DMT Editorial 2017_04_JUN_JUL_Proof15

*Calls to Delfont Mackintosh Theatres 0844 numbers cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge
Photography: Rex Features, Getty Images
getting to know West End audiences as a
performer, and experiencing the energy there.
Q. We know Billie Holiday’s life was riddled
with turbulence and sorrow, which added a
level of depth and emotion to her music. As an
actress, how do you balance the joy of loving
her music with having to capture all the raw pain
and heartbreak? (Anna Mills Russell, via Facebook)
A. I don’t think she saw herself as a victim, so I
don’t see her as a victim. Any time she did get
up there and sing, even if she was forced to get
up, she would always sing what she felt at the
moment. She could be a very lively person and
had moments of incredible joy in her life, and
she had a lot of love to give.
Q: How does playing Billie differ from
originating a part in a new show?
Drew Dillon (@Drew_Dillon)
A: Billie did exist – she’s not just an idea of a
character in someone’s mind. I couldn’t go off
and play her in some way that’s a wildly crazy
interpretation. Vocally, I can’t go out and sing
her like a soprano. There are parameters in
which you can play the role because there’s
documentation of how she spoke and walked.
Q: What is your most prominent memory of
theatre, either performing in or while
watching? Scott Bird (@ScottJBird)
A. Opening night of Carousel on Broadway. Sitting
on stage, just before the curtain, listening to the
first couple of chords of The Carousel Waltz.
Receiving her National Medal of Arts
from President Obama last year
Q. In a community that doesn’t often have as
many work opportunities for African
Americans, how do you keep yourself inspired
and motivated? (Tobias Young, via Facebook)
A. I don’t say ‘no’ to myself. I continue to do
what I can to push the envelope, and if there’s
something I think I’m right for, I go for it in
whatever way I possibly can. There’s enough
people in the world that are going to say no to
me, and I make sure that I’m not one of them.
Audra in 2014 winning her sixth Tony Award
Q. 8-10 shows a week is tiring work. How do
you keep the adrenaline going day after day,
particularly halfway through a long run?
(Glenn Meads, via Facebook)
A. I don’t know – as soon as I figure it out I’ll let
you know!
Read more of your questions for Audra at
delfontmackintosh.co.uk
Follow @DMTWestEnd to see who we would
like your questions for next.
Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill is at
Wyndham’s Theatre from 17 June.
For information and to book tickets
call 0844 482 5120*
@ladydaywestend /LadyDayWestEnd
AUDRA’S AWARDS
HIGHLIGHTS
1994 CAROUSEL
· Tony Award
· Drama Desk Award
· Outer Critics’ Circle Award
· Theatre World Award
1996 MASTER CLASS
· Tony Award
· Ovation Award
1998 RAGTIME
· Tony Award
2004 A RAISIN IN THE SUN
· Tony Award
· Drama Desk Award
· Outer Critics’ Circle Award
· Broadway.com Audience Award
2007 110 IN THE SHADE
· Drama Desk Award
· Outer Critics’ Circle Award
2008 RISE AND FALL OF THE
CITY OF MAHOGANY
· Grammy – Best Classical Album
· Grammy – Best Opera Recording
2012 PORGY AND BESS
· Tony Award
· Drama Desk Award
· Drama League Award
· Outer Critics’ Circle Award
2014 LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S
BAR & GRILL
· Tony Award
· Drama Desk Award
· Outer Critics’ Circle Award
· Broadway.com Audience Award
2015 SWEENEY TODD (HOST OF
LIVE FROM LINCOLN CENTER)
· Emmy Award