A Deeper Look: Julie Crowell

Fantine is often seen as one the saddest characters, taking the most brutal beating right at the beginning. But then, by the end of the musical, she becomes a light of hope for Valjean. The symbol of hope and accomplished happiness that she becomes is definitely reflected in the faithfulness of the actress playing her: Julie Crowell.

When asked why she wanted to audition, Julie said “I felt like at this time in my life, I would give it a good try. I never expected it in a million years. But man, in my heart of hearts, I desired it more than anything. I believe the Lord heard my prayers and knew that it was my heart’s desire!”

Julie began acting in elementary school in small productions but was first interested in performing this role in 1994, when she began attending Pacific Lutheran University on a music scholarship. A graduate of Gig Harbor High School in Washington, her family still lives in Gig Harbor, Tacoma and Puyallup (all in Washington) including her “AWESOME” brother and two wonderful nephews.

Julie has worked for Widman Motors in Omaha for the last nine years, but really enjoys her free time spent reading the bible and other books, taking walks around her neighborhood in Dundee and Memorial Park, working out at Blue Moon Fitness and attending small group meetings as well as singing at Glad Tidings Church.

No stranger to the Omaha Community Playhouse, Julie’s favorite show to perform was My Fair Lady where she had the amazing privilege to play Eliza Doolittle, a role for which she won a Fonda-McGuire Award (OCP's highest award).  Julie is truly a talented and humble woman and will be fantastic in such an iconic role of one of the world’s greatest musicals.

You can see Julie Crowell in her role as Fantine at the Omaha Community Playhouse’s Les Misérables, running Sept. 20-Oct. 27, 2013; Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $24 for students. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call (402) 553-0800 or click here.

Story by Shannon Kern