Happy Days Are Here Again Jessica Keenan Wynn
Interview: Jessica Keenan Wynn on Stepping Back Into the Shoes of Iconic Songwriter Cynthia Weil in "Beautiful" and Embodying Her Fierce Female Strength
Afterward making her Broadway debut in Beautiful - The Carole Rex Musical last spring, Jessica Keenan Wynn is stepping back into the shoes of i of music history'southward almost iconic women: Cynthia Weil. Bursting onto the scene with her hubby and songwriting partner, Barry Mann, Weil penned some of the most iconic songs of the 1950s and '60s, including "On Broadway" for The Drifters, "Walking in the Rain" for The Ronettes, "Y'all've Lost That Lovin' Feelin" for The Righteous Brothers, and countless others. Her tenacity, wit, charm, fashion, and determination set her apart in a fiercely male-dominated business and has resulted in a legacy that continues to transcend generations -- i that audiences can experience every nighttime equally Ms. Wynn takes the stage at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
StageBuddy had the take chances to chat with Wynn about going dorsum to the early days of rock and roll, Cynthia'due south sweetness and agreeable relationship with husband Barry Mann and friendship with the legendary Carole King, and the show's anthem of female empowerment.
Congrats on making your return to Cute this spring! What are you almost excited about coming dorsum to this role – do you feel similar yous are visiting an old friend at this point or are y'all excited to keep making new discoveries about Cynthia?
Jessica Keenan Wynn: I am really excited to pace back into this part! The great thing about playing Cynthia is that I was able to look to the strong females in my life – my mother, grandmother, and aunt – and employ that inspiration in my role. It is so much fun for me to "try" on Cynthia and channel her determination, passion, and focus when information technology came to climbing to the top in such a tough industry ruled by men. It is such a joy to play Cynthia. I've been lucky enough to develop a human relationship with her and she has been goose egg but supportive. She told me "thanks for making me expect and then adept" and it really doesn't get any meliorate than having that approval!
Barry and Cynthia are so entertaining to sentinel on stage because they have such different ideas about everything! What is your favorite role near their human relationship and why practice you recall they fit so well together?
I dearest their authenticity and respect for each other. While they are not afraid to be direct and speak their minds, it is e'er washed with a sense of humor likewise as a mutual admiration. That honesty is what makes their relationship work. It'south wonderful to witness the underlying love they take for each other – information technology's the real thing!
I'g looking forrard to discovering new aspects with Ben [Jacoby] this time around and diving into their relationship all over once more!
Tell me a footling chip about your feel with Chilina Kennedy when it comes to interpreting Carole and Cynthia'southward friendship. How are they able to remain and so close in such a competitive manufacture?
Their friendship is really defined by such a deep respect for each other. While they are competing for that side by side #ane vocal and it is near the drive and focus, it is past no ways conniving or malicious. In reality, the competitive nature results in the two pushing each other to exist the all-time songwriters and homo beings that they can exist and is really something special.
It is thrilling to encounter the music manufacture of the past come up to life. What is the most fascinating part of that experience for you?
I've actually never written a song myself, so envisioning it is very tough. With this role, information technology's and then exciting to meet their drive and creativity being poured into every note, every tune. While the process they go through – pitching a song and awaiting approval – seems daunting, it'due south wonderful to be able to take a step back and see that through a new lens. It teaches you to let go and trust your instincts and material – having faith that it volition resonate with the right audience.
Existence part of a young cast, how do you personally connect to Barry and Cynthia'due south music and why do yous retrieve it is so timeless?
I'thou really such a fan of enjoying things in life – whether it'south proficient food, fashion, music – and have such an appreciation for any aesthetic when it's washed merely and really well. The simple intention of a song has so much value and that underlying complex is true aureate. These ideas of dearest, loss, and friendship that are in then many of these songs such as "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "Walking in the Pelting" are so universal and really stay with yous.
Cynthia has such incredible style – if y'all could steal any one of her outfits, which would information technology be?
I love her vacation outfit in Act One – the tweed pants, silk blouse, and knee-high boots. My fashion is then simple and casual, and so getting to play dress upward in Cynthia's clothes makes me feel so feminine. I also really love the coat she wears at the end of Act Ii when attending Carole's concert – information technology's actually what I get the nearly compliments on. Information technology really takes you dorsum to the time when people dressed up to go places and I appreciate that nostalgia.
The anthem of the show is female person empowerment. How do y'all promise audiences will carry that message with them afterward the final curtain and is there a certain characteristic of Cynthia's that has inspired you lot most every bit a young woman?
I really believe that it'due south about having this steady, streamlined, intense focus. It's so like shooting fish in a barrel to get sidetracked past jealousy and insecurity, but the difference with these two powerful women is that they really believed in what they had to offer. They created this soundtrack for all generations – and that legacy continues to live on. It is then important to take a strong sense of conventionalities in yourself and exist able to block out the outside influences and just focus on the terminate goal, which is to practice what makes you happy and hopefully inspire others in the process. These ladies are such stiff female figures just by being themselves.
Jessica returns to the cast of Cute on April 26th. For more than on the evidence, visit: https://beautifulonbroadway.com/
Source: https://stagebuddy.com/theater/theater-feature/interview-jessica-keenan-wynn-stepping-back-shoes-iconic-songwriter-cynthia-weil-beautiful-embodying-fierce-female-strength
0 Response to "Happy Days Are Here Again Jessica Keenan Wynn"
Postar um comentário