By Andrew Gans
Question: You're so funny in that scene. It must be very gratifying getting the laughs.
Question: I know the show has very loyal fans. Have you gotten to talk to any of them? What's their reaction to this new staging?
Question: What is it like, as an actor, working in such an intimate space?
28 Oct 2011
Ashford in Rent. photo by Joan Marcus
Ashford: That's so sweet. That's so kind… The thing that I also love talking about Maureen — her character — she is full out. She is fully committed to every single thing she does, and rarely do you get to play a character like that. As an actor, you try to be like that. You try to be committed to everything you do, but Maureen really is. Everything little she does, there's no turning back. [Laughs.] As an actress, in that whole piece, it's just a bonus that people are understanding the comedy of the performance piece, but in Maureen's mind, it's not funny at all. It is life or death! The stakes could not be higher. There's nothing better to play.
Ashford: Actually, I had a friend come last night who was in the first national [tour] — a very good friend — and he was saying how much he loved it and how beautiful he thought the piece was. People are loving it in the smaller space. They also feel like because of the utilization of our set, there are moments in the show that are more clear than they maybe were in the original staging just because you don't have to imagine all the walls. There actually are a couple of walls. So, people have been really supportive in that way. And, also, the Rent fans love the show no matter what, so I think it's been exciting and kind of beautiful to have them be a part of this experience.
Ashford: Oh, I love it. I love it. Working in an intimate space allows you to feel the energy, I think, even more. Sometimes in a big theatre, you have about probably six yards sometimes between you and the first person in the audience. It's almost like you've got to jump across a little pond to get there and then keep moving. But in this kind of a house, they're right there. I feel that the energy is more immediate, and their presence is more immediate, which, I think, is exhilarating, especially for a show like this that needs to be more intimate.
Ashford: A few have. I know that they're all so busy. Not everybody lives in New York anymore. People have been coming in and out, but a few have. I believe that the original Joanne and the original "Seasons of Love" soloist, they both came early, early on in previews, and I think some more of the original cast is going to continue to keep coming.
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| Ashford in Wicked. |
| photo by Joan Marcus |
Question: Is there any talk of you guys getting to record a CD?
Ashford: I haven't heard that. If you have, let me know! [Laughs.]
Question: It's so interesting to me that you played Glinda in Wicked and then have this belty role. What do you consider your strong points as a singer?
Ashford: As a singer, you know, I'm so grateful that I've gotten to play such two dramatically different vocal roles. And, it's funny, because Glinda… most of the show, if you really sit down and listen to the show and look at the score, she doesn't really get to live up in the land of soprano as long as you [think]… Ms. Chenoweth can belt her face off, so she's got some belting in there… Rarely do you get the opportunity to play such roles, and rarely do you ever get to play such vocal roles, so I'm so grateful that I've gotten to use my full instrument in the roles that I've done, and I don't have a favorite. I love to sing in both areas in my voice. To me, it's just one voice that I'm so grateful that I get to sing such different styles. They couldn't be more different stylistically. I love singing "Take Me or Leave Me" every night. Every time I get to it I'm like, "Oh my God! I get to sing this song every day. What's happening in my life?"
Question: Do you have any other projects in the works or are you just focusing on Rent at the moment?
Ashford: I'm focusing on Rent at the moment. I just filmed an episode of "Nurse Jackie" for the upcoming season, which was awesome. I had a great time, and I'm just seeing what comes over the rainbow. I'm having a blast playing Maureen. I love exploring her every day, and getting to make the stakes the highest I possibly can. It's been a blast.
[Tickets ($69.50-$89.50) may be purchased by visiting siteforrent.com or telecharge.com; by phoning (212) 947-8844; or by going to the New World Stages box office. For box office hours visit newworldstages.com/boxoffice.html. For more information about Rent, visit siteforrent.com.]
Well, that's all for now. Happy diva-watching! E-mail questions or comments to agans@playbill.com.
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