clarion-voiced Alanda Coon..." Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times “Alanda Coon sings the hell out of each number with plenty of character and verve.” Scott C. Morgan, Windy City Times "... powerhouse actor/vocalist...Alanda Coon’s clarion belt is a delight... intrepid talent…” Joe Stead, Steadstyle Chicago "...the talented Alanda Coon...She knows how to act the hell out of a song and, more importantly, has the good sense not to oversell anything...you couldn’t ask for (a) more passionate musical performance..." Web Behrens, Chicago Free Press “…Alanda Coon shines…” Laura Molzahn, The Chicago Reader “Coon brings a powerhouse vocal instrument. Her voice is smooth, flawlessly pitched and rich. She moves seamlessly from growl, to croon, to belt, to whisper. Alanda is among few singers who creates vocal whisper with resonance to fill both air and lyrical meaning. Coon has a genuineness and humility that warms an audience in ways that talent alone can’t.” Carla Gordon, Stu Hamstra’s Cabaret Hotline Online “…powerful performer…” Kris Vire, Time Out Chicago “She possesses a big voice that she can unleash when needed…” John Olson, TalkinBroadway.com "...a superb singer with an immense dynamic range...Alanda Coon relishes her roles..." Dennis Polkow, New City "...sings the material quite well...very pleasing to the ear…interpretations are scaled just right…" Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune "...Alanda Coon far surpass(es) expectations." Web Behrens, New City "Alanda Coon... hit(s) all the right notes: emotionally and with (her) singing voice...nothing short of amazing." Rick Reed, Outlines “If there are any doubts that a cabaret act can be a theatrical experience, Alanda Coon smashes them…Coon turns each song into a lyrical vignette. “ Brian Kirst, Chicago Free Press "...Alanda Coon is bump-and-grind glory." Lawrence Bommer, Chicago Free Press “Alanda Coon champions the show…great solo voice” Scotty Zacher, Chicagotheaterblog.com/Gay Chicago “Coon anchors the show with her subtle humor and polished presentation and deft style.” Tom Williams, ChicagoCritic.com

Transplanted from New York, Alanda Coon has been performing professionally in Chicago since 1997. She was trained as an actor at SUNY New Paltz where she was taught by Meisner specialist, Beverly Brumm. In addition to performing, Ms. Coon is a producer and director of cabaret and theatre.

As a cabaret artist, Alanda tends to take on a more contemporary approach. Ms. Coon takes nontraditional cabaret fare and makes it universal, enticing audiences with her personalized interpretations.

Shows that Alanda Coon has created include:
• EVERYBODY SAYS DON’T, an autobiographical piece. Produced by Lampkin Music Group, Music Directed by Alan Bukowiecki

• I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW, from NY to Chicago: Alanda Coon’s journey to make sense of what has been left behind and what lies ahead. Directed by Stephen Rader, Music Directed by Alan Bukowiecki

• PURPLE REIGN: u don’t have 2 watch dynasty to have an attitude!, Featuring the music of Prince, a fun celebration of the Funky Purple One! Co-starring Stephen Rader, Music Directed by Mike Descoteaux

• TRAMPS LIKE US: the music of Bruce Springsteen, as sung by Alanda Coon, Springsteen with a feminine perspective, celebrating one of America’s most prolific songwriters. Directed by Alanda Coon, Music Directed by Mike Descoteaux

An artistic associate of Bailiwick Repertory, Ms. Coon is a co-founder of the women’s based theatre program The Second Sex Series, featuring arts that give women prominence and has shared honors with some award winning Bailiwick productions. She played Mrs. Phagan in the critically acclaimed PARADE in 2004, winning Joseph Jefferson Citations for Best Musical Production and Best Ensemble. PARADE was also awarded an After Dark Award for Outstanding Production. Tennessee Williams’ SOMETHING CLOUDY, SOMETHING CLEAR was awarded an After Dark Award for Outstanding Ensemble.

Critically acclaimed, Alanda Coon has performed throughout the Chicago area with several companies and venues including: Davenport’s Piano Bar, Chopin Theatre, Crossroads Theater, Bailiwick Repertory, Porchlight Music Theatre, Mercury Theater, LifeLine Theatre, Royal George Theatre, BoHo Theatre at Heartland Studio, North Lakeside Cultural Center, Apollo Theater, TimeLine Theatre Company, Wing & Groove Theatre, Lakeshore Theater, Theatre Building Chicago and The Goodman Theatre.

Alanda Coon can be heard on the following recordings:

• Alexandra Billings’ Live CD THE STORY GOES ON, produced by Lampkin Music Group

• MARCH, an original musical by Sean Reid

• KILLER PAD AND A DOG NAMED ELVIS, an original musical by Sean Reid  

• THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS, an original musical adaptation at LifeLine Theatre, music by Paul Gilvary  

Alanda Coon
(773) 316-4010
amcoon@juno.com
www.alandacoon.com