The week Mary arrived in New York City for the very first time, she auditioned for The Light Opera of Manhattan (LOOM). Landing a job as a chorus member, Mary began her journey by earning $5 a show (and working as a secretary during the day.) She immediately worked her way up from chorus to understudy to leading lady of the company, starring in over 20 productions.
Mary played Betty Green, the park ranger, in Fred Rogers’ (that’s Mister Rogers of kiddie TV fame) Spoon Mountain. It played off-Broadway at the Vineyard Theatre with musical director, Peter Miller.
Mary got her Equity card playing Maria in An Evening Dinner Theatre’s production (now Westechester Broadway) of Nine. It was directed by Randy Hugill. Musical director was the amazing Kristen Blodgette, and it starred Marcia Mitzman and Carolee Carmello.