BWW Interviews: Shoshana Bean ahead of her Australian tour

Broadway veteran and hit recording artist Shoshana Bean, best known for her roles in Wicked and Hairspray is about to make her first trip Down Under. She is set to perform shows in Brisbane (June 23rd), Adelaide (June 25th and 26th) and Sydney (June 27), much to the delight of her Australian fans.

Shoshana was kind enough to take the time to answer some questions for BroadwayWorld ahead of her upcoming Australian tour.

What convinced you to tour Australia?  

I was first approached by the Harvest Rain Festival in Brisbane to come do a masterclass. Everything else kind of snowballed (in a great way) from there. Let me say for the record, it was not difficult for me to be 'convinced.'

 

The shows that you have announced are timed closely together. Will you get time to explore Australia and hit the tourist attractions?

It looks like i'll have a little bit of time, not much. It has been suggested that I visit the Zoo in Brisbane which I plan to do, and of course the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. But aside from that, I still need to do some research and I'm open to suggestions. Sad that I'm coming during Winter because I've heard such great things about your beaches.

 

What would you like your Australian audiences to expect from your shows?

Each show will be different. Sydney and Brisbane have asked for primarily theater based material, so they will get a combination of my faves and my own twists and takes on classics.

Adelaide gets a special treat... I will be putting together a set of some of my newest material along with a bunch of classic covers of songs and artists that this new project is largely inspired by. In fact, some of it will be making it's debut Down Under!

And conversely, what expectations do you have about your audience here in Australia?

Well so far the response to my scheduled appearances has been positive and everyone we're dealing with is so kind and excited, so I anticipate having a great time.

 

 

Your album Superhero is very versatile and inspiring. It provides the listener with something for every mood and also makes for a great workout soundtrack, particularly Good Enough. There is, however, a chance that a proportion of your audience here in Australia will know you mainly due to Wicked and may not know much about Superhero. For those new to your solo music, what would you most want them to know about your album and the process of its creation?

 

Well thank you, that's very sweet. As far as Superhero is concerned, I may not be performing much of it while down there. But, in general, with my original music I create from experience. I write to cleanse, to heal, to have the last word :) I am usually inspired by anger and heartache and I write best from such places. I would want people to know that I am a constant work in progress and my art reflects that, from the roles I play to the music I make. I'm just experimenting, trying different things, communicating in different ways. But the one constant is me. Me and my honesty. There is no pretense here, what you see is what you get! (For better or worse).

 

 

You have often shared with your fans inspirational mottos and your music, in particular your song Press On, is a source of strength for many.  Personally, I love your  ‘I don’t pray for an easy life, I just pray for strength’. Do you have one ultimate life motto?

I would say if anything I live by anti-fear mottos. I think fear is the root of all negativity and I do my best to obliterate it at every opportunity.

 

Best piece of advice you have received?

I always think of my Aunt. She was the first person who ever said to me 'go with your gut'. She also taught me 'if things are important, you make time.'

 

 

In recent times, a lot of your attention has been on your solo music. Do you see yourself returning to Broadway? What would it take to get you back on stage, a Funny Girl revival perhaps?

 

Yes, I'd say Funny Girl would do it.

 

 

Australia is currently swept up in the Wicked fever. Looking back now, how do you view your time at Wicked?

I am extremely grateful to have been a part of it. I view it as a time of immense growth and education. It was an amazing experience professionally and personally.

 

 

What is your view on the idea of the Wicked movie? If it were to go ahead and be a pro-shot of the musical, who would you cast in the lead roles?

I think it's a great idea, would make a great movie and should definitely happen someday. But, I think it should be a full-on special effect feature film. It would be amazing. An instant classic. I couldn't even begin to choose a cast!

 

 

Wicked stars have a habit of making comebacks, any chance of you ever returning? The Meg ‘an Sho Show Wicked Swap showed you could handle Glinda, perhaps you could be the first ever to play both?

I think it's a fantastic role and I love singing it, but nah, I'm not a Glinda.

 

Speaking of The Meg ‘an Sho Show, any chance of another in the future? Or any interest in any other variety hour style shows?

That was a blast, if we ever get a chance to do it again, I'm sure we'd jump at it!

 

Wicked alumni have been popping up on television shows all over the place, most notably Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth on Glee and your long term Glinda, Megan Hilty, on Bones. You are one of few Broadway stars to have not made a cameo on Law and Order. Are film and television at all something you are interested in pursuing?

Not at this time, no. But maybe someday!

 

 

On your Facebook you listed that you ‘golf, bowl, play piano, do yoga and pilates… knit, bake, run, box, lift weights, hike, ski, swim, bike, ride horses, rollerblade, ice skate’ and recently got your motorcycle licence. Impressive skills list.  Do you have any other skills you desire to learn next?

I would love to take up photography. I keep threatening to pick up the guitar too.

 

 

You have announced gigs here in Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney at the end of June and upcoming gigs in San Francisco in August. Do you have any other appearances coming up you would like to make Broadwayworld.com readers aware of?

Nope. Not yet. But always stay tuned to the website, or sign up for the email list to get frequent updates as the schedule changes.

 

Lastly, some 'This or That' questions...

  

Chocolate or vanilla? vanilla

Breakfast or dinner? breakfast

Water or fire? water

Coffee or tea? tea

Apples or bananas? apples

Wicked or Hairspray? Hairspray

West Side Story or Sunday in the Park with George? Sunday in the Park

Funny Girl or Yentl? Funny Girl

Facebook or twitter? Twitter

walk or run? run

New York or LA?  both.

Live theater or concert? theater

Summer or winter? Summer

Boots or heels? Heeeels

And just to be evil…Streisand or Sinatra? EVIL

 

For further details about Shoshana's upcoming concerts visit the following links:

 

Brisbane as part of Harvest Rain Theatre Company's Broadway to Brisvegas Series: http://www.brisbanepowerhouse.org/events/view/shoshona-bean-in-concert/

 

Adelaide Cabaret Festival: http://www.bass.net.au/events/database/CF2010-LATESHOSHANA/

 

Sydney's Factory Theatre: http://www.factorytheatre.com.au/events/1970/01/01/shoshana-bean

 

For the latest Shoshana Bean news visit www.shoshanabean.com

 

Now, go buy tickets!

 

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