Considered one of the most prominent actresses of her generation, reunites with Cole Porter and musical theatre after her 2021 debut in Anything Goes, once again bringing back the glitz and glamour of old Broadway, accompanied by a star-studded cast. Guillermo Nazara chats with her during rehearsals to learn more about this new take on a Porter classic and how she is getting herself ready for it.
How does it feel to be part of this new revival?
What can I say but very good?! It really is a lovely job.
What enticed you to take part in it?
With actors, and probably anyone else in this business, it just needs to be an offer of a job that you would like to do next. It’s a simple as that. There’s no particular thing apart from the fact that it’s a given package: it’s Cole Porter, it’s with people that I know, it was exactly the thing that I wanted to do after my last job, it’s the right length, and in the theatre that I want. I could go on and on! There’s never a single reason to choose a project. There are always so many. And you choose that job, unless you’re desperate for work.
Which is not your case…
Well, not this week! (laughs)
In your opinion, what makes this revival stand out from any previous productions?
I can’t sell something that hasn’t officially opened yet. But it’s a wonderful atmosphere to work in, filled with the most extraordinary talent. We start seeing if it does or if it doesn’t stand out when it’s in front of an audience. It’s not for me to say if it excels. Audiences will tell us.
How do you think an old-school musical will resonate with contemporary viewers?
Because there’s nothing preachy in it. It’s not a moral tale. Nor is it a deep, psychological piece of work. But it’s joyous, silly, funny, witty, and clever. I think that’s something people need now – not to go inwards anymore. We already have enough worry in the world, and we need something that we can be part of and that fills us with joy and talent. To be taken by wonderful music and relaxation and let these amazing dancers and singers take you into a world of hope, future, and love. That’s exactly what we need: less criticism and less disaster.
What particular challenges have you found in this role?
There’s nothing new in this character, or job as a whole, that’s been more of a challenge than anything else. It’s a lovely piece, but it’s not challenging by definition. The real challenge is the same as with any job – to get it as right as you can.
And what is your process as an actress to get it right?
Turn up for work! (laughs) It’s all about practise and hope to be inspired.
Are there any highlights in this production that you would like to flag?
I will let the audience choose. Very often, something you think it’s a highlight turns out to be the opposite. And viewers prefer another feature. As a performer, you’re too close to the material, and you can’t really see the magic that happens when it’s out there. In every production I’ve been throughout my career, you can usually tell what’s good, but you can’t always tell what magic the audiences will find. As you get more experience, you can make more predictions- what moments will get a laugh, which ones won’t -. But the most wonderful thing about a new production is that, during the first previews, the audience tells you what works and what doesn’t work.
Why come see this new revival of High Society?
Joy!
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High Society plays at London’s Barbican Theatre until 11 July. Tickets are available on the following link.