THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 9, 1994 TAG: 9411080087
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Jody R. Snider
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
Everybody remembers Karen Willard for the many roles she's played for Smithfield Little Theater.
And everyone knows that when she had twins in 1987, she took a leave of absence from the stage.
And now, everyone, she's back.
``The Music Man'' opened Nov. 3 at Smithfield Little Theater, with Willard playing the prim, proper, pretty Marian, the librarian in River City, Iowa.
Performances will be held at 8 p.m. Nov. 10-12, 17-19 and at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 13. Reserved tickets are $8.
Willard said the cast of 40 has been putting in about 12 hours per week in practices since September.
Since her leave from the stage, Willard said it felt odd to step back into the floodlights.
``I felt like I couldn't do it at first,'' she said. ``I was afraid I couldn't learn my lines. But then, it was like trying to ride a bike. . . You remember.''
Most days, however, Willard can be found at Carrollton Elementary School, leading about 800 music students in song.
She has taught in the Isle of Wight School System for 17 years - two years at Carrollton, six years at Hardy Elementary and nine years at Smithfield Elementary.
In addition to teaching in the classroom, Willard also leads choirs for third through fifth grades. After Christmas, she will also be leading choirs for first- and second-graders.
``It really keeps me busy,'' she said.
Name: Karen Walters Willard.
What brought you to Isle of Wight? After graduating in 1978 from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, I got a music teaching job with the Isle of Wight Public Schools.
Hometown: Concord, N.C.
Birthdate: Oct. 9, 1956.
Occupation: Music teacher at Carrollton Elementary School.
Marital status: Married to Michael Downing Willard.
Children: Twins - William Karlton and Kristina Michelle, age 7.
Favorite movies: ``The Sound of Music'' and ``It's a Wonderful Life.''
Favorite magazine: ``Music Educators Journal.''
A book you wish everyone would read, why? The Bible - because it's God's invitation to redemption - and ``Addicted to Mediocrity'' by Franky Schaeffer. It gives his views on 20th century Christians and the arts.
Favorite night out on the town: Anywhere with my husband Mike and our children.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Cowling's Restaurant.
Favorite food and drink: Steak, salad, baked potato and a glass of wine. Anything sweet for dessert.
Few people know. . . that I can be very shy and nervous when I stand up in front of people and speak.
What's the best thing about yourself? My enthusiasm and commitment to my obligations and loyality to my family and friends.
Worst habit: It's hard for me to say no when I'm asked to do something, and then I get too busy.
First thing in the morning: I thank God that I have another day to raise my children. Then, I get up and take a shower.
Pets: A dog named Missy and a cat named Tiger.
Hobbies: Community theater, walking and reading.
Ideal vacation: A trip around the world - taking about a year.
Pet peeve: Double standards.
First job: Counselor at summer camp - I was paid $14 per week.
Worst job: Spinner in a textile mill.
What achievements are you most proud of? Isle of Wight Elementary Teacher of the Year in 1992, director of community choir for Handel's ``Messiah'' and a mother of twins.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``She had a song in her heart.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by FRANK ROBERTS
Karen Willard returns to Smithfield Little Theater as Marian, the
librarian, opposite Jim Abicht as the Music Man.
KEYWORDS: INTERVIEW PROFILE
by CNB