Laurie's Q & A

~When did you first know you wanted to be an actress? 
Not sure how old I was – seven or eight - but sometime after the movie “Annie” came out I had the record and I would play it over and over again and assign all my friends parts and we would act it out. As you can probably guess, I was Annie.

~Congratulations on making your Broadway debut in April!  What about the national tour do you miss or not miss?
I miss Sean Allan Krill, the “Sam” who played opposite me! And other cast and crew members. You really become a family out there. I don’t miss the traveling!

~What part of musical theatre do you find the most satisfying or rewarding?
Getting to play a character with a great journey. Also I love the moment when you’re so emotionally full that the only way to express it any further is to sing. And working with really creative people, and doing something that makes people really happy.

~Who are or have been some of your personal or professional inspirations along the way?
My first voice teacher, Jill Goodsell, made me believe I was a star and I could do anything. From a very early age we were setting goals and making “dream boards” and planning the trip to New York City. I listened to a lot of jazz music growing up, and Shirley Horne was my favorite. I learned a lot about phrasing and the importance of being honest with the lyrics from her.

~What do you like to do to prepare before a show and wind down after? 
When doing a role like Donna your whole day is the show. Lots of sleep, specifically timed meals. I vocalize for about 30 minutes before every show. Then I close my eyes, say “bless the stage and everyone on it” and maybe a positive affirmation to myself, and then I try not to think too much and live in the moment. To wind down, my husband and a glass of red wine does the trick.

~Have you ever messed up in Mamma Mia, and if so what happened?
I have forgotten lines. Panic sets in, but if you’re focused on what you’re doing and what you want you can usually come up with something that fits into the conversation. Once, I found myself just repeating “what are they doing here??” in the bedroom scene until Tanya saved me.

~Is there any one audience that stands out as favorite and why?
My closing day on tour as Donna was special, because all my favorite fans were there cheering me on.

~The costumes in Mamma Mia are so much fun and colorful.  Which is your favorite?
I like my black Super Trouper outfit.

~What is your favorite line that Donna says in Mamma Mia?
“Not now, Sam.”

~There are so many great songs in Mamma Mia.  What is your absolute favorite to perform?
Tough choice, but I have to say “The Winner Takes It All”. “Slipping Through My Fingers” is a close second.

~Have you met any celebrities that have attended the show?
No

~Do you prefer the matinee or evening shows better and why?
Evening. I’m more awake.

~If you were not an actress/singer what would do you think you would be doing?
I would like being a counselor for teenage girls.

~I noticed you have a flower tattooed on your ankle.  When did you get it, does it have a meaning, and do you have any others?
I was singing on a cruise ship and we were docked in Italy. One day the whole cast decided to get tattoos. My friend Kelly drew mine. Also I have two hearts with wings on my lower back, which I got matching with my best friend Alana when we were on vacation in California.

~What is the best and worst thing about living in NYC?
Best: I love my apartment with my husband, lots of great shows to see, all kinds of people. Worst: dirty and dusty, and I miss the pacific ocean

~What kinds of things do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy watching movies, eating John’s Pizza, drinking red wine, with my husband.

~What type of music do you listen to?  What is your favorite song?
Jazz standards mostly. So many great songs – maybe “I’ll be seeing you”

~ Where is your Favorite place to shop?
love Flying A in Soho. Also Big Drop. Nordstrom doesn’t suck.

~Awhile back you mentioned you played softball when you were young. I was just curious to see what position you played.
Pitcher. I actually played almost every sport – my family was really into sports. In high school I had to decide between competitive swimming and acting. Didn’t have time for both. Happy with my decision.

~Congratulations to you and Don on your marriage!  You both look very happy.  Where did you get to go on your honeymoon?
We skipped the honeymoon and started our life together in New York.

Submit your questions to Mail@laurie-wells.com for the next Q & A