Words From The Wings: Amanda LaMotte of ONCE UPON A MATTRESS

BroadwayWorld is bringing you Words From the Wings, a new series of interviews that take fans behind the scenes of some of their favorite Broadway stars' backstage routines!

Today we're chatting with Amanda LaMotte who is currently appearing in Once Upon a Mattress. Amanda told us all about her backstage routines, must-haves, and more!

Check out her answers, along with photos taken by BroadwayWorld's Jennifer Broski, below!

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre? 

I am usually the first person there and I am super early. Our hair and wardrobe teams are often the only ones there, so I love to say hello to them, catch up a moment, and head to my dressing room! I hate having to rush through my show prep, and I know I will get distracted saying hello to my gorgeous castmates when they arrive, so as soon as I get there I start my wig prep and make up. I usually have some tea (chai tea for life!) while getting ready, and then head to the lobby for some physical and vocal warm ups! 

What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage? 

I say my Princess lines out loud during the overture! They are quick and wordy and it makes me feel calmer onstage when I have taken a moment to give them a thought before heading out in front of the audience. I also obsessively check my puppets for the Prologue puppet show- it is deceptively tricky behind that little castle, so I like knowing everything is as easily accessible as possible.

What’s your must-have backstage snack? 

Chai tea! Skinny Pop! Spearmint Lifesavers! Sponsor me!

Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird? 

I’m not sure it is necessarily “weird,” but I really try to make a point to say hello to people before the show starts. I find it odd when all of a sudden you are looking at someone and saying lines to each other, or partnering and you haven’t even said hello in real life yet!

What are five must-haves in your dressing room? 

1. My heating pad: it is SO cold backstage at the Hudson and staying warm after my physical warmup can feel tricky without it. 2. A photo of my mom and I: I lost my mom to ALS when I was a teenager, and she is so much of the reason why I have the career I have now. I love knowing she is with me in some way every show. 3. Cozy warmup clothes and slippers: the dressing room is my home away from home, so I like having something that feels nice to hang out in. 4. Foam Roller and exercise band: I have to keep these muscles ready for anything! 5. A Cohesive look: I have a passion for interior decorating, and so I like my little corner of the theater to feel considered and clean!

What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings? 

Sutton eating the grapes HANDS DOWN. She is so hilarious and I just don’t know how she puts that many grapes in her mouth! There’s also a sneaky break in the curtain that allows us to see the first few rows, so I love to peek and watch the audience reactions to her zany antics!

What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far? 

We are only in our second week of shows, but this cast has made such a beautiful connection already. During our first Saturday Night on Broadway in previews, a tradition was started of crowning the “Monarch of the Moment.” A sparkly crown is presented to the cast/crew/Production Team member who has stepped up in some way during the past week. I love the idea of lifting each other up and highlighting the members of our company who continuously make this job feel like we are all part of a family. 

About Amanda LaMotte

Broadway: The Music Man, Kiss Me Kate, Hello, Dolly! (OBC), Matilda. TV: “SNL”, “Westworld”, “John Oliver”, “Mrs. Maisel”. Thank you to the creative team, Telsey, LG, and Marianne. Love and sparkles to my amazing family, friends, and students. @tinylamotte