Kopitzke wins Best Actress award

In the summer of 2007 Fallbrook resident Sandra Kopitzke starred as Anna in Patio Playhouse’s production of “The King and I” at Kit Carson Park amphitheater in Escondido. This summer Kopitzke was honored for her stellar performance with an Aubrey Award for “Best Actress in a Musical.” The Aubrey Award is an honor bestowed upon actors who perform in the various theatres connected with the Associated Community Theatres of San Diego (ACT). This is her second Aubrey Best Actress Award; in 1995 she was honored for her performance in “I Do, I Do.” She has also won several other awards for her singing and acting.

I was fortunate to have been able to review this play and the following is an excerpt from that piece (Village News, 8/20/07):

One of Fallbrook’s brightest stars, Sandra Kopitzke, plays Anna Leonowens, the “I” in “The King and I.” With her animated expressions and lovely voice, she sang the large repertoire of songs with vibrancy. When Anna and the King slid and bounced around the floor in “Shall We Dance,” the audience was moved to applause.

Kopitzke played a strong and convincing Anna. It was evident that she loved performing with the children. “I don’t feel like I am acting because I love being with the kids,” she noted. She also loved the character of Anna. “She’s funny, but feisty – I really enjoyed the part.”

Kopitzke has performed in theaters throughout San Diego County. She is a classically trained vocalist and featured soloist for many local and professional San Diego venues. “Miss Sandra” as her students call her, is a staff member of Fallbrook’s CAST Theatre serving as Show Choir director, musical director and choreographer. In fact, although she was a member of the Show Choir and a cheerleader during her high school days, Kopitzke’s first musical theatre stage appearance was at the Mission Theatre only 13 years ago. Her role was that of a nun in “Sound of Music.” That began a long series of lead and principal roles which came full circle when she played Maria in CAST’s recent “Sound of Music.”

This talented vocalist also serves as the praise team and worship band leader at Christ The King Lutheran Church in Fallbrook. During the Christmas season she sings with the Westminster Carolers at the Hotel Del Coronado. “I am pleased to be using the talents that God has given me,” she said.

Kopitzke’s next performance will be as Marian in “The Music Man” in San Diego this November. For more information, log on to http://www.suchnsuchproductions.com.

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