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Hey guys, Betsy Struxness here from Hamilton over at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. If you haven't stumbled upon my Twitter or Instagram accounts (both are @be_strux) then you’ve been missing out on an absurd set of selfies I’ve been cultivating since we started performances. If you HAVE been following, then this might be a particular delight, as I will be taking you "Behind the #StruxSelfie."
These are brief stories of how some of my favorite shots came to pass. I hope you enjoy, and if you aren’t following me on Twitter or Instagram, I highly suggest it so that you’ll never miss another #StruxSelfie again and you can catch up on ALL the selfies, not just the ones we feature.
The first installment gives you a more in depth look at my favorite shots from down at The Public.
I discovered the joy of these selfies in the most completely authentic manner a person can, through dumb luck and awe of what was happening in front of my eyes, or in this case behind them. Busta Rhymes has been a favorite of mine for YEARS and when I saw him in the front row I could NOT believe it. When he came backstage and was chatting with Lin about how brilliant the show was and that he wanted to work with Lin in the future, my proverbial jaw hit the floor and I couldn’t help but document the way I felt. This began the absurdity of the string of celebrities that came to see the show downtown, and the birth of the #StruxSelfie.
Betsy Struxness
Former President Bill Clinton. That’s sort of enough said with this face of mine. I MEAN! He was a PRESIDENT and came to see our show downtown. Yes, Hillary Clinton was with him, but with how crowded the green room was and the fact that she’s about my height, I couldn’t get a selfie “with” her. To be fair, the Secret Service also scolded me and told me to put away my phone right after this was taken. Ha! Chelsea Clinton had been to see the show before both of her parents and was kind enough to bring them back with her to see us. I got to shake this man’s hand and chat with him, yes chat with Former President Bill Clinton, purely because I decided I wanted to play dress-up for a living. It was spectacular and a moment I will never forget.
Betsy Struxness
So... then I met a Beatle and a knight. Sir Paul McCartney clearly expressed his love and appreciation for King George III, and KG3’s songs, which were inspired by the music of The Beatles. Right after I took this, Lin came out of his dressing room and I snapped a shot of them meeting. Lin’s face is pure befuddlement, which is how we all felt too. Sir Paul McCartney was so friendly and happy to take a group shot with all of us during his visit, but my eyes? Disbelief and giddiness.
Betsy Struxness
I sure did ask Jimmy Fallon to photobomb my selfie, which started a slight deviation in what is now the typical #StruxSelfie, but it’s Jimmy Fallon and of course he was totally game to photobomb my selfie, as were Lin and Sydney and Daveed’s hair. His visit was amazing. I believe this night was also when Lin started auctioning off freestyle rapped voice messages and Jimmy Fallon won. Fallon and his wife then sent us a cooler full of his Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor to say thank you. It’s delish.
Betsy Struxness
Continuing with the deviation, I nabbed Sarah Paulson and asked her for a Bette and Dot selfie. Season 4 of "American Horror Story" had just aired and she played Siamese Twins, Bette and Dot. While I felt like a super fangirl asking, she was totally willing to comply and kindly allowed me to be the Bette to her Dot in this pic. I also had just come back from a neck injury and when she pushed my head to the side I almost cried...but totally worth it! And she of course would have had no idea I was injured. Ha! No pain no gain, right?
Betsy Struxness
Patti LuPone didn’t even hesitate in grabbing me and giving me a huge hug. I’m not even sure I had the chance to tell her my name. She was so full of glee after the show and was grabbing everyone and hugging them. I mean it’s Patti LuPone, when she does in for the hug, you GO IN for the hug.
Betsy Struxness
My FAVORITE James Bond of all time, Daniel Craig and his stunning and talented wife Rachel Weisz. Daniel Craig also won a freestyle rap voice message by Lin and came backstage after to collect his reward... I got to film it in addition to grabbing this selfie. They were both lovely to everyone after the show and so in awe of the work we were all doing on stage which is crazy because they’re both ridiculously amazing actors that have been involved in wonderful pieces of work. I just was in disbelief at them being there.
Betsy Struxness
Michael J. Fox is a sweetheart who I actually met YEARS ago in Central Park when he was filming his TV show "Spin City." But the main reason I love this particular photo so much is because of fellow castmate Seth Stewart. At this point, all my cast knew about these pictures I was taking and Seth snuck in on the action brilliantly. I’m fairly certain Michael J. Fox knew that we were doing something awkward and was kind enough to continue to ignore the weirdness that was happening. Mr. Fox, you rocks!
Betsy Struxness
Wolverine!!!!!!! Hugh Jackman, who I’ve seen on Broadway and on the big screen of course, was so kind. He and his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, took the time to chat with everyone and take pictures with everyone as well. While I could have had my picture taken WITH most of the celebrities that came through, I found it far more fun and funny to continue to do these selfies, because every time someone came... that face is how I feel inside.
Betsy Struxness
To end the first round of my favorites is Paul Rudd, who is one of my favorite actors, and a fellow Kansas Citian and subsequently the first person to “catch” me in the act of the #StruxSelfie. He was awesome and totally gracious and again another celebrity in awe of the work we were all creating on that stage.
Thanks for joining me for Behind the #StruxSelfie. Feel free to snap your own. People are starting to grab me at the stage door at Hamilton and I LOVE it! I have so much fun taking them and love when others want to participate.
Betsy Struxness
For more information visit HamiltononBroadway.com.
