Interview: Terra C. MacLeod Talks About CHICAGO Opening in Kansas City

The Kansas City Theater League presents Chicago at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center January 20 through January 25. The musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and a book by Bob Fosse and Ebb is set in Prohibition-era Chicago. It is the tale of two women in the Cook County Jail charged with murder, both fighting for fame that may keep them from the gallows. The interview with Terra C. MacLeod who plays Velma Kelly in the popular musical is courtesy of the Theater League.

Tell us about yourself. How old are you and how did you become a Broadway actress.

I am originally from Montreal Quebec. I feel very fortunate to have grown up in a bilingual city. French is my second language. I've been dancing since the age of 5 and have always had a love and passion for the performing arts. I loved being on stage. I was very fortunate to have parents that encouraged me to study the various arts and expand my creativity. So I was in dance, acting and singing classes from a young age and continued throughout my life. I'm still studying and refining. That is what I love so much. The work is never done and there is still more to discover. So being on stage has always been a part of me. I also have a love for film and TV and have had the good fortune of working in that line of work as well.

How did I get to Broadway? It was always a goal and dream of mine. I still pinch myself because through Chicago I have fulfilled that goal. In 2003 I opened the world French premiere of Chicago in Montreal and in 2004 we moved the show to Paris. It was at that moment I knew if I worked real hard and proved myself that maybe the producers would see my work and bring me to the NY Company. And that is exactly what happened. The NY team came to Paris and invited me to join the Broadway Company in the summer of 2004. Since then I have gone on to perform the show around the world, had my west end debut in London which was another dream come true, and have been touring the USA and Canada for the last few years. Chicago been a wonderful gift and a show that I feel to fortunate to be a part of.

What can the audience expect?

Chicago is a timeless piece of theater. I say it best known as as the razzle-dazzle, song-and-dance musical about "violence, exploitation, adultery and treachery. I don't want to give too much away and most people have seen the movie. I would think many are familiar with the story.

This is different because of the obvious reasons as it is live production, but also they are seeing up front some amazing choreography "Fosse" and they get to see the dancers on stage tell the story through movement, song and acting. I also appreciate the fact that all the music is live and the band is right there with us on stage. It's a minimal set. I love that aspect of the show. It's not a spectacle and the simplicity of it is just as captivating because through the staging, lighting and costumes a story is told. It is just as affective.

Why should the people come and see it?

Why wouldn't they? Chicago is a hit show! And I say that with a big smile of my face because I feel so proud to be a part of this timeless piece. It's the longest running American musical in Broadway history. It's rare today to see some of fosse's work and hear Kander and Ebb's music all at the same time. Just those two names alone should be enough for an audience to experience a special night of the theatre.

Why do you think the show is so popular?

A few reasons for sure. The message in the show is one that people today relate too. It's a satire on the judicial system and corruption of the media. It sensationalizes what is corrupt through storytelling. People get that and they embark on a journey with the show. I also think that the movie opened up the minds to many who probably would never have seen a musical before. Movie musicals were very popular at one time and Chicago in a way brought their attention back to the big screen. So Audiences now are familiar with the musical theatre world and that's a great thing because now they come to see live theatre and get a whole new experience. It's also a witty and sharp script with a jazz era musical score with beautiful sculpted dancers telling the story through dance.

What is your favorite part of the show to perform?

Well it would be pretty hard to beat the entrance in "All that Jazz". It is such a great orchestrated opening number. I love how it invites the audience into our world. It's sexy, seductive, mysterious and inviting all at the same time. I also love the lyrics...I have a lot of fun playing with those words.

What do you love about playing Velma?

Ahhhh Miss Kelly is a survivor and fighter. She fights for what she wants no matter how many times she falls. I also like to think she has a big heart that she protects. Hence why there is a tougher exterior to her. And I also think she has a sense of humor which adds another layer to her. There is "funny and wit" in her character and I'm drawn to her perseverance.

What is the best part about being in Chicago?

I'm doing what I love every night in a show that I love. It's the "real deal" for me. Fosse and Kander and Ebb! Enough said. I'm a show that I'm passionate about. Being on tour and bringing the show all over the world has been such a gift in itself. We are introducing the show to people who have never seen it before, and that's exciting.

I get such a rush hearing people talk about the Chicago experience for the first time. Also meeting the incredible talent that has graced the stage over the years. It's really special that way.

