BWW Interactive Interview: Send in Your Questions for the Star of the LEGALLY BLONDE TOUR- Page 2

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:02pm

Hi there! It was an absolute dream come true to find out I was going to play Elle on the tour. I had been hoping for this opportunity since I originally started working on the project 2 years ago!! I don't know of any plans to come back to Broadway as Elle, but I guess you never know what the future will bring. I am very excited to spend a year taking this show to people everywhere. I know they will love it!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:05pm

Thank you! I must say the thing I'll miss most about the Broadway show is the wonderful cast! I have never had this much time (2 full years) to get to know a cast so well. They are all so wonderful. But I know the tour cast will be a blast too. It will be fun to start fresh and add to my family of Legally Blonde!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:12pm

"Legally Blonde's score is very demanding for a singer. What advice do you have for young singers in order to keep their voice active and healthy. And what have you done personally to better your vocal stamina.
-Jake"

Yes this score is demanding! The funny thing is that the ensemble track I have been doing is actually tougher for me because we are required to sing quite low at times. I am really looking forward to getting used to singing Elle every night. I find that repetition really helps and that my voice just gets used to the show over time. I feel fortunate that I'll have a bit of a head start since I'm pretty used to the show already. As far as keeping a voice healthy, I think you just have to know your own voice! My voice isn't too tricky, I just rest a bit when it feels tired, drink tea to make sure it's good and warm before and during a show, and I find that mucinex helps clear things out when it's cold season. It's important to prevent vocal problems and not just try to fix them after it's too late! I also try not to stress about it, because I find that it can get a little out of control if all you think about is your voice! Sometimes you just gotta let it go and sing!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:18pm

"Becky, I am 15 years old and come from a family who does not support my talent for acting. What do you suggest I do on my own to start my career professionally? What would be a good age to start a pro career in acting?

-Jacob"

Hi Jacob. I think it's always important to follow your dreams. You can always learn from watching others. Go to shows, rent the movies, listen to the soundtracks etc. I grew up watching Julie Andrews and I swear that's where I got my first clue that this was what I wanted to do! As far as a profession goes, you do need parental consent to work in the businesss until you're 18, so you may be out of luck there for a few years. Once that age comes, there are lots of options. You could find a school for performing arts, or start trying out for things on your own. The things I'd suggest if you're going to go into this business is that you never stop learning and you never stop trying! It's a really hard business and there's a lot of rejection. But you can always grow as a performer and there are always more opportunities to try! Good luck!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:21pm

"Hi Becky!!!
It's Cameron from NC! I know you are so excited about the national tour and I want to know what you are looking forward to the most? "

Hi Cameron! I am looking forward to the whole darn thing!! It will be great to get to know a new cast and take this fun show to cities everywhere. I love to travel so it will be extra fun to get to see new theaters and different towns.

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:25pm

"Hi Becky! Coming from Minnesota(I'm from North Dakota), was it hard to adjust to the hectic city-life of a performer in NYC? Do you have any advice for someone also from the mid-west on how to survive in NYC?
-Maggie "

Hi Maggie. Yes I think this crazy city is definitely something to get used to! It's a bit of a love hate relationship really, but it's the best place to be for theater so you just learn to adjust however is best for you! I think it's important to remember where you came from and try to stay true to yourself. This city can eat you alive if you let it, but just stay strong and learn to enjoy the fun parts of this big apple...there's no place like it! It's always good to get out of town every once in awhile and to visit home when you can. It keeps my mind and spirit in check!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:28pm

"Hi Becky!

It's Joy from NY, Congratulations on all of your success on Broadway! My question for you is, which celebrity would you love to have in the audience?"

Hi Joy. I would love to meet Jullie Andrews again! I auditioned for her once and nearly lost my mind I was so excited! I would also love to have Reese Witherspoon at the show. Her performance was a huge inspiration to me and I think it would be fun if she could bring her kids to enjoy something that grew out of what she created!

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:31pm

Hi Becky! I'm Joseph from Florida! Here is my question. Most actors who go on tour will tell you that it's not easy to live out of a suitcase and be in a different city every week. Do you feel any pressure to keep your personal energy up, why keeping up the energy of Elle Woods?

Much Love! Best Wishes! Can't wait to see you in Tampa!

--Joey

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:32pm

"Hi Becky! What advice can you give for young teenage singers who want to be on Broadway one day? What was your reaction when you landed the role of Elle in the 1st national tour of "Legally Blonde: The Musical"?
-Lindsay"

Hi Lindsay. My advice would be the same as mentioned to an earlier question...never stop learning and never give up! It's a very tough business but you can make it work somehow if you just keep trying! There are many different angles to this business so if it turns out acting doesn't work out you can work behind the scenes at the theater or as an agent or with a press or marketing department...the opportunities are endless!
My reaction when I found out about the tour was to jump up and down and hug Jerry Mitchell! He told me in person at intermission of our show. Larry and Nell (the wonderful composer/lyricist) were with him and I hugged them too and then jumped around a bit more and hugged my cast members! Lots of hugging I guess, ha ha! I was very excited and everyone knew how much I had been hoping for it!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:36pm

"hey becky! congrats! Question- Are you scared to be doing the show full time? and what is going to be the hardest thing about playing elle full time instead of just at certain performances?


