10 on Tuesday with Caitlin Jackson

Currently channeling her Divine Miss M as Bette Midler for a return engagement in BETTE, LIVE AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS, Caitlin Jackson offers up a brash and brassy 10 on Tuesday that Bette herself would be proud of. Here's what Jackson had to say:

1) Show you first auditioned for (and did you get the part)? My first "professional" audition was for To Kill A Mockingbird and Indianapolis Civic Theatre when I was 8 or 9. I wore a hot pink shirt and adorable skirt - I showed up and saw my competition in overalls and realized that I was way, way overdressed. I didn't get the part, but I learned a valuable lesson.

2) Where Are You From? Lebanon, Indiana - aka Smalltown, USA

3) When did you know you wanted a career on the stage? When I was 5 and played Mary in the Christmas pageant at my church - I had one line and was supposed to take Baby Jesus down the aisle. The kid playing Joseph, said my line, ripped Baby Jesus from my arms and marched out the door. It was a dramatic entrance to the world of theatre and I was totally hooked. I never stopped after that. There's absolutely nothing else I'd rather do.

4) What's your dream role/production? Sally Bowles - I'm getting older though so my best chance at this point is to probably star in the nursing home production of CABARET.

5) Favorite post-performance haunt? I work with Hell in a Handbag quite a bit and we do most of our shows at Mary's Attic - as a lazy person this is divine. They have beer, delicious food, occasional karaoke, an incredible staff and they know me. Mary's Attic, all the way.

6) Living or dead, who would you drop everything to see perform? Freddie. Mercury.

7) What's your guilty pleasure/vice? Bravo television shows and Fireball.

8) What do you value most about acting?The opportunity to tell someone's story.

9) What is the one song you never want to hear again at an audition? Honestly, there isn't one. I'm not a fan of the "never sing this song, never do this monologue" thing - if you love it and want to sing it, then you sing the hell out of it.

10) Fill in the blank: "The thing I'd never change about theatre in Chicago is ... " The community. Without question. Chicago theatre people are the best. They are fierce and passionate and talented and creative and lovely. I can't imagine working in any other city.

BETTE, LIVE AT THE CONTINENTAL BATHS runs through Sept. 10 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont. Tickets $26-$28. Call (773) 327-5252 or www.stage773.

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