Fernandez Swings In The Drowsy Chaperone

I recently went to see THE DROWSY CHAPERONE with hopes of seeing Beth Leavel in the title role. However, we had her understudy/swing at the performance, Stacia Fernandez. Now usually, I would have had some disappointment in missing the person I wanted to see on stage, but to my delight, Fernandez put on an amazing performance.  Hence, my curiosity was peaked and here's the interview with her on BroadwayWorld.com so we can find out a little more about her and the role of a swing in a Broadway show. 

Stacia started her career in Atlanta, Georgia as a musician, singer and conductor... and then moved to New York for "just six weeks to see if anything might happen" and much to her friends, family and her OWN surprise, three weeks later booked a principal contract on the national tour of JEROME ROBBINS' BROADWAY.   Not quite knowing what hit her!

Since then, her career includes the following shows on Broadway: THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, TOM SAWYER, SWING, THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST,  off- Broadway: LONESTAR LOVE (co-starring with Beth Leavel).   National tours include EVITA, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, JEROME ROBBINS' BROADWAY, and HEARTSTRINGS to raise money for AIDS awareness.   Her favorite shows in regional theatre include DEATH OF A SALESMAN, CATS, The world premier of PRINCE AND THE PAUPER, KISS ME KATE, THE KING AND I, ANYTHING GOES, the world premiere of Alan Ayckbourn's DREAMS FROM A SUMMER HOUSE.   She is also known for playing Dusty Springfield in an upcoming musical based on the pop star's life.   She has done two movie soundtracks, THE SHAGGY DOG and the new Disney movie, ENCHANTED.

TJ: So Stacia, what was your first show that you appeared in? 

FERNANDEZ: I'm going to jump right to the show that DID change my life.  After the obligatory high school shows, etc.   In college, I was a music major.  A flute player and always thought I would be.A professional flutist and/or a high school band director.   Half time shows, jazz bands, wind ensembles, the whole works. It's what I always thought I would do.   So my senior year in college at Georgia State University, I was asked to conduct their production of WEST SIDE STORY.  My favorite musical theatre score EVER.  Complex, intricate, emotional, energetic.  Fantastic.   

We were in the second week of rehearsal and the ANITA dropped out.  Well, the director asked me to play the role.   My name is Fernandez.  I am Spanish.  Just blond hair and blue eyed Spaniard...but I could play ANITA.  With the help of a little Texas dirt.  And so I did.  I learned all the choreography. SLOWLY, but I learned it.   And I stepped into the role.   It was the first time I had the opportunity to immerse myself in a role in this way.  The show was an incredible experience.  The cast bonded in a way that I had never experienced.  The show was a huge hit.  On campus and off.  We got reviewed and I won a local acting award for my portrayal.  How about that?   AND, I had an offer to go do Jacques Brel at a professional theatre from that portrayal.   Which was also a commercial success.   I was hooked.  Big time.  I never looked back.   I decided I wanted to be ON stage, not UNDER it (in the pit)...  So I was a late bloomer.  But when it hit me?  It hit me hard!!!

TJ: Who would you say were your inspirations in theatre and why?

FERNANDEZ:   Having come from the world of classical instrumental music, I didn't have too many inspirational characters to look towards in theatre until I immersed myself in the business.     But as an artist early on?  Carol Burnett made me want to be funny.   Her show led me through my adolescence with humor and slapstick... the NO FEAR approach to comedy.  And Julie Andrews made me want to be compassionate.  Seeing her onscreen touched my heart in a way that I wanted to touch people.  Isn't that funny?  And having met her?  You know she's truly that way.   She wasn't hiding anything from us in those films.  She just SHOWED UP.  I love that!     But now?   My inspiration comes from authenticity.  People with integrity who do what they say they're going to do.  Show up.  Are kind to people and dive into their work with heart and full spirit.      There are a lot of people who do that.  And they are friends of mine.  And inspiration.

TJ: Did you go to school for acting?

FERNANDEZ: I didn't get an acting degree?  But I take class.  The Barrow Group most recently.  I think it's important to keep fresh.

TJ:  So explain to me the role of a "swing"?

