Interview: Lauren Molina Dishes on Broadway, The Skivvies, and Goodman's WONDERFUL TOWN

In the upcoming revival of Leonard Bernstein's 1953 classic, Lauren Molina plays a young woman who dreams of making it big in New York City. In reality, she's swapped the Big Apple for the Windy City to star in Tony Award-winner Mary Zimmerman's production of Wonderful Town, premiering at the Goodman this September. Though portraying an aspiring actress, Molina has already belted Sondheim on the Broadway stage and tours as one-half of a popular musical duo. Between rehearsals, she took some time for an exclusive BroadwayWorld Q&A:

This amazing revival is kicking off the Goodman Theatre's 2016-2017 season. What can audiences look forward to most as they begin their theatrical season with Wonderful Town?
Laughter! This show is hilarious and it's one of those musicals that really lets you escape. It has this amazing old-school theater feel with glorious music, a beautiful set, stunning costumes and clever lyrics. Plus, the cast is terrific. It's just overall delicious.

This Leonard Bernstein musical is a 1950's classic. What keeps this type of show so beloved even today?
There's something so special about the classic stories we bring back. Bernstein is timeless and these tales remain so relevant, even if they're communicated through comedy. I think Wonderful Town is infectious and will leave audiences of all ages feeling nostalgic for the past.

Let's talk about Eileen. You're playing this small town girl who wants to make it big in NYC. Can you give us a glimpse into your character? What's your favorite part about her?
What I love about Eileen is that she's always sunny and positive. She attracts people because of that. Funnily enough, [Director] Mary Zimmerman tells me that even when I first auditioned the lines, there were things that I'd totally say in my own life. It's fun playing someone who is, in fact, very similar to me.

So, you've had a pretty exciting career already! You've been part of a Goodman production before, you've done off-broadway, performed at a ton of awesome regional venues, and done Rock of Ages and Sweeney Todd on Broadway. What was your 'big break' into the biz?
I grew up doing theater during school but never really thought I'd pursue it as a career. Then, I went to University of Michigan and was part of their vocal program. After being in voice, I realized I wanted to combine my love for music with acting so I transferred into musical theatre. Honestly, it changed my life. It made me figure out who I am as an artist. I played cello, was a rock singer, but also started singing really legit, difficult stuff.

One of my professors actually said, "You're never gonna be in Oklahoma, but what you are going to do is create a one-woman show, sing, play cello and you'll find your way. You'll use all of your weird, special skills to create a unique path." That's something I'll never forget. Then I got to New York, got my equity card, got the audition for Sweeney Todd and it sort of went from there.

Do you have a favorite role you've played thus far?
Man, that's hard to say. Cunegonde in Candide was really amazing. Also, Regina in Rock of Ages. I loved the rock element and the comedy of that show. In that specific role, I had just finished playing Johanna in Sweeney and those two parts are complete opposite. I especially love high-energy characters who leave me feeling joyful.

Looking forward, do you have a dream role?
I would love to play Dot in Sunday in the Park with George.

In addition to doing musicals, you're part of a musical duo called The Skivvies. It's not your typical band but it has gotten a huge following. What was the inspiration for doing something like this?
It all started with a YouTube video. My best friend Nick [Cearley] and I were putting up a cover song (Rihanna's "We Found Love") and I was in my underwear, not sure what outfit to pick. He was like "just wear that" and I said, "well we are stripping down the music..." Then my boyfriend said we should do that for every cover and call our duo 'The Skivvies'.

Our first show was in 2012 and it has grown so organically! People say taking off your clothes is the oldest trick in the book, so I always joke about that. In reality, though, it's all about our music. We make it fun, work hard to write great content and love creating hilarious arrangements. Dreams do come true: Starting a business with your best friend, traveling together and making music. Does anything get better than that?

(Also, Chicago! The Skivvies will be performing at Uptown Underground on October 17th at 8pm. Be there.)

Do you have a favorite Skivvies performance? You also perform with tons of other Broadway stars during these shows. Do you have a favorite guest performer?
We were asked to perform during the Florida State Thespians Festival two years in a row. The opening ceremony is at the Straz Center which has like 3,500 seats. They were completely jam-packed with kids who are obsessed with theater (we had clothes on, of course), and they were singing along to our songs, completely into it. It was like doing a rock concert. It was awesome to connect with them. I felt like Beyonce.

As for a favorite person to perform with? I'd have to say Laura Benanti. She's a good friend of mine and so incredibly smart and funny. Every time we do a show with her it's so much fun. I also really love performing with Will Swenson. He did our very first show and he set the bar high!

When you're not performing, where can we find you? Any weird hobbies?
I absolutely adore farmer's markets. When I come across a fresh market, I love to scour for the best peach there. Other than that, I love yoga, exploring new cities and I'm a bit of a pescetarian foodie! Oh, also I foster kittens with Animal Care Centers of NYC. So that's a serious hobby.

Speaking of cities: You've spent some time in Chicago before when you did Candide at the Goodman. Do you have a favorite hotspot?
Last week, I went to this epic performance during one of the free concerts in Millennium Park. Elephant Revival and Mandolin Orange performed and it was so well-done and absolutely amazing. I love that Chicago offers this type of thing.

Last but not least, any projects on the horizon?
Besides touring, Nick and I will be doing two performances of this musical called "Eating Raoul" at 54 Below. We'll be acting together so that'll be tons of fun. After that, who knows? Exciting stuff.

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Experience heartfelt laughter, striking music and dazzling splendor in the Goodman Theatre's revival of Wonderful Town, playing September 10 through October 14. For ticket information, go to GoodmanTheatre.org.

Photo Credit: Liz Lauren

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