Interview: Miriam Drysdale of DISENCHANTED! Discusses Bringing Famous Fairytales Into the 21st Century

Once upon a time, in a magical place called the Windy City, a crew of plucky, frisky, outspoken princesses arrived to grace the land with some serious girl power. From May 10 through June 5 at Chicago's Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, audiences will come face-to-face with fairytale characters who have a bone to pick; they'd like to give you details on how their 'happily ever after' really went down. Actress and improviser Miriam Drysdale discusses how DISENCHANTED! brings classic storybook royals to a 21st century audience in our exclusive interview.

Chicago audiences are seeing this critically-acclaimed musical for the very first time! The show had a great run at the International Fringe Festival in Orlando, back in 2011, as well as successful productions across the globe. What's the big hype?

This show is so funny and so smart. Audiences are going to get a grown-up spin on the fairytales they grew up hearing. The world is continuing to evolve and women--even today--are fighting to be heard. This musical is not only a super fun way of retelling these stories, but it seeks to break the myth that women have to act a certain way to be perceived as beautiful, successful or happy. It's great fun for everyone but it really speaks to women. It breaks down some of the negative messages we took from these tales as children.

The audience is going to enter the theater already knowing about these characters. You play The Little Mermaid, Belle and Rapunzel. Those are some tall high-heels to fill! How awesome is it to play not only one, but three princesses?

It's completely awesome! This show has a ton of favorites: Snow White, Cinderella, Pocahontas, Mulan and others. I love all three of my roles but my favorite is Rapunzel. You definitely haven't seen her like this before: Picture a dominatrix with suuuuuper long hair...

How do you tackle playing three very different roles each night?!

Luckily, each character is totally different. I get to use different accents and wear a variety of beautiful wigs and costumes. Plus, each princess is written in a unique way and has a very different musical style! Put all of that together and it's easy to fall into each individual.

Speaking of beautiful costumes and songs: Did you have a favorite princess growing up?

I love, love, love Disney! As a kid, I really identified with Pocahontas and Jasmine. Jasmine is defiant and strong and she has a tiger, so that's amazing. Pocahontas is just a badass both in the movie and in history!

Let's talk about your background. You're basically a quintuple threat! You act, sing, write, do improv and are a puppeteer. How did you get into performing? And how do you balance it all?

I studied at Randolph Academy, which has a 'triple threat' training program. It taught me so much. Then, I was able to go to Second City in Toronto and really find my niche in improv. I was totally immersed in an awesome comedy community, where I was pushed to be better and encouraged; it became a comfortable home. I also got to witness (and perform with!) some epic comedic talent. Being there really helped further all of what I'd learned studying musical theater. Today, I consider singing my first love and comedy my second love. When both are melted together, my heart is full.

Who is your biggest comedic inspiration?

Funnily enough it's more of a "what" than a "who". My earliest memory of really understanding humor was while watching The Simpsons growing up. I still draw inspiration.

When you're not living the dream of playing the best princesses ever, what can we find you doing? Any crazy hobbies?

This isn't crazy, but you'll definitely find me cooking. Not baking! That's too mathematical. But I make a mean roast chicken with butter thyme sauce. Having a bunch of friends over and cooking them a big dinner is my perfect night off.

Any big projects on the horizon?

Actually yes! This summer I'll be at Toronto Fringe Festival in a show called The End that I was able to write and produce. It's a tragicomedy. I'm stoked.

Last but not least, if you could give audiences one message before they see DISENCHANTED!, what would it be?

Grab your friends, hire a babysitter, get some drinks and buckle in for a wild ride!

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DISENCHANTED! is enchanting audiences at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place from May 10 - June 5, as part of Broadway in Chicago's current season. For more details and ticket information, click here.

Photo Credit: Margie Korshak Images

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