BWW Interviews: Getting to Know I LOVE LUCY'S Thea Brooks

I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE is adapted from the most beloved program in television history. Taking you back to 1952, you are a member of the Desilu Playhouse studio audience in Hollywood awaiting the filming of two familiar "I Love Lucy®" episodes where the antics of America's favorite foursome of the time - Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel - are presented live on stage and in color for the very first time. Thea Brooks stars as the red-headed firebrand herself, alongside Lucille Ball's TV and real-life husband, Ricky Ricardo/Desi Arnaz, played by Euriamis Losada (E.L. to the folks who know him; see below).

With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting/Musical Theater from Carnegie Mellon University, Brooks is starring for the first time, but is on her second national tour. She was an understudy (Lisa/Baby) and in the ensemble of the first national tour of DIRTY DANCING THE MUSICAL. After a stint in L.A., she returned to the East Coast and is busy working steadily in various readings,workshops and commercials in NYC. She recently released her first album, "Numb."

BroadwayWorld Minneapolis got a chance to learn more about the actress behind the redhead and the show from the star herself in this Getting to Know Q&A:

Tell our readers what they can expect to see on stage at the State Theatre in Minneapolis when they come to I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE - will it be an imitation of the beloved TV show or is it different than they'd expect?

Thea Brooks (TB): It's less an imitation than it is a very fond nod to the original material. We attempt to stay true to the essence of the characters and the show, while at the same time honoring our own instincts and creativity. I think the audiences are pleasantly surprised to discover some of the elements we've added (with love, respect and lots of research) to the show.

What has it been like portraying a character and a woman who most people know so well? Is there pressure to be a replica of Lucy?

TB: Of course, there is pressure - but early on in the process I made a choice to let that go. I can only give my best, and no one has ever or will ever be able to do what Lucy did again. So I try to just have fun with it!

I'm assuming you were too young to have watched this on TV... did you study the "I Love Lucy" show and the actor herself or are you just interpreting the script?

TB: I have studied her, and the show. I find there is a lot in her character that resonates with me, my tastes, what I find funny. So it makes it easy to enjoy the work.

Is this show a musical version? (I noticed you're a singer and was not sure if this involved music since Lucy does not sing usually, or at least sing well!)

TB: This show is what I would call "a play with music"... Lucy does sing, but as you say, poorly. There is also an ensemble, the "Crystaltone Singers," who sing hits from the era - they are wonderfully talented. They also perform advertising jingles, and do comic bits in between scenes. Sadly, this hasn't been my opportunity to sing at full capacity - perhaps on the next show! :)

What is your next ambition -- and do you have plans for the next role or a hope for a favorite role?

TB: What a perfect segue. I am looking forward to doing some more classic material soon - I love Shakespeare and Chekhov and miss that language. My dream role in musical theater right now is Eliza Doolittle. Someday, I'd also love to play Catherine in PIPPIN, which is my favorite musical of all time.

PIPPIN is coming to Minneapolis very soon! Have you ever been to Minneapolis before? Are you planning to get out and see the city at all in your down time?

TB: No, I've never been before. I'd love to get out and explore - what should I see? I hear great things about the food here. I was hoping to organize a cast ice skating excursion, and perhaps walk down by the Mississippi River -- who knew it came all the way up here?!

It actually starts here in Minnesota -- the headwaters are at Lake Itasca State Park. Those all sound like good options for a visit to this city! Check out www.minneapolis.org for more ideas (coming from the local visitor's bureau rep!).

What's something the readers should watch for that's an insider secret of I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE?

TB: Ooh....well, one thing I can think of is that E.L. and I have added some ad libbed dialogue here and there to make our relationship as Lucy and Ricky a bit more believable...it's very little, but we have a few fun moments where we sort of whisper to each other like a married couple - I like doing that :).

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BWW Mini-Review:

I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE is really a cute show that brings you back to the light-hearted times and humor of the 1950s and early television. For those of us who grew up watching the show, or the reruns, the two episodes certainly will be familiar and fun. E.L. does an excellent Ricky Ricardo and Brooks' Lucy has the zany antics down -- all the way to her funny facial expressions and physicality.

Kevin Remington and Lori Hammel, playing Fred and Ethel Mertz, the Ricardo's loveable landlords and sidekicks, are also excellent at replicating all the things you know and love about the characters. Aaron Henderson (scenic design), Shon LeBlanc & Kelly Bailey (costume design) also bring all the right elements together, making the show comfortable and just like you remember.

With no intermission, the show is quicker than most touring shows that come to town, giving you a chance for a night cap or to make it home early. It's also a treat to see a show on the other side of Hennepin Avenue. The State Theatre usually is reserved for concerts but the smaller stage suited this show perfectly.

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TIckets

I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE will play at Minneapolis' State Theatre through Sunday, Jan. 25, 2014. Tickets are available at http://www.hennepintheatretrust.org/events/i-love-lucy-broadway-tickets-state-theatre-minnepolis-mn-2015. Special note that rush tickets will be available for Students, Educators, Military and Actor's Equity Association members for all performances (see website for details).

Photo: Thea Brooks (Lucy Ricardo) and Euriamis Losada (Ricky Ricardo) in the national tour of I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE (Photo by Justin Namon)