Biography
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Born and Raised in Los Angeles, CA -- second-generation native -- Viki developed a love of singing and performing at an early age. Her grandparents were vaudeville singers on the Orpheum Circuit in the 1930s (her grandfather even taught voice lessons to "Unsinkable" Molly Brown), and Viki grew up on Nana's tales of life on the stage. Small wonder, then, that she eventually threw herself into performing.
Viki's first leading role was as Lady Larken in Once Upon a Mattress (where she met her husband, Sean, who was playing the Minstrel), which was quickly followed by Maria in The Sound of Music and Lily in The Secret Garden. In addition to theater, Viki began singing at a number of churches and is currently in demand as a Catholic cantor, singing the Mass in English and in Spanish. She also has her own solo act --a relaxed, intimate, interactive cabaret-style show which she performs at parties, corporate functions and other events.
In 2001, Viki was approached to fill in as part of the Mysteries to Dine For murder mystery dinner theater group. This substitute gig eventually led to her becoming a regular member of this improvisational ensemble, with new shows and roles designed specifically with her in mind.
Mysteries to Dine For led to Viki's involvement with that company's non-profit arm, LA Troupe Theatre-in-Education. This group brings classical theater -- particularly Shakespeare -- to young audiences. Without "dumbing down" Shakespeare's original text, the group makes the plays approachable and enjoyable for students at every grade level. Viki plays the roles of Titania/Hermia/Snug in A Midsummer Night's Dream and the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet, as well as various roles in their Tales of Edgar Allan Poe anthology. She also performs in the company's fire safety shows for grades K-3.
Viki has also been involved with several projects for the award-wining independent film company Biscuits & Gravy Productions. She has appeared in six of their films, including both of their "Best of LA" selections for the 48-Hour Film Project, and has been a featured vocalist in several of their soundtracks.
Instantly likable, yet a relentless perfectionist in her preparation, Viki brings a relaxed professional attitude to all of her work. She continues to broaden the scope of her performing, including voiceover work, studio recording, and expanding her acting in theater and film.
But, perhaps inspired by Nana's stories, Viki's first love will always be singing on stage for a live audience.