What do you feel is the most important message that the audience can take from Fela!?
SS: Oh wow, well there are so many. I like the idea of people coming away knowing that Fela was an intellectual and a politician and a composer. That people know that Africa is not just about famine and war, but that we are also intellectuals and artists. My father was from Africa and they would have parties and play music, and all they would do is talk politics. Americans become accustomed to judging people and just assuming that they aren't as evolved or aware, and I am American myself so I know we are guilty of this, so I love how well thought out Fela! is and how it is so politically and artistically aware.
You have played a wide variety of roles on the stage, from Mimi to Elphaba. What are your aspirations for your next stage role?
SS: I would love to play Rita Marley, or Celia Cruz... Michelle Obama would be pretty cool.
So continuing in the strong political woman sort of vein?
SS: Well you know, I've played some really interesting roles in theater. And I think that it's important to diversify. I'd actually like to do a little bit of voice-over work, some commercials, that sort of thing.
I know you released your CD's Southern Pin-Up in late 2005 and Southern Pin-Up: Special Edition in 2008. Do you have any more plans to record?
SS: Yes definitely. Right now I am looking for some interesting artists to work with who inspire me. My current CD came out a few years ago and for that I did a lot of work; I made a music video on YouTube and stuff that was a lot of fun. I would definitely like to do it all on a bigger scale for my next album. But honestly I'm try not to think about my career and what I'm going to do next. I'm really trying to focus on what is happening to me now, to make sure that I am living life and being truly happy with what I am doing.
What is your favorite thing about performing on the stage, versus on the screen? What about theatre keeps you coming back?
SS: Wow, well... it's very different every day. Nothing else is like that. I love the five or ten minutes before the show starts - when you are doing the finishing touches, putting on the make-up, doing my lashes, doing my final stretch. Because then when you hit the stage, there is this burst of feeling, this look that the audience gets. You know, you can really feel it with Fela! Because the band is playing before the show starts and the actors are dancing in the wings and the movements and the energy just starts! Its big. You are walking around a little bit and the music comes up and its showtime. And you can see it in the audiences eyes, this excitement.
The live reaction from the audience?
SS: Exactly. That look of "ooh" or "ahh" and that's contagious. This appreciation of what we are doing. And performing with Sahr Ngaujah has been absolutely amazing. He is a childhood friend of mine.
Really?!
SS: Yeah, we went to the same high school in Atlanta! And we have gotten so many well wishes from our friends, our school friends and our show friends, people from our company, its been very nice.
Is there anything else you want to get out there in print?
SS: Well let me just say, I love BroadwayWorld!
Well I can't say that we don't love hearing that.
SS: Seriously, I love looking at the pictures and all the news about other actors. I like to catch up on other actor's news. And now I have my own interview on BroadwayWorld, it's a great feeling. Really all of this is such a great feeling. I've been a replacement in a lot of shows. Or films. And its really nice to have my own role, its not a revival, its not someone elses part. Its really thrilling to walk like I walk and not have to walk like somebody else, or sing songs that were made for someone else. This has my own flavor. And this show feels like its effect for my voice and the songs are perfect for my voice. Its all been a dream come true.
Tickets for Fela! on Broadway are available through www.Telecharge.com, by calling (212) 239-6200 or in-person at The Eugene O'Neill Box Office, located at 230 West 49th Street.
