Natalie Eickhoff-Newberry's lifelong connection to theater is a captivating tale of destiny and passion. From her earliest days, the stage has been an integral part of her life, almost as if it was always meant to be. Born into a family deeply rooted in Jefferson City's community theater scene, Eickhoff-Newberry's introduction to the world of performance was almost literal, as she took the stage as a fetus in her mother's belly in a 1990 production of 'Cabaret'. This early experience, combined with her parents' involvement in local theater, set the stage for a lifelong journey.
What makes Eickhoff-Newberry's story particularly fascinating is the way theater has intertwined with her life in unexpected ways. Meeting her husband during a production of 'Cabaret' nearly three decades later, with the same director as her mother's show, is a meet-cute that sounds like a storyline from a show itself. But for Eickhoff-Newberry, it's a testament to the power of theater's pull.
Her childhood was spent accompanying her mother to rehearsals and getting involved with local theater legend Wyn Riley's A Children's Theatrical Performing Arts Core. The theater was a second home, and its impact on her life became more profound as she grew older. Performing, singing, dancing, and acting on stage gave her a sense of freedom and creativity, allowing her to create characters and tell stories to an audience.
Eickhoff-Newberry's passion for theater is multifaceted. While she still loves performing, her current passion lies in directing. Directing a show allows her to take on the role of a 'puppet master', laying the foundation for the production months before the actors even get involved. This process, she says, fills her cup and allows her to create in a different way.
Her first major directing role was over a decade ago, making her one of the theater's youngest directors at the time. As of late, she's the assistant director and assistant music director for Itsy Bitsy Broadway's 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown'. Eickhoff-Newberry's journey through the world of theater is a testament to the power of following one's passion and the unexpected ways in which life can intertwine with our dreams.
