… in the role
of Janet…
Hi
Jessica! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk
with us. Tell us about past SDSU productions you’ve been involved in or
any other San Diego-area projects that we might know you from.
Other San
Diego productions would include West Side
Story at Lambs Players as Anybodys. Past SDSU productions include Les Miserables (Cosette), Trailer Park (Jeannie) and Into the Woods (Little Red).
So,
what originally made you choose to participate in musical theatre?
I actually
started as a dancer- ballet specifically- but had always sung in the church
choir, played the piano and had an aptitude for music. I realized somewhere
around middle school that I could combine singing AND dancing and be even MORE
successful. I grew up watching musicals, doing shows at church and in the
community, but never knew that it could be a career. From that moment on, I've
pursued the musical theatre industry. In college, my love of writing and
teaching was able to grow by working as a dance captain, assistant director,
and a leader in my university's musical theatre program. That led me to SDSU to
pursue being an educator as well as a performer while getting a Masters
Degree.
What
is one thing that you love about Drowsy?
I love the
humor in Drowsy - I think it is very
funny and smart. I wish more it was more popular because I think it’s a musical
that people from all walks of life can relate to; it has a little something for
everyone! I also love all the dancing!
What
are some unique challenges of your role?
The role of
Janet is very iconic in the musical theatre community- everyone wants you to
perform it just like Sutton Foster. It is a challenge for me to highlight my
assets and what makes me special while also trying to be true to the character.
I also have to have all my lines come from a place of truth and sincerity even
though the character in the show is very two-dimensional and more of a stock
character of 1920s musicals.
What
is one thing that audience members should know before coming to see the show?
Audience
members should know that this show is all about fun. It was written as a parody
and a vehicle for comedy writers and actors to have freedom to do what they
wanted. Audiences should not take it too seriously!
Visit Jessica’s website: www.JessicaMHumphrey.com
for more information and access to her blogs for NewMusicalTheatre.com
