Life Now by Imagine U – Commissioned by The National Theatre, D.C.

Life Now by Imagine U

Commissioned by The National Theatre, D.C.
Creative Director

The Saturday Morning Live! At The National program is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and has delighted children for years with performances designed to engage and inspire the young mind. Virtual performances by nationally known educators and artists encourage children to look outside their communities and discover a world of wonder.

Premiering on Facebook January 16th, 2021.

The National Theatre, Washington, D.C.

The 90th Annual Waa-Mu Show: The Secret of Camp Elliott

Northwestern University
Director / Choreographer / Director of Photography

First Female Director in the history of the Waa-Mu Organization. This year's production featured a new work written by dozens of creative creators, a fully digital rehearsal process with a strong artistic team, self-taped footage and vocals by talented actors, a fully orchestrated score created and performed by gifted artists, and a professional edit to launch a feature length film - the very first Waa-Muvie.

The [Remote] Making of a Musical

Ezri Killeen
The Waa-Mu Show Director

The [Remote] Making of a Musical tells the story of the 89th Annual Waa-Mu Show, State of The Art, at Northwestern University as it evolves into a digital rehearsal process and presentation during the global pandemic of 2020.

Waa-Mu State of the Art rehearsing on Zoom

The 89th Annual Waa-Mu Show: State of the Art

Northwestern University
Director Choreographer

First Female Director in the history of the Waa-Mu Organization.

"And although director Amanda Tanguay was thrilled with the final performance, she celebrates something bigger. 'We banded together, supported the creation of new art, but also supported each other during a difficult period of time. Ultimately, it is very clear to me that the final performance is not the only thing that makes Waa-Mu special. It is the people involved.”
Ryan Cunningham, Broadway's Best Shows
The Wee Hour – A Celebration of the Music of Finn Anderson

The Wee Hour – A Celebration of the Music of Finn Anderson

Northwestern University
Director Choreographer
The Emperor's New Clothes (Schmuckler & Holstein)

The Emperor's New Clothes (Schmuckler & Holstein)

Northwestern University
Director Choreographer
“The most important thing is to find the honesty in the piece and make sure we are telling the story as genuinely as possible,” Tanguay said. “When you’re just a human making choices and learning and growing on stage, it’s easier for viewers to understand (and) see reflections of themselves in the characters.”
Jennifer Zhan, The Daily Northwestern
Tanguay, who is also friends with Holstein and Schmuckler, has long loved the musical. "I really hope this sparks dialogue about pride and vanity affecting leadership and how we can all learn to listen more and be compassionate toward each other," she says.
Cara Lockwood, Northwestern University School of Communication

Alan Schmuckler, Dave Holstein, and Amanda Tanguay
Writers Alan Schmuckler and Dave Holstein with Amanda Tanguay
Photo by Justin Barbin

Amanda Tanguay

“The bravest journeys are never taken alone” – Meet Amanda 26 of 52 Phenomenal Women

From amyboylephoto.com

“Minutes after the birth of my first child via emergency c-section, I felt the unnerving sensation of my body losing blood quickly. After trying everything, the doctor said, “I have to make a choice: save your life or save your uterus. I will always choose to save you.”

Read more…

Amanda Tanguay

About Amanda

Amanda is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA, with a double major in Theatre and Dance Performance from Indiana University. She is married to actor / product designer / founder of Dialogue, Jarrod Zimmerman. They reside on the north side of Chicago with their cat and son.

The 88th Annual Waa-Mu Show: For The Record

Northwestern University
Associate Director / Choreographer
Tanguay said the show married her two favorite interests: history and musical theater. She noted the show feels “very timely and 2019,” adding that she finds musical theater and journalism alike because they both record current events for present and future audiences.

“It’s really important to show women accomplishing great things because it inspires younger generations to do the same,” Tanguay said. “It also inspires allies to highlight these achievements of women and support women in leadership roles.”

Abigail Sutter, The Daily Northwestern
Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn

Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn

Marriott Theatre
d.
Denis Jones
Ensemble

Pinkalicious The Musical

Marriott Theatre
Director Choreographer
Shows like “Pinkalicious” have themes parents and youngsters can discuss and offers new perspectives on old issues, [Tanguay] said. “I think it’s a unique opportunity that only can come through live theater.”
Sheryl DeVore, Chicago Tribune
And unlike similar productions of “Pinkalicious,” this one will utilize various instruments throughout the musical. “The inclusion of the instruments has been one of the exciting challenges of the show,” explains Tanguay. “To have the chance to utilize a piano and other instruments to enhance the storytelling has been really exciting.”
Tricia Despres, Chicago Sun-Times
Urinetown

Urinetown: The Musical

Northwestern University
d.
Scott Weinstein
Choreographer

The Velveteen Rabbit

Marriott Theatre
Director Choreographer
...directed and choreographed with heart and tenderness by popular Chicago actress/dancer Amanda Tanguay, and musically directed by Ellen K. Morris, the story has been updated and slightly altered...This isn’t your typical theatre for young audiences production. The Marriott’s current offering explores far more serious themes and offers considerably less action and broad comedy. The musical is far more character-driven and, as such, may not hold the attention of some very young theatergoers. However, juvenile audiences, and their adult companions, who appreciate and understand a more thoughtful and reflective story will love this production.
Colin Douglas, Chicago Theatre Review
This is a stunning production filled with memorable characters...As this production shares the stage with the main stage production of “Man Of LaMancha” there is no real set, but the smooth direction and solid cast take care of telling us the story in a way that every child (and adult) “gets it”!
Al Bresloff, Around The Town Chicago
The Winter's Tale

The Winter's Tale

The Shakespeare Project of Chicago
d.
Barbara Zahora
Perdita / Choreographer

It’s A Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!

American Blues Theater
d.
Gwendolyn Whiteside
Mary Bailey / Choreographer
Wild Irish Rosie

Wild Irish Rosie

Author

A new life on the vaudeville stage brings love and adventure. But when high society takes notice, will Rosie leave it all behind?

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Follies

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
d.
Gary Griffin
Margie / Young Carlotta
The Music Man

The Music Man

Marriott Theatre
d.
Gary Griffin
Zaneeta Shinn
In a show rich in character roles, there are triumphant turns by... Amanda Tanguay and Adrian Aguilar (as the mayor's spicy daughter and her boyfriend)
Hedy Weiss, Sun Times
As the decent local kids whom Harold helps, Adrian Aguilar and Amanda Tanguay carry the romantic subplot with goofy grace.
Scotty Zacher, Chicago Theater Blog
Adrian Aguilar as Tommy Djilas and Amanda Tanguay as Zaneeta Shinn dance up a storm, and are engaging and honest.
Paul W Thompson, Broadway World