Flower Crown Magazine: Issue 2

An interview with Shuga Henry
by Tionni Warren
always being seen as the matriarch, but that’s how it goes
sometimes I guess.
What are you currently working on/acting in/auditioning
for?
I am always on the audition train. lol. That’s the life of a
performer. I am currently in rehearsal for “Thoroughly
Modern Millie.” I play Muzzy in the show. That is the
same role Sheryl Lee Ralph played on Broadway. It’s a
fun role and the costumes are amazing. It’s going to be a
wonderful time.
How long have you been acting?
I have been acting since childhood. When I came to this
country from Jamaica, it was something I fell in love with.
I don’t think at my young age I knew I was acting…lol.
However, I knew I loved putting on performances and
entertaining people.
Name of some of your past production/films/ What
was your favorite?
Chicago, Hairspray, Aesop’s Fables, A Funny thing Happened
on the Way to the Forum,
The Amazing Spiderman 2, The Sound of Music just to
name a few. Some of my faves are The Sound of Music,
Forum and The Wiz, which I did this summer and had an
absolute blast! It was truly an amazing experience.
Why do you want to be an actor?
I call myself a performing artist. I am not one thing. I act,
sing, write, direct. I am many facets of the drama field. I
do this because I feel compelled to. I enjoy the energy
I give to the audience. I enjoy the energy the audience
gives to me.
What specific area do you want to focus on?
Film, TV, Plays, Musical Theatre? I am open to all areas.
What have you been successful in thus far?
Musical Theatre has been the area that has provided the
most success
How frequently do you get a gig?
LOL... well this year has been the most successful. In the
past it was scattered. I frequently had to create work for
myself. Most of that came in the form of producing my
own shows. Last year the ball began to roll and this year
so far it’s been a steady stream of work.
What kind of character do you usually play? So far I
always get the matriarch or the diva role. I don’t enjoy
What is it like being a black actress in 2014?
It can be quite rough being a black actor or actress. You
are always questioning, “where is there a role for me?”
You go to auditions knowing that it will be you and four
other black persons there b/c it’s not a black show. You
get stereotypical roles at times and you wish many theatre
companies would do multicultural casting. However,
the winds of change are blowing. From theatre greats like
Audra MacDonald playing Mother Abbess in Sound of
Music, to Norman Lewis playing The Phantom in Phantom
of the Opera, to most recently Keke Palmer playing
Cinderella in Cinderella, you can observe a slight shift.