Eugene: You're telling such a great story
here! Being on the road I'm sure is very important… what did you learn about
yourself and your skills as a professional in Wicked and Legally Blonde?
Annaleigh: As an
actor, you can find comfort in the space of the theatre or the consistency of
the structure of the show. Sometimes
those things aren't always a comfort on the road because they change so
quickly. You have a new orchestra every two weeks; a completely different space
with a different sound system. You're in a new climate for your voice. Because of that, it's such a test of being "in
the moment" and trusting your work and having to go for it! I'm so grateful I
was also a cover on the road – because you just never know – it could be like
being shot out of a cannon. If you trust
your work and you trust the piece, you're going to be fine. There is something so beautiful about
traveling with other people. You have to
be a safety for each other because you're away for your home. Going out of
town, opening a new show, is kind of like being on the road in that respect
because you become a family. You go
through so much in terms of development, and also help create the story, create
the character, having input – that needs a very safe space. Being out of town
for that chunk of time is like going away to summer camp! You share something
beautiful being in an original company. Those two months feel like half a year.
Tour-time versus Real-time. Time gets
distorted.
Eugene: That's a lot of work. You were talking about being a cover… Why
should everyday theatre-goers appreciate understudies?
Annaleigh: One
thing that's so fascinating, to watch a cover, is there is no way for it not to
be in the moment. Even if somebody goes on often, everyone has to be on their
game. Nobody can be on autopilot. Not only for safety issues, but also most
importantly as an actor, you have to be ready for whatever they give you – and
you have to give it back. It should be
respected and loved because it is one of the hardest things to do in the whole
world. Especially the first couple of
times someone goes on…
Eugene: That must be so special and so scary.
Annaleigh: It's
first scary, but then you don't have time to be scared. You have to trust
yourself. It's a lot of homework too. You have to do it all on your own, just
get there and see what happens. Your first-time going on, you're asked:
"How did it go?" and you say: "I don't really remember it!" It feels very
surreal, and partly because of the lights! I remember the first time I went on
for Wicked in my own track; it was
harder than going on as Glinda because I didn't know what the lights were going
to feel like! I got really lost. I did a turn in the Ozdust Ballroom and I was
a different way than everybody else. And I said the wrong line! I had two lines
in the show and I messed it up. I was
Pfanee – Glinda's best friend – my first line was "Oh, how good are you!"… but
I said "You are so good" fully committed and so happy… That's my second line
and I said it totally in the wrong spot! It was horrifying! The light hits you
and you freeze! And then you learn to love the lights. By the time I went on
for Glinda, I was totally used to what it was going to feel like and I got to
explore.
Eugene: What a rush.
Annaleigh: And
the very first time I went on, I was working with almost the exact same company
on the road as I will in New York!
Eugene: That's what I love about Wicked. They keep it in the family.
Annaleigh: Isn't
that kooky? Who would have ever thought it?
Eugene: Have you ever gone on as Elle in Legally Blonde?
Annaleigh: No. As a cover; it's hard to
think like that because you would never wish a fellow actor out. Laura Bell Bundy is like the bionic woman! We
have a really tough schedule – we have three double-show days when most shows
only have two. She's been doing amazing.
It's exciting for her.
Eugene: How have you handled Wicked rehearsals while in Legally Blonde?
Annaleigh: I'll have one week of double-duty with Wicked at day and Legally Blonde at night. I
like to rehearse at day and perform at night because I think it refreshes your
work at night. Even if you're tired, you appreciate it more. My last week is
going to be so fun, because I love Glinda.
Eugene: It's already under your belt, too.
Annaleigh: It is
in a way, but I'm also so excited to start from scratch again and have some
rehearsal time. And I get to be with this orchestra here! This orchestra is
incredible. And I get to play the Gershwin! Who can believe that? The company
I'm going to be with is just amazing.
It's going to be hard to say goodbye to Legally Blonde. I have a family there and I've had so many amazing
things happen in my life since I've started with them and I feel like I got
such a beautiful opportunity to create something.
Eugene: What are you going to miss about Legally Blonde?
Annaleigh:
Omigod, I'm going to miss the dog.
[laughs] Chico!
Chico and I
have a special connection. Everybody asks: "What is he going to do when you
leave?" And I say: "What am I going to do?" I should just bring him over and
put him in a little bubble! [laughs] I'm going to miss all my Delta Nu magic I
get to escape to every night. It reminds me that musical theatre is musical
theatre and comedy for a reason. Not only as an audience, but as an actor, you
get to escape to it. What a blessing that is. I'm going to miss the constant joy. But I won't be missing the pink. [laughs] I'll get some new pink!
Eugene: What are you looking forward to in
the role of Glinda, probably one of the coolest roles on Broadway right now.
Annaleigh: It is!
She becomes a different person in the end.
I'm looking forward to that! Finding all the moments when she realizes
all the important life lessons… [unconsciously tosses her hair]
Eugene: You just did the toss-toss.
Annaleigh: Oh I
did! [laughs] Ooo! I'm looking forward to my wig, too!
Eugene: Are there little moments in the show
that make you go insane with anticipation?
Annaleigh: There
are certain moments where there is an expectation to live up to – like
toss-toss – that were just so beautifully constructed by Kristin Chenoweth. There are certain things she planted. They work so great that they hold on and
they're in the script. I'm looking
forward to those moments because they're a challenge. You have to make them
your own even though somebody else created them. And I love the beginning of Act II… I think "Thank Goodness" one of the most beautiful songs in the show because it's so true to what
so many people go through each day.
Inside you don't really know… All your dreams can come true and then at
the end of the day, they look back and ask if it's really what they want. And also, I never think Glinda is ill-willed
toward Elphaba. I just think she's naïve. And as time goes by, and as Elphaba
teaches her, she grows as a human being. Oh! And the moment in "Defying Gravity" when Elphaba is singing her face off – it's
amazing to watch your cast mate do it. You get to stand there and totally watch
them take over and fly literally and emotionally, and you can just stand there
and support. That's all you do is stand there and support! It's beautiful
and so important for the story. And I'm excited to watch Stephanie J. Block do
it.
Eugene: Finally she's on Broadway in that
role!
Annaleigh: I got to watch her do it every night on the road, which was such a treat. I can't
believe I get to play opposite her. This is happening. I'm totally living
my dream. And when you have hard days, and you do get to escape to it; that's
what reminds you why you do it. I always
remember when I was on the road in my track at the end of the show, I get to
turn around and see the front row. People's faces as they watch the very end,
they were completely into the story and were able to completely escape for
those two and a half hours... and so were
we. That's the beauty of it. That's
the gift. That's the calling and that's why we do it. So walking into auditions, waiting for
four-hours and they won't even let you go to the bathroom because you don't
have your card. It's okay. Because at some point the light's going to hit you
and you'll forget your line!
Eugene: Perfect. Thanks so much and
congratulations again!
Annaleigh: Oh
gosh, no thank you! I'm so glad we were able to share our first matzah brei
doing this!
