Sandra Love Aldridge
Sandra Love Aldridge: an example that dreams and destiny are indeed best friends.

Sandra Love Aldridge: an example that dreams and destiny are indeed best friends.

If you ask Sandra Love Aldridge, she'll probably agree that dreams and destiny are best friends. Her destiny has clearly been acting. To support this statement, Sandra's credits echo extensive work in theater. But if you talk to her about dreams, she'll tell you she is striving to become a Jazz singer.

After a dozen years of making her dramatic mark as a versatile, working actress, Sandra Love Aldridge is looking for another mountain to climb. She wants people to recognize her as a serious vocalist, with a song-charted repertoire and some club dates to boot. There is an intensity about this petite woman that leaves no doubt in my mind, Sandra will certainly achieve whatever goal she pursues. She's tackling the profession of music with the same tenacity she uses to gain praise and attention as an actress.

Growing up in Toledo, Ohio, Sandra had dreams of becoming a famous Broadway dancer. Unfortunately, her family discouraged their child's natural, talent. Her father was particularly against Sandra becoming a professional dancer, advising his daughter that such a career would never be lucrative for a young, black woman. So, she went to college and became a teacher.

Then one day, Sandra took an introspective look at her life. She made a paramount decision, refocusing her goals and choosing a brand, new direction. After raising two children and finding herself alone in the nest, this songbird decided to fly after a dream deferred. Sandra knew that an artistic streak still ran through her blood as natural as plasma. She decided to tap into this life force and make it work for her. Actually, it was the challenge from a stranger that landed her in the Detroit Repertory Theater one fateful day.

"I didn't get started in the theater until twelve years ago. I went to a play at the Detroit Rep and the actors always come up and greet people. ... This actor came up and we started talking. He asked me if I had ever considered acting. He thought I had a wonderful voice and told me they had acting classes at the theater. He said, why don't you put your name on the list and let them contact you and see what happens So I did that. And they said prepare an audition piece and come on."

Going against all odds, she recognized it was a risky decision, but part of her dismissed the thought that it was too late. Sandra Aldridge is made of tougher things than doubt and fear. She went ahead, memorized the mama's piece from "Raisin In The Sun", practiced it studiously, and felt competent and ready for her first audition. At least she felt that way until she entered the crowded audition room.

"So I walked in there and saw all these young, beautiful girls. And I thought, what am I doing here? But I'm the kind of person that says if I prepare for something then I'm going to go on and do it. So I got up there. There were people in the audience. I found out later they were instructors that did the voting and whatever. And while I'm up there giving the mama's speech, I see this guy just smiling and nodding his head, and I said OK, I got one! ... So I wound up studying there (at the Detroit Repertory Theater) for two years."

After her two years of study, it was time for Sandra to venture out into the competitive world of acting and test her skills. It took no time at all for this talented lady to land the part of Oliaku-Mother at the Bonstelle Theater, in the play "Broken Calabash". This was followed by the role of a Jazz Singer at the Baldwin Theater under the direction of Beverly Dickinson. In this part she was allowed to live-out her dream and actually got to sing on stage. Later, she played Ruth the Jamaican, in the play "Talk Radio". Then, with a three hundred and sixty degree turn, she became a Ronnette, one of the singing trio members in "Little Shop of Horrors". Once again, she used her vocal prowess to enhance the part. I was fascinated by the variety of characters Sandra has played.

"I played a part once of an evil, evil, back-woods Appalachian character. The thing about the Detroit Repertory Theater that I don't know if you're aware of, is they do what they call non-traditional casting. If it's a White role and you can do it, you can do it no matter what color you are. So most of my experience came from non-traditional casting. Anyway, I played this terrible woman who scalded a baby; then a Jazz singer. I played a minister in Upper Peninsula Michigan, who was a combination minister and car mechanic. That was based upon a true character. The author came to town and her congregation where she was based came to town to see the play too. So I met the author afterwards and I was complimented when she said I didn't go over the top and I was believable as the kindly minister of a small town like that. So yes, I've played a variety of roles, because I felt like I had to catch up."

Sandra Love Aldridge may have been a late bloomer, but she has tucked a variety of challenging parts under her belt. For example, the role of Mickey, the cop in "The Odd Couple". Then to become a French King, Charles VI in the Women's Shakespeare Project, Directed by Lonnie Fleischer. When Sandra became Miss Leah in the play "Flyin' West", her role won The 1997 Best Actress - Theater Excellence Award. She was Molly in "Joe Turner's Come and Gone", directed by Detroit's own renowned Woodie King, Jr. and was just as comfortable becoming a Jamaican Harbor Master in the musical adaptation of "The Odyssey" entitled, "Long Way Home."

To hone her craft, Sandra said she specifically looked to see who was directing a piece before she went after it. She wanted the experience and tutelage of working with some of the best Directors in the business. Some Directors she has worked with are Detroit's own Woodie King, Jr., Debra Wicks with the Meadowbrook Theater, Bruce Milan, Barbara Busby, and Dee Andrus. She studied with David Regal out of University of Detroit and Von Washington, who now resides in Kalamazoo. She has also worked with the Plowshares Theatrical Company under the Direction of Janet Cleveland. Just as serious about her music, Sandra trained under vocal coach and Jazz Master, Harold McKinney. She also attended a unique vocal workshop hosted by the late, great Betty Carter.

Currently, Sandra Love Aldridge is lending her talents in the starring role of a play called "Swinging With The Spirits", which is being Directed by Edward G. Smith, (who won Detroit's 'Director of the Year' Award in 1999). This musical play is a fund raiser for the Jazz Alliance of Michigan (JAM), as well as a tribute to Detroit's legendary disc jockey, Ed Love. The combination play and tribute to Ed Love is scheduled to debut at the Serengeti Ballroom November 17, 18 and 19, 2000. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience Sandra Love Aldridge strut her stuff as both an actress and a Jazz singer.

 
 Top of page