Ask a Star: Shoshana Bean

There's a new witch in town! Shoshana Bean now stars as the misunderstood Elphaba in the Broadway phenomenon Wicked. Talk about expecting the unexpected! Flash back to the January 8 matinee, the day before Tony Award winner Idina Menzel was set to take her final bow as Elphaba. When Menzel took a sudden fall during the show due to a stage malfunction and fractured her rib, it was Bean's cue as the standby to get into costume, get into character, and of course, get into the signature green make-up. Bean was already scheduled to follow Menzel as the next Elphaba, but this unanticipated performance proved she's ready for anything. Before this Oregon-born actor made her way to the Great White Way, she was featured in the national tour of Leader of the Pack, cast in the off-Broadway revival of Godspell and was an ensemble member of the original cast of the Broadway hit musical Hairspray. So how does Bean like being a leading lady? What was it like to literally jump into character? Is it easy being green? See if Bean answered your questions!

From Jason Wise: Shoshana, I saw you in the role of Elphaba and loved you! It was like you were born to play that part. I had "Defying Gravity" in my head like all night after the show. Anyway, I was wondering what is the most challenging thing about stepping into such a popular show? Thanks!

Shoshana responds: Thank you! I think the hardest part at first was filling such big shoes. Idina's performance and creation of this role was pretty much legendary, and her fans and followers are so loyal, that I wondered how I'd ever compare! But they have been so loving and welcoming—it has been beyond anything I could've imagined. Now the challenge is just being the best I can be, keeping up the integrity of the character and of the show, so that it can remain as popular as it has been!

From Katie: How did you feel when Idina hurt herself and you quickly had to transform into Elphaba and then play what was suppose to be Idina's last performance? !

Shoshana responds: Oh it was awful! It just felt so unfair for her not to be able to perform her last show, and so awkward for us to just go on, when our minds and hearts were clearly with her. I felt like such an imposter! And I knew that sooooo many of those people had come specifically to be there for this legendary last weekend and instead they were going to get me. I thought they'd boo me off the stage, so I was pretty terrified. But it ended up being the warmest most loving reception I've ever received, so… It was really a crazy roller-coaster ride of emotions!

From Eric: I just want to wish you the best of luck in Wicked! I just wanted to ask you how your take on Elphaba differs from Idina's even Eden and Kristy's. Oh also, what is your favorite song to perform? BREAK A LEG!

Shoshana responds: Well my fave song is "No Good Deed." But I'm not really sure how my performance differs specifically from the other girls. I think all four of us are very different from one another as performers, as well as we are all very different people in real life, and we each bring a lot of ourselves to the role. But I haven't seen myself do it—so I couldn't tell ya!

From Mary: I really love singing and acting, and you're definitely one of my role models. Who were your role models when you were growing up?

Shoshana responds: Singers? Oh Babs and Whitney for sure! And once I was in college and really getting into musical theater, Alice Ripley was the deal for me! But my two biggest all-around role models? And everyone always laughs at me but… Frank Sinatra and Jennifer Lopez. They both came up from so little to take over almost every corner of the entertainment industry. They were relentless and let nothing stand in their way. I love that.

From Linda: Did Idina Menzel give you any advice in preparation for your role?

Shoshana responds: Yeah, lots of little things. But the most important advice she gave me was just to enjoy myself. She told me that it's so easy to get caught up in the difficulty of the role, ie: the make-up, the demands of the singing, the isolation of the track, etc. And it's easy to forget that you're lucky enough to be playing one of the greatest roles ever written for a woman! She said, "Just remember how much of an effect you are having on these people—and be grateful!"

From Joseph M.: First of all, congratulations on your recent success in Wicked. I have yet to see you in it, but I have seen all of your other work, including a few benefits. You are truly amazing. Where do you see yourself in five or 10 years?

Shoshana responds: Wow. Good question. I never really look beyond a year or two honestly. I try to just put one foot in front of the other—it seems every time I make plans life has other ideas for me! Like a year ago, I never would have guessed this is where I'd be now! You know? But if I had to say, I'd say living in L.A—with a house, a dog, and an SUV! Having already worked on a few of my own albums, I'd like to be writing/producing new talent by then.

From June: Dear Ms. Bean: First off, you are absolutely amazing, I love your voice. How does your experience with Hairspray differ from Wicked? Which do you prefer?

