Life is a stage for powerhouse mother-daughter duo

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, April 20, 2022

If you are the parent of a child who has sung, danced or acted in the last 20 years on Vashon, you probably know Marita and Elise Ericksen.

Whether it was running the Vashon Island Youth Chorus, teaching in schools or directing musical theater for youth, Marita has been front and center, teaching youth the joy of music.

Now, Marita’s daughter, Elise, has joined her, providing dance instruction, directing, costumes and more, creating a powerful mother and daughter team in the island’s artistic world.

After a start as a professional singer, Marita taught music in the Tacoma and Vashon schools after she and her husband, Rev. John Ericksen, moved to Vashon in 1988.

But since 2001, Marita has been teaching youth to sing — whether it’s putting on Charlie Brown musicals, summer arts camps or more. She’s also been a steady presence on stage herself, performing in Drama Dock musicals, fundraisers, church programs, operas and the Vashon Island Chorale.

Marita came by her love of music naturally. Her father was a composer and jazz pianist, her mom was also a musician and she was one of eight singing siblings.

Elise performed alongside her mom when she was a child, in beloved musicals such as “Fiddler on the Roof” and “The King and I.” John, who was the minister at the Lutheran Church, also was a singer and actor, so it was a family affair.

Over the years, in addition to her work with kids, Marita has also been deeply engaged in leading church music programming around the island. Elise grew up watching her parents performing on stage and joined them in supporting parts, though she felt drawn to dance.

After college, Elise was making her own way as a dance instructor and arts administrator in Portland when her beloved father died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s in 2016. Elise decided to move back to Vashon and join her mom, where they began to work side by side at Vashon Center for the Arts (VCA).

Since then, Elise has continued her own arts education and taken on more leadership roles, such as stage-managing, directing, and teaching dance. She has acted and danced herself, too, though she claims she is more comfortable “behind” the curtain. All of that has been while raising Frankie, her eight-year-old son, with her mother’s support.

“It’s nice to be with my family, working together,” Elise said. “We have worked together our whole lives. Our skills balance each other out.”

Marita also says Elise’s presence is critical. “It’s a dream come true for me,” she said. “She keeps us organized.”

Elise said she has always felt lucky to work with her mom, but seeing others who were not connected to family during the pandemic left Elise feeling particularly fortunate.

Shannon Flora, a frequent collaborator in Drama Dock, the Chorale and youth productions over the years, said she is grateful for Marita’s focus on kids of all abilities.

“This is one place in our community where any kid can feel welcome and be part of a team,” she said.

Wendy Finkleman, the director of arts education at VCA, is also a big fan of both Ericksens.

“Marita has a wonderful combination of musical talent, a ‘can-do’ spirit and a heart of gold. She started the musical theater program at VCA many moons ago, and has instructed hundreds of students in vocal techniques in the process of launching numerous well-known musicals,” said Finkleman. “Elise is incredible. She is organized, dedicated, creative and able to confidently manage any job involved in launching a musical.”

Marita said she has a very rewarding career on Vashon.

“I have seen kids go off and pursue careers,” she said. “It’s so exciting to see what music and theater has done for so many kids.”

Marita said it is particularly rewarding to watch the kids as they come out on stage at Kay White Hall at VCA after a number of years in other venues.

“These kids are so blessed,” said Marita. “You see them come out, look at those lights and seats. They are in awe.”

Elise said Vashon has been a magical place to raise her son, giving kids so many opportunities to pursue creative outlets. Frankie doesn’t seem to mind the experience on Vashon, agreeing he enjoys being involved in music and drama with his grandmother and mom.

“I had a great upbringing in the arts on this island,” Elise said. “I want to bring that to others. I want to take my experience and build upon it for them.”

Similarly, Marita shares the love of Vashon.

“When I see how much this means to families, it makes it all worthwhile,” Marita said. “I have been doing this for 21 years. They’ll have to carry me out on a stretcher.”

Lauri Hennessey is a contributing writer to The Beachcomber and has frequently collaborated with Marita Ericksen. Hennessey is the CEO of the League of Education Voters.