What show recently impressed you?
Honestly, I have been so busy working the past few years, I have not had the opportunity to see nearly as much as I would like to. But, the few that come to mind are the shows that have moved me. Coram Boy at The Imperial Theatre in 2007 is the first. That show made me a sobbing mess! It was so beautiful and truly a directorial masterpiece. The other is Billy Elliot. Watching the young actor playing Billy dance was entrancing. I always think I am jaded and have been in the business too long, and then I see something that proves me wrong. I love that!

What production are you most excited to see?
That one is easy. I am dying to see Book of Mormon. I have heard amazing things about it and am sick that I have not been able to fit it into my schedule yet! Besides, I am due for a really good laugh!

What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
Funny that you should ask. I was just discussing this with a director friend. In the past year I have had the opportunity to play Dolly in Hello, Dolly! twice, and I have fallen in love with that show. I know how much everyone equates that show with Carol Channing, because she is a Goddess, but I do think there is room for that show to be completely reimagined and revived. It is really one of the great American classics, and I would love to see it back on Broadway, capturing a new audience. Of course, I want to play Dolly in this dream…would be incredible.

What are your current/upcoming projects?
I have committed myself to Closer Than Ever right now, but I do have a few series of concerts coming up. As much as I love doing shows, I really enjoy the concert stage. It is very freeing and usually not such a stringent commitment as eight shows a week is. I have been lucky enough to be jumping from one show to another for the past year and a half, but I have to say, my brain is a little tired from learning so many new roles. On Sunday, July 29th I closed Miss Hannigan in Annie, and [then I opened] Closer Than Ever on Friday, Aug. 3. I would be very happy for Closer to run for awhile so I could enjoy staying put for a few seconds!

*** Jacquelyn Piro Donovan has appeared on Broadway in Miss Saigon and Les Miserables. Read more about her in the Playbill Vault.