FERNANDEZ:  Well, well, well.  That's a deep subject.   I am going to quote my friend Michael Biondi and say, "swings are the guardians of the show".   Unsung, that's for sure.   I would say this if I were a swing, or not  a swing.   It's the toughest gig in the building. You know every part and you have to go on at a moments notice.  If someone is out?  You're in.   That's a swing.   But it comes with its own set of impressions.   Not usually for people IN the building, because they get it.  But outside?  Well, for instance, I was signing a poster at the stage door of Drowsy one day for a fan and he asked what I do in the show.  I said "I'm a swing".  And with a deflated, "Ohhhh."  He then added as I was walking away, (trying to be supportive), "I hope you get promoted one day!". 

TJ: Have you had many opportunities to go on in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE?"

FERNANDEZ:  I go on a whole lot.  Almost all the swings do.  It's a very principal heavy cast.  So we cover pretty exciting roles.  And the ensemble tracks in the show are integral to the piece and we go on for them a lot too.   I cover Linda Griffin, Georgia Engel, Kecia Lewis-Evans and Beth Leavel.  That's the ensemble track, TRIX, MRS. TOTTENDALE and DROWSY herself.   As a matter of fact, I'll be going on for DROWSY November 16, 17 and the matinee of the 18th if anyone wants to come!!!

TJ: What type of roles do you like to play on stage?     

FERNANDEZ:   I enjoy being ridiculous!   (P.S. I'm learning a lot from Beth about fearless comedy.)  This is the second time I've been in the building with her.  We were co-stars in LONESTAR LOVE.  And boy, she writes the book on fearless acting!! But my favorite roles to date have been as Dusty Springfield, Mrs. Anna, Grizabella and Evita.  I guess I like the power chicks too!

TJ: When you are not on stage, what are some of your interests?  

FERNANDEZ: I have two rescued Rat terriers named Stella and Beattie that I LOVE.  I garden when I have time.  I love hiking in the woods.  And I write.  I'm working on a sitcom right now!  Keep your fingers crossed.

TJ:  Do you find it demanding to be an actor?  

FERNANDEZ: Let's see if I can put this into words.  YES!   The answer to this is complicated because I also would have it no other way.  I love what I do.  But I sacrifice other things because of it.  I'm trying to find a balance as I get older.  

TJ: What's coming up for you as in other projects?   

FERNANDEZ: Well DUSTY SPRINGFIELD is still coming up.  And LONESTAR LOVE is being talked about for Broadway.   And I'm doing the RAGS concert for World AIDS day.  Is there anything else?  I'll have to get back to you on that.!!

TJ: Okay, let's talk about some of your favorite things...

FERNANDEZ:  Dogs because they love you no matter what you look like.   My boyfriend Joe because he's the sexiest, kindest man I've ever met.   (Did I put those in the wrong order?   Did you notice I put my dogs first!?)   Jon Stewart because he's opening younger people's eyes to the importance of being involved in politics.  Mondays because I'm working hard and it's a day off.   Laughter because it's healing...  Good grief that's enough.  I have a lot of favorite things.

TJ: FAVORITE SHOW   

FERNANDEZ: That's a toughie.   Ragtime's first performance in New York was an incredible experience.  I'll never forget seeing it.   DROWSY, of course because my pal Casey Nicholaw is smart and people now SEE IT!!  I mean it.  He's awesome.   EVITA because I love singing that score.   LONG DAYS JOURNEY INTO NIGHT because of it's complexity.   I don't think I have a favorite ONE.   Should I go on?

TJ: No, that's OK I get it. Now on to your FAVORITE RESTAURANT?

FERNANDEZ: Right now I would have to say KINARA in Edgewater, NJ.  It's an Indian Restaurant and their buffet at lunch is killer.

TJ: And finally, your FAVORITE BEVERAGE?

FERNANDEZ: Adult beverage?    Any light beer.   As long as it's under 100 calories, I'm IN! Non-adult beverage?   Diet A&W root beer.  Yummy.   Stick a scoop of vanilla ice cream in there and YES!

Folks, she's right about the A&W root beer float!!!  Thanks Stacia!  And now people know a little bit more about you and hopefully they will make their way over to see THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, now playing at the Marquis Theatre at 1535 Broadway and experience it for yourself.  You can get tickets on-line at Ticketmaster Click here to purchase tickets online or call 212-307-4100.  For now folks, I remind you that theatre is my life and wish you well. Ciao!