Actress and singer Annie Golden (“Orange is the New Black”) spoke about being a part of the West Bank Cafe benefit GALA, and the importance of the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York.
Golden is best known for portraying mute Norma Romano in the Netflix comedy-drama streaming TV series “Orange is the New Black” from 2013 to 2019.
West Bank Cafe benefit
On October 8th, Golden was a part of a one night-only, star-studded GALA, which celebrated and raised funds for the West Bank Cafe in New York City.
This event was produced by Tony-nominated Broadway producers Tom D’Angora and Michael D’Angora (“Suffs”), Tony-nominated composer Joe Iconis (“Be More Chill”), actor Tim Guinee (“Homeland”), alongside owner Steve Olsen.
“It is so glorious, particularly after Joe Iconis gave that beautiful history of West Bank Café, and he is younger than me,” Golden said.
Golden on Laurie Beechman
“I remember Laurie Beechman; she and I would audition for everything together, so the fact that there is a Laurie Beechman Theatre here in New York is pretty awesome. I just love being here,” Golden admitted.
“I came up at CBGB, but this is my CBGB of Uptown,” she said. “CBGB was where I was discovered with my rock band The Shirts.”
Advice for young and emerging actors and singers
For young and aspiring actors and singers, Golden said, “Find your people. Surrounded yourself with the people that are for you, who know your voice, who know your limitations, and know your strengths, and they will lift you up.”
“I am so fortunate to have found Joe Iconis, but before that, I was with Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman,” she added.
On her definition of the word success, Golden said, “Success means wonderful work with wonderful people. Success really means blessings.”
To learn more about Annie Golden, follow her on Instagram.
