Sarah Elizabeth Haines is a New York City-based violist, violinist, vocalist, songwriter and performer, and previously appeared in the Beardo band at Pipeline’s most recent Gala. She is a core member of new music ensemble Contemporaneous, and leads with Jessica Clinton the Americana group Bellehouse, as well as being violist and vocalist for Emanuel and the Fear, and for Kenyon Phillips and the Ladies in Waiting, with whom she performs in the burlesque circus glam rock opera The Life and Death of Kenyon Phillips. She performs with Todd Almond’s experimental rock opera Kansas City Choir Boy, and was the violist for the premiere and original cast recording of Jenny Schwartz’ and Todd Almond’s Iow@ at Playwrights Horizons. Learn more about Sarah in our interview below, and get those pre-sale Beardo tickets while supplies last!
Pipeline Theatre Company: What attracted you to Beardo? What made you want to work on this project?
Sarah Elizabeth Haines: I played some of the music at the Pipeline Gala last year an instantly loved how beautiful and weird it was; I also just love what Dave Malloy is doing with theatre and experimental music, and the opportunity to dive into one of his scores was one I didn’t want to miss.
PTC: Why violin?
SEH: I always wanted to play the violin–I have since before I can remember actually. My grandma would take me to classical concerts in the city from a very young age and so it became all I wanted to do when I was 4 or 5 years old. I play both violin and viola now, and I sing and write music as well. Being a professional musician can be sort of a stressful lifestyle, but there’s one thing that I’ll say for it–you’ll never be bored, and there’s always something new to learn, which makes it incredibly exciting, and I couldn’t really imagine doing anything else.
PTC: If you ruled the world, what would you be remembered for?
SEH: If I ruled the world, I would probably be remembered for changing the national anthem to a Joni Mitchell song.
PTC: Why should someone who has no connection to this show or its artists come see the show?
SEH: This show will take you out of your comfort zone in some capacity, and I think that’s a challenge all of us should be seeking more of, especially in these times.
PTC: If you could create a tagline for this show, what would it be?
SEH: Beardo; he’s a weirdo but you’ll find him hard to resist!