Thanks,
Troy "

Hi Troy. I am not scared to be doing the show full time, I am excited!! I am looking forward to playing Elle every night! I think the hardest part will show up a few months into the tour when I start to feel tired! This role is exhausting so, I'll just have to take good care of myself. It will be a challenging, but absolutely awesome year!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:43pm

"Becky, first of all, congratulations! While Legally Blonde is a fun show, it also claims to have a message about seeing beyond a stereotype. How important was it to you that Legally Blonde had a message beyond entertainment value? Also, many people are upset by the fact that Legally Blonde still relies on some gay and blonde stereotypes for humor; and they believe that humor takes away from the show's overall message. What would you say to those people? Have fun on tour!"

This show has taught me something huge...to believe in myself! I tended to limit myself a bit by assuming others would stereotype me, so I have found the message of this show to be helpful in my own life. I think it's wonderful to be in a show that is so fun and also has a heart and a great message. Believing in yourself and never giving up is a great message for everyone to hear, young old, male, female, blonde or not!
I do think that in the entertainment business, while portraying important messages and telling great stories is important, it's also important to bring some laughter to the table. It's important to poke fun at ourselves and I think it's okay to use the stereotypes in jest sometimes. People come to shows for different reasons and if they aren't looking for an inspiring message then at least we can send them on there way with a smile on their face! Laughter never hurt anyone!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:46pm

"what is one thing that you will take on tour with you that you have learned playing the role on broadway? Good luck with the tour!"

I will take the spirit of this show we have created. This show is so much fun and it's important to use that fun spirit to infuse the show every night and keep it fresh and exciting to both the cast and the audience. I will take bits and pieces of things I have created with my cast members and I will take the story of these past 2 years. It's been quite a journey and I still have more to explore!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:50pm

"Hi,

I love when the understudy finally gets a big break like this! I often wonder How hard is it to play the role with very short time to rehearse? How do you do it?"

It is tough to jump into a role, but luckily I am a pretty quick study. I had also been watching the role for quite awhile both in rehearsals and during the show, so I had really started wrapping my brain around the part from the sidelines so that I could take it and run when I had a chance. We do have understudy rehearsals so we're not completely on our own, but it is our responsibility to know all the parts we cover and be ready at any time. I'm looking forward to exploring Elle even further!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:52pm

"Congrats Becky!!!!!! Have you felt a change in the way you portray your character because of going from understudy to leading lady?"

Thank you! My intentions and thoughts behind Elle are the same, but definately felt more confident the first time I went on after I knew I had gotten the tour. I can't wait to take it to the next level and have the time to really dig into the role!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:52pm

"Congrats Becky!!!!!! Have you felt a change in the way you portray your character because of going from understudy to leading lady?"

Thank you! My intentions and thoughts behind Elle are the same, but I definately felt more confident the first time I went on after I knew I had gotten the tour. I can't wait to take it to the next level and have the time to really dig into the role!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:54pm

"I was at your first performance as Elle Woods on Broadway, and you were amazing! I am curious to know how you felt during that performance? Nervous, excited?"

I was a bit nervous but more excited! I had been waiting a long time so there was a bit of relief to finally be going on and show what I could do. The cast was so supportive and the audience was wonderful...it was one of the best days ever!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 1:57pm

"Hello Becky!

Love all of the work you put into Legally Blonde :)

What would be a dream role for you that you've never had a chance to play?

Thanks and can't wait to see you in Cleveland!"

"Hi Becky! Would you ever consider doing Wicked playing the role of Galinda?

Good luck on the tour."

I have grouped these questions together because they are basically the same answer! You read my mind...I would love to play Glinda! There are many roles on my dream list, but I must say to be in Wicked would be absolutely fantastic! Fingers crossed for someday!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 2:01pm

hey becky,

"i saw you in legally blonde three times you were great but not as elle, i am real sorry. hopefully i will get to see you on tour since i live real close to long island. i have three questions for you. 1) how you feeling leaving the show with a close friend gaelean?, because its the first time for legally blonde that two orginal castmates are leaving the same day. 2)what is your feeling about having your own dressing room ontour since now you share it with a bunch of fun girls? 3) is there anyone from the broadway cast already going on tour with you?

i wish you the best on tour since you wont be full time elle woods on broadway which is a shame."

Thank you, you are very sweet. I am honored to leave the show with Gaelen. She is a good friend and it will be nice to share my last day with her.
The girls in my dressing room are amazing here in NY. It's really great to have them there every night to share stories with or get advice from. I will miss that dynamic on the road. But it will be nice to have my own dressing room on the road. It's good to have a quite place to rest between shows!
The rest of the cast hasn't been announced yet, sorry!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 2:03pm

"Hi becky!

Congratulations on the tour, i love you in legally blonde you are such a great elle!
who are going to miss most in the broadway company? And what is your favourite broadway show at the moment apart from legally blonde? Is it hard work being an understudy?

-Rosie "

Hi Rosie. I will miss the cast the most. I REALLY enjoyed Spring Awakening, and I've always loved Hairspray! Yes it is hard being an understudy. It's a lot of brain work, but it's also exciting and fun once you know what you're doing!

[beckygulsvig]

Posted: 6/23/08 at 2:13pm

Thank you all for your questions. I have run out of time to answer them all! I just want to say that it's been an amazing journey so far with Legally Blonde and I can't wait for this next year. I am looking forward to telling Elle's story and sharing her message of believing in yourself and going for your dreams! I hope to see you all in a town near you!
Love, Becky