Becky Gulsvig is currently starring as Elle Woods in the US Tour of Legally Blonde The Musical. She has been with the production since 2006, and has gone from understudying the role of Elle on Broadway to landing the lead role on tour.
Gulsvig made her Broadway debut as Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray, and her additional stage credits include Peter Pan, Grease and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
BroadwayWorld reporter Nick Orlando had a chance to speak with Gulsvig about her role in the show and life on tour.
Becky, thanks for speaking with us. You are currently in Cincinnati. How's it going?
It is going well. It is a great crowd.
What do you like about Cincinnati?
We haven't seen much, but I tried Greater's ice cream. It was delicious. We also want to see a Cincinnati Red's game.
How is it traveling from city to city?
Fun and exhausting! Living out of a suitcase for a year and a half and then some!
You have been involved with Legally Blonde for quite some time. How did this part come about?
I first auditioned in 2005 when they were doing the readings. I then auditioned again for the workshop in the spring of 2006. I was an understudy in the Broadway cast. I had expressed interest in the tour and I had a good handle on the role. I wound up being cast in the tour while I was still in the Broadway show.
What do you love about this show?
I love how people love the show. People in New York had so much fun and so do the audience in
the cities we visit. It's a great escape for two and a half hours. People leave with a big smile! We started touring during the recession and right after we went on tour, a mom came up to D.B. [Bonds] and said we could only afford to see one show this year and we are so glad we chose Legally Blonde. The show brings joy to people around the country.
Do you relate to Elle in your personal life?
Absolutely. Everybody can relate to Elle. You are constantly having to prove yourself. You are being judged by appearance, first glance, etc. She is a very relatable character for me.
Were you a fan of the movie?
I loved the movie! I haven't seen it in a while, as you can imagine.
After being involved with the production for so long, how do you keep the part fresh?
That was an ongoing discovery. I haven't been with anything this long. After one year on tour, it became tricky. I had to rediscover and re-attack; it's staying true to the part. I would take a fresh approach, within reason, every night. I also watch the other actors on stage.
What's your favorite song from the show?
It's at the end of the show, "Find My Way." It is the most relatable for me, my journey in the show. It's a great way to wrap up the evening.
Your part in Hairspray, your Broadway debut, also involved a transition from the ensemble and understudy roles to playing Amber Von Tussle. What was that experience like? Did you imagine that would happen?
I loved every minute of Hairspray. I was thrilled to be part of that show. It will always have a special place in my heart. It was amazing that happened; they let me do the part! All my hard work paid off. I learned a lot and had so much fun.
You grew up in Minnesota. When did you come to New York? It must have been a big change for you.
I moved when I was 17 years old. I graduated from high school one year early. It was during the summer and my parents stayed with me for a couple of weeks until I turned 18 and I was able to have my own bank account. I started auditioning and taking classes. It was a big change.
What was your first gig?
The national tour of Peter Pan. I played Wendy.
What was the first Broadway show you had seen?
Phantom of the Opera or Cats. I saw both during the same week; it was a high school trip.
-----
The US tour of Legally Blonde The Musical wraps up in Cincinnati, OH on May 23rd and will be visiting the following cities: Newark, NJ (June 1 - 6), Louisville, KY (June 8 -13), Toronto, Ontario (July 6 - August 8) and Vienna, VA from (August 12 - August 15). To learn more about Gulsvig, check out: www.beckygulsvig.com. For more information on the production or to purchase tickets, visit: www.tour.legallyblondethemusical.com.
