THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 23, 1996 TAG: 9606210200
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Christine M. Points
LENGTH: 94 lines
When Marnie Klar recently was crowned Miss Portsmouth Seawall, the title was not the culmination of years spent preparing and dreaming of the moment.
It was more like, ``Wow - this is great. What next?''
Klar, a rising senior at the University of Miami in Florida, never had entered a pageant before, although she had performed in the Miss Portsmouth Seawall Pageant in 1991 with the Hurrah Players. The encouragement of Hugh Copeland, director of the Hurrah Players, and Kay Sykes, a drama teacher at Western Branch High School and director of the Miss Portsmouth Seawall Pageant, led to Klar's entry in this year's competition.
In addition to the title, Klar won the Mary Beth Alexander talent trophy for her rendition of ``I Still Believe'' from the Broadway production of ``Miss Saigon.''
``I've been involved with the Hurrah Players since I was 15,'' Klar said. ``Acting is something I've always wanted to do - I used to wish I was Barbra Streisand. My parents tried to bring me up with a normal childhood; I was involved in cheerleading and sports. But acting has always been my burning desire.''
A musical theater major with a 3.3 grade-point average, Klar delayed a modeling career with the New York modeling agency Wilhelmina to attend college. She admits to being something of a study hound.
``On weekends a lot of my friends go out,'' Klar said, ``and even when I'm not in a production, I'd rather spend my time studying.''
But Klar's schedule is pretty well consumed with classes and productions at Miami - the latest of which was ``Mame.'' The assistant director was the show's original director on Broadway.
Now Klar is spending a lot of time developing her state pageant platform: improving the quality of care for the elderly.
For six years, Klar has volunteered at the Beth Shalom Nursing Home in Virginia Beach, where her mother is president. Recently, Klar visited the Manning Convalescent Center in Portsmouth.
``It's an issue that is important to me and my family,'' Klar said. ``I've been really involved with that lately.''
Her family - her mother, father and two brothers - play a large part in her life.
``I think I'm like my mom - she always says she's happiest when all her peas are in the pod,'' Klar said. ``And we're all so close. I think I've been out with friends twice since I've been home.''
Klar's goal, once she finishes college, is to become a successful actress on Broadway.
``I might have to make it on television,'' she said, ``but if I have my choice, I'll do it live.''
Klar, a graduate of Cox High School in Virginia Beach, will represent Portsmouth at the Miss Virginia Pageant in Roanoke on June 29. The pageant will be televised throughout the state.
Name: Marnie Klar.
Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio.
Birthdate: Sept. 3, 1975.
Occupation: Student at University of Miami.
What job other than your own would you like? Anything in the entertainment industry.
Marital status: Single.
Children/grandchildren: None.
Fondest childhood memory: When I was 12, I had my bat mitzvah. It was wonderful to have my entire family together to celebrate the honor of my becoming a woman in the Jewish religion. It was also the last family affair that my grandmother, with whom I was very close, attended before she passed away.
First concert: Neil Diamond.
What song or book title best describes your life? My family says the song ``One'' from a ``Chorus Line.''
If you won the lottery, what's the very first thing you would buy? A matching jewelry set from Cartier for my mother and anything that my dad and brothers want.
If you could trade places for just one day with anyone in the world, who would it be and why? Stephen Spielberg. He has such wonderful talent that he uses not only to benefit others, but himself as well. He is a sheer genius and kind and giving human being.
Biggest accomplishment: Getting where I am today; the close bonds I have formed with my family and my education.
Most embarrassing moment: While being crowned Miss Portsmouth Seawall Festival by very tiny Tracey Blizzard, (I'm 5 feet 11 and had heels on!), having my legs lock from bending for so long and falling over while trying to stand.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My confidence, because in the entertainment field, you'd be lost due to all of the competition.
Perfect way to spend the day: Relaxing with my family and/or friends.
I can't resist: Going to a musical and singing softly to the music, even when I see people giving me funny looks.
Biggest problem facing Portsmouth: Crime rate.
If you had three wishes for Portsmouth, what would they be? To put Portsmouth back on the map as a wonderful place to live and visit. To decrease the crime rate. More community involvement with the elderly. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MARK MITCHELL
Marnie Klar by CNB