London Calling with Champagne Charlie 15 December 2008

Productions have their stars - usually cast as the leads

But thanks to ex rock singer and Pennsylvania born Johnnie Fiori has added that special magic as Motormouth Maybelle in the sell out West End run of Hairspray

It's not the 1^st time she's stolen the show...She made her West End debut as Maybelline in 125^th Street at the Shaftesbury Theatre in 2002, following it up with Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2003 and in 2005 made her debut at The Royal Opera House in Lorin Maazel's world premiere of 1984.

Both times - she stole the show. I had to text her and find out she does in night in, night out! Being Johnnie she called right back!

Charlie: How do I warm up for a performance?

Johnnie: I usually start with a hot shower and open my vocals cords by singing in the shower. Humming through the day also works. Mentally I sit quietly and prepare.

Charlie: What has been the most embarrassing moment on stage in Hairspray or other shows you've done?

Johnnie: The most embarrassing time for me was losing my voice during my big number "I know where I've been, I had a terrible cold which was a actually the flu. But no I am Johnnie in denial and I went on and you can feel yourself losing your voice and no one can help you!!!

Charlie: Why do you think this show has done so well and 'clicks' with audiences so well.

Johnnie: How much time do you have? Our show clicks on so many levels, whether it's the issue of weight or colour or just standing up for what is right! This show makes the audience feel good about it's self, the underdog wins, the songs and the dancing are infectious. It's a feel good show. For me personally, this show resonates with me as an American and as a Black woman, because of my ancestors who forged the trail. I am now living and working in London. I am living the dream. Black Americans didn't get the right to vote until the 1960's it wasn't really that long ago. I am the living legacy of Dr. King, Booker T. Washington, Mary McLeod Bethune, Madame C.J. Walker and Hattie McDaniel. Barack Obama our first Black president fills my heart with pride and make's me proud once again to be an American.  On November 5th when I was singing ‘I know where I've been, tears of joy were running down my cheeks.

In my life time I have seen so many amazing things but nothing as joyous as president-elect Barack Obama. I was always taught to apply myself whole heartedly to each and everything I do, and one day with hard work and determination you can become any thing you choose even president of the United States. It's true!!  

Charlie: How did you prepare for the role?

Johnnie: I research the time period, the fashion, the music and the history. With Motor Mouth Maybelle it was joyful. The songs of that time period, the civil rights movement was so strong. Black women were University educated and had been for some time, the fact that Ms. Motormouth is a D.J. a business owner and national celebrity gave me a lot to work from.

Charlie: If you were given the chance to be in two places at once - what other role would you like to be playing here or on Broadway at the moment?

Johnnie: Hmmm that's a good one! Shakespeare. The nurse from Romeo and Juliet Ideal next show - what sort of show would it be. a musical, drama, farce....and why. My ideal show would be on Broadway with a great cast and director, something that stretches my talent and teaches me to further hone my craft. A role which allows me to touch the hearts of the audience, to be able to tread the boards on Broadway would be yet another dream come true. See if the folks at broadwayworld can make THAT happen!

 

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