The story of triple-threat actress, singer, and dancer Ta-Tynsia Wilson is proof that your destiny is yours, even if it doesn’t show itself right away.
From being a finalist on “American Idol” to Broadway stages to Universal Studios in Japan and back, Wilson’s journey has been a whirlwind, and it’s just getting started.
Wilson, a native of neighboring Aurora and a graduate of Columbia College Chicago, fell deeply in love with theater after landing her first role in a Chicago production of the popular Dreamgirls. She had a noteworthy run on Season 10 of “American Idol” after working with Jackie Taylor‘s renowned Black Ensemble Theater. She then went on to work at Universal Studios in Japan before making her Broadway debut in the popular stage drama Hamilton.
Wilson is ecstatic to be back home in Chicago as one of the featured vocalists in the upcoming production, Going Bacharach: The Songs of an Icon.
Widely known for some of Dionne Warwick‘s biggest hits such as “Walk On By“, “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again“, and “That’s What Friends are For,” Burt Bacharach has also worked with a slew of other pop music royalty including Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and more to garner him a slew of awards and accolades including six Grammys and three Oscars in his illustrious career. Directed by Tony Award-Winner David Zippel, produced by Jack Lewin, and arranged by Adrian Galante, the show features the entire cast and creative team from the original New York run that broke box office records.
N’DIGO recently caught up with the versatile artist to discuss all things Going Bacharach: The Songs of an Icon (Apollo Theater, located at 2550 N. Lincoln Ave., from April 21 through May 17), her career path, and the life-changing advice she received from an unlikely source after being eliminated from American Idol.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Ta-Tynisa Wilson?
Ta-Tynisa Wilson: I think I am a kind person who is very passionate about what I put out into the world. Someone who cares deeply for people and loves to make others laugh. Professional, diligent, and a wildly good time.
What are three words those closest to you would use to describe you?
Brave. Hilarious. Resilient.
Do you remember the first actor you saw who made you take notice and see yourself on screen or onstage?
Yes! There are actually a few answers to this, but I will focus on one person. I flew to New York for final callbacks for the Broadway production of The Lion King in 2012, and it was my first ever opportunity like this; I was terrified. My friend who came with me on the trip knew an incredible dancer named Kenny Ingram, who helped us get tickets to the show. That was my first time seeing a Broadway show, and I remember sobbing through the opening number, completely blown away by everyone and everything that was happening around me and on the stage. Chantel Riley was playing Nala at that time, and I was completely captivated by her performance. She was so mesmerizing in that role, which helped push the story forward so beautifully, and she was so confident and present. I knew after seeing her on that stage that that was what I wanted to do. Thank you, Chantel!
Second Row: Deena Jones (Dreamgirls)
Bottom Row: Schuyler Sisters (Hamilton)
Take us back and talk a little about your path into the world of theatre?
I actually wasn’t introduced to theater until my 20’s. My first ever role was playing Lorrell in a production of Dreamgirls in Chicago, and that is when I fell in love with theater. Realizing I could make people laugh on stage, sing, dance, and get paid for it, I knew that theater was my avenue.
After Dreamgirls, I went on to do several productions at Black Ensemble Theater (my home away from home) before heading to Japan to work at Universal Studios for a little over a year. Some of my favorite roles include playing Rachel Marron in the Slowburn Production of The Bodyguard, playing Deena Jones at Goodspeed and the McCarter Theatre, as well as covering all three Schuyler Sisters in Hamilton here in Chicago at the CIBC Theatre and on Broadway.
Please tell us about your role in the show, Going Bacharach: The Songs of an Icon.
I am one of the female vocalists who gets to sing some incredible Bacharach tunes covered by legends like Dionne Warwick, Aretha Franklin, Marylin McCoo, etc., just to name a few.
What are your top 3 personal Bacharach faves?
I love it when John Pegano sings “A House is Not a Home”. I fell in love with the song “One Less Bell” and Hillary Cole singing “Alfie”. Those have become some of my favorite songs by Burt Bacharach.
Do you have a pre-show regime or ritual you do to prep yourself for taking the stage?
On show days, I start the day with some physical activity to wake the body up. Sometimes, that involves yoga, weightlifting at the gym, or even a Pilates class will suffice. I make sure to get some good food in my system, and I also make sure I do a vocal warm-up before the show.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
That I am funny, I think people would be surprised by how funny I am. At least how funny I think I am.
Best piece of advice you have been given?
When I was eliminated from “American Idol,” my mother ran into Wood Harris from Remember the Titans, who gave my mom some advice on how to help me handle the rejection in the industry, and he then passed this gem to me. “You may be a beautiful purple when others are looking for a beautiful pink. It doesn’t make your purple less beautiful, but one day someone will be looking for a beautiful purple, and that opportunity will find you.” This has taught me that everything isn’t meant to be taken personally, and what’s for me is for me; no opportunity that is meant for me will pass me by.
Best piece of advice that you can give?
It’s never too late. No matter your age, race, size, or whatever you think is holding you back, it’s not. Start today, start over today, do it today.
Favorite quote or affirmation?
‘”Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” This is a quote from one of my favorite Christmas movies called Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.
What’s next for Ta-Tynisa Wilson?
I dream of someday playing the role of Nala in The Lion King on Broadway and having my own talk show… because I’m so funny. My goals are always to be a better version of the person I was yesterday, and as for future projects, I am currently working on putting up my very own solo show in NYC this summer.
For more information on Ta-Tynisa Wilson, connect with her on Instagram: @Ta_Tynisa
Going Bacharach: The Songs of an Icon opens on April 21 at the Apollo Theater located at 2550 N. Lincoln Ave. For more information, please visit www.goingbacharach.com
