We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ronni Mardor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ronni, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?

Absolutely. Early in my artistic journey, I felt a pressure to portray a kind of “normality” that conflicted with my multifaceted identity as a queer Jewish woman and mental health advocate. My art, which centered on open conversations about these topics, was sometimes misconstrued as a personal struggle or confession.

There were instances where people misinterpreted my work as me “proving” my normality, rather than challenging the very concept itself. This disconnect was frustrating because my goal was to celebrate the richness of identities, including those that might be seen as outside the mainstream. As a Jewish woman, I understand the complexities of navigating cultural expectations, and my art aimed to reflect that.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: true understanding comes from open dialogue. Now, I actively engage with my audience, fostering discussions about the deeper meaning behind my art and the importance of embracing all aspects of ourselves. It’s incredibly rewarding to see people connect with the message of celebrating what makes them unique.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Of course! I’m Ronni, a Musical theatre & pop composer and performer. My music Is a mix of confessions, quirky humor, and hyperreal dialogue, all born from my experiences as a queer, anxious woman navigating life’s big questions. Think Sara Bareilles meets Rachel Bloom, with a healthy dose of “Jewish mother” thrown in for good measure.

My music tackles the raw stuff – anxiety, self-discovery, mental health, grief – but with a whole lot of heart and humor. It’s about capturing the messy beauty of being human in 2024, you know?

But wait! There’s more ;) I’ve poured my heart into a one-woman musical called “Anonymous Rose”. This vibrant, 80-minute Musical Theatre piece is a celebration of being unapologetically yourself. It follows the journey of a queer character as she grapples with mental health, self-acceptance, and the complexities of anxiety in a world that often tries to box us in.
Imagine Fleabag’s raw honesty mixed with the vibrant energy of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, all wrapped up in the catchy musical charm of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. Through a unique blend of comedy, cabaret, and confessional drama, Anonymous Rose delves into these themes with humor, vulnerability, and a whole lot of heart.

Anonymous Rose just had its critically acclaimed Off-Broadway Presentation, and let me tell you, it was incredible! The show is directed by the award-winning Will Nunziata (West End-bound Figaro: A New Musical and off-Broadway White Rose: The Musical) with musical direction by Andy Peterson (Broadway: A Beautiful Noise, Tootsie, composer of An Entirely Ordinary Town: A New Musical). We’re currently searching for the perfect venue for a full run, so keep an eye out – Anonymous Rose might be coming to your city soon!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely! My creative journey is fueled by a deep desire to normalize conversations about mental health and LGBTQ+ experiences. I want to break down the barriers that keep these topics in a “niche” category.

Through my music and especially Anonymous Rose, I aim to create a space where people feel comfortable talking openly about their struggles, anxieties, and journeys towards self-acceptance. It’s important to remember that mental health challenges are incredibly common, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Similarly, I want to celebrate the beautiful diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. There’s no single “normal” way to live a happy and fulfilling life, and embracing that is key. My music and Anonymous Rose are testaments to that!

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

March 2020, remember that? definitely threw me a curveball. I had just moved from London, a city I adored, to Los Angeles, a place that felt isolating at first. As a musician on top of that, the pandemic hit the industry hard. Being an immigrant also added a layer of difficulty – everything unfamiliar, comfort out of reach.

So, I pivoted. Never thought I’d enjoy it, but I explored studio work at Igloo Music Studios (ended up staying over a year!). Later, I delved into the world of music for early childhood education, which I’m still doing today!

Those little ones? They didn’t care about the world shutting down. Focusing on sound exploration and music outdoors with them taught me so much about life and music in ways I never could have imagined. The pandemic shuffled the deck, but it also opened doors to a whole new world!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ronnimardor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronnimardor/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ronnimardor538
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/ronni-mardor-841739642

Image Credits

Malka Nihom, Oded Fehr, its mads, Tshiella D