Shoshana responds: Thank you! Well, Hairspray was my first big thing, and I was lucky enough to be a part of that amazing original cast, which to this day remains my family. I met some of my best friends doing that show. The chemistry was unreal there, the creative team, the producers, the cast... It was magical—such a blessing! And not to mention the huge media frenzy that followed the show—we were the toasts of the town for a good year—and the Tonys and the cast album. There are just so many perks and amazing experiences that go along with being in an original cast that you can't compare! Especially when it's a hit. Plus, I was in the ensemble which is a lot less pressure than being a lead! Now with Wicked, I have stepped in to fill big shoes in another tremendous hit and the responsibility is huge. Both on and offstage. Aside from the size and weight of the role itself and the responsibility of that alone, this show affects people and has gained a following like nothing I've ever seen before—and that is a very gratifying thing to be a part of. Do I prefer one experience over the other? Hard to say—they are so different. I love them both for what I have learned and am continuing to learn and become because of them.

From Joshua: Shoshana, you have one INCREDIBLE voice! Just wondering: How high is your range? You belt the high notes with such ease! Rock on!

Shoshana responds: Thanks, dude! You really wanna know? My highest note is an A flat above high C. But that's not belted, of course!

From Katherine: If you could have any role in any show, past or present, which would it be?

Shoshana responds: Fanny Brice, Funny Girl.

From Alex: Hi Shoshana, I saw you when you were a stand-by and you were amazing! How does it feel to be defying gravity in one of New York's biggest theaters in front of a live audience? Is it scary? Or is that the most exciting part? Also, what is your favorite part in the show? Hope you do even better than you did as a stand-by now that you have the leading role.

Shoshana responds: Thankfully, it's not scary! It's really a great feeling. It's one of my favorite moments in the show—when I start to rise up—'cause you can feel the whole place kind of hold its breath for a second. The way they designed it is so beautiful with the lights and the music and the flying—it all just climaxes together. When I was standing by, I used to go in and watch Idina do just that part, and no matter how many times I'd seen it, it always made me cry. But my very favorite part of the show is "No Good Deed." I love that song!

From Mario: How would you feel if for one night you and Jennifer Laura Thompson played each other characters I've always wondered how an Elphaba actor would act as Glinda, and a Glinda as an Elphaba?

Shoshana responds: Oh, that would rock my world! I would love that! We'd have some good laughs.

From Ruth: Does the makeup rub off at all during your performance?

Shoshana responds: Sometimes, yes. The hands wear off a bit, and when I kiss Fiyero, it does tend to smudge off onto his face! But they always touch it up.

From Tiffany: You are one of my top three favorite Broadway performers. You're so talented! I just want to know, do you get nervous up on the Broadway stage?

Shoshana responds: Wow, I'm honored! Thank you! Sure, I get nervous. Not on a nightly basis anymore, but I get nervous if I know someone is in the audience that I want to impress, or if I'm feeling a little less than 100% vocally. And I was terrified going on for Idina's last weekend!

From Elizabeth H.: You have an amazing voice Shoshana! Are there any funny stories from shows or rehearsals? Thanks.

Shoshana responds: Soooooo many. Let's see… In Hairspray rehearsals, we were working the number "Hairspray" and this was back in previews when we used to take off the Ultra Clutch coats during the number to reveal our party dresses. It had been the longest day, we were all fried and everyone needed a good laugh, so we girls pulled together and made it happen. We had on rehearsal petticoats under the Ultra Clutch coats, but we took off our shirts only leaving our bras on. So when we ran the number and got to the part where we stripped off our coats, there we stood in our bras and petticoat skirts! I'd never seen [director] Jack [O'Brien] and [choreographer] Jerry [Mitchell] laugh so hard! And then in Wicked the other night, in the fallen house scene the slap sound effect went off before I even hit Jen. We stood there in shock for a few seconds before we were hysterical and could not get it together for the rest of the scene!

From Amanda: Do you have any advice you would give someone who wanted to be on Broadway someday?

Shoshana responds: I'd say hone your craft. Immerse yourself in every facet of the business—being as versatile and skilled as possible is very beneficial. I think first and foremost it's about talent and skill and beyond that it's important to be persistent and resilient. It doesn't always happen overnight, and it'll knock you down sooner that it'll build you up, so you have to be able to bounce back and pick yourself up quickly. Figure out who you are and what's unique and special about you—different from anyone else. Capitalize on that... Have faith and persevere!

From Hope Nordquist: Hi Shoshana! I was wondering if you've done anything specific to make Elphaba your own?

Shoshana responds: Nothing too specific beyond just bringing a lot of me, Shoshana, to the role!

From Brandon: What is it like being green?

Shoshana responds: It's wonderful! In the beginning, I would look in the mirror and think, "What have I gotten myself into?" But now, I seriously dont' feel pretty unless I'm green. Like the other night, I did Jai Rodriguez's show and the Mac pro-team did my face, and I looked in the mirror and thought, "No, this is wrong. Something's missing." Crazy!

SHOSHANA BEAN IS NO LONGER TAKING QUESTIONS. THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!