What show recently impressed you?
The Scottsboro Boys. It dared to be its own creative beast in a time where it seems Broadway is somewhat afraid of trying new things. The Scottsboro Boys was original in its controversial subject matter, its story telling, its company, its overall production design...basically in every way. Besides its pioneering spirit, it was bottom line, brilliantly executed by every department. I was blown away by it, and I am so incredibly thrilled to hear of a Scottsboro Boys movie in the works. It should live on in every medium possible.
What production are you most excited to see?
I am really eager to see Prince of Broadway, Hal Prince's new show coming out this fall. I have had the honor of working with Hal numerous times, so not only am I eager to see what he's cherry-picked for this show from his vast career, but I also can't wait to see the stellar cast he's put together. I am, in particular, a huge fan of Emily Skinner, and I can't wait to see what material Hal chooses for her and how she will most assuredly blow everyone away with it.
What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
It's so funny, most of the ones I'd love to do have recently been done, and marvelously so. 110 in the Shade (Lizzy), Sunday in the Park (Dot), Merrily We Roll Along ...so I'll just say, my truest dream is that someone finally writes a musical based on "Muriel's Wedding" or "Bridget Jones" and casts me as Muriel or Bridget before I'm in a walker.
What are your current/upcoming projects?
In May I will be a celebrity judge for The Stars of Tomorrow NYC Event, which is an "American Idol" kind of contest where a young man and woman are chosen on a national level for theatrical scholarships to study in NYC. I also have some irons in the fire for the summer and fall, show-wise, but I haven't chosen specific projects yet. Since I'm a new mommy (I have a nine-month-old baby boy), scheduling things has become much more of a chess game than before. But please check in to www.donnalynnechamplin.com for updates as I'm hoping things will solidify within the next few weeks or so.
*** Obie Award winner Donna Lynne Champlin has starred in Broadway's Billy Elliot, Sweeney Todd, James Joyce's The Dead, By Jeeves and Hollywood Arms.