What has been your most memorable moment in this show?

It's too hard to narrow it down to one moment as I have some great "snapshots" in my mind of moments that I will always cherish. From the opening in Montreal and Paris to my Broadway debut, to the 10 year anniversary gala to my West End Debut and then taking the show all over the world. It's been such a ride. Really incredible journey. But I will say this if there is one moment that really sticks out for me it would be my Broadway Debut with my family in the audience. Those are things you never forget.

Have you ever had any mishaps during a performance and what happened?

Of course it's live theatre. But no one in the audience would notice really. I have been pretty good about being able to catch myself if I make a mistake. Its live theatre that is the fun thing about ...we are up there and anything can happen and in those spontaneous moments a little theatrical magic happens.

I remember once I was doing my number " "sister act" where I am trying to convince Roxie to come and join me in my double act. It's just me up there dancing away while Roxie watches. In the middle of my number the lights in the theatre came on. It went from pitch black to me being able to see everyone in the audience. I thought maybe there was a fire or an emergency and although I kept on going with the number I did blank out because I was also trying to my number and figure out what was happening in the theatre. So naturally I was distracted. I had to turn around and ask the conductor to help me out. I forgot my words and said out loud to him "I don't know where I am ...help!!" He laughed, the audience laughed the lights turned off and the show went on. The adrenaline going through my body at that time was insane. That's the magic of theatre for you. Oh and no there wasn't a fire, just a glitch with the lights in the theatre.

What does the message of Chicago mean to you?

The message in the script and story are very different from what I walk away with. The message I try to convey every night in my work is to stay true to the style and keep the authenticity of the show alive by those who created it and have kept it alive for years.

Tell the story and have fun! It's corrupt but it gets you each and very time.

Have you ever met any of the celebs who've been to see the show? Tell us who and what happened?

Over the years Chicago has given several celebrities their Broadway debuts with the show. Their excitement is always something that everyone enjoys sharing in because it is "Broadway" and that is something to be proud of. It a bucket list kind of thing. They all have some great stories they share and it's intriguing to see them on stage as well as for some it's their first Broadway experience or doing live theatre. Some celebrities who have been in the show include, Usher, Kevin Richardson from the Backstreet boys, Wayne Brady, Patti La Belle, Huey Lewis, Melanie Griffith, Jessica Simpson, and of course Anne Reinking, Chita Rivera ,and Bebe Neuwirth are on top of that list, and that's only scratching the surface.

Who's the most famous person you've worked with, what was the show and what were they like?

"Famous" is subjective. I don't think I could honestly say what makes one celebrity more famous that the other. But if one person were to stand out it would have to be Kevin Richardson (Backstreet boys) He is truly a gentleman and great actor. Throughout my teen years I was a HUGE backstreet boys fan. They were the "boy band" of my generation. I went to their concerts, had their albums etc. I was a big fan all around. SO of course when he came into the show I was a little "star struck" and intimidated, but as soon as I got the working with him I became more comfortable and truly loved the experience and he is truly the real deal. That is an artist on the stage and I really am grateful I had the opportunity to share this show with him. He was a wonderful Billy Flynn. A real class act.

How do you stay in shape - tell us the details about your diet and exercise regime?

I'm Italian I don't diet! I love food too much it's in my genes. With that said of course I know my boundaries and have always embraced a healthy lifestyle as I need all the strength and stamina to do the show. Eating well and getting enough sleep is key for me. Basically lots of greens, proteins, and room for desert are a must. I follow the Mediterranean lifestyle with food. Graze throughout the day with small portions. The show keeps me in great shape. I love coming back to it because I get that "Fosse" dancers look, and I practice yoga almost every day and that keeps everything in balance. It's all about balancing out a lifestyle that suits an 8 show a week schedule.

Which celeb would you most like to star alongside?

Channing Tatum as Billy Flynn! Imp putting it out there people. I'm laughing because my cast knows I am a fan of his. Always have been. Who isn't right? Come one! And as a Roxie "Fergie" all the way. I love that woman's voice and her sassy style. The show has been linked to lots of celebs such as Usher and of course the starts of the movie, but who do you think would be good in it?

I would love to see some more recording artists give it a try. A lot of them have the acting talent as well. Pink, Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Lady Gaga even. Hey why not?

Which show would you most like to appear in?

Cabaret, Cabaret, Cabaret. I think I have auditioned for it like 10 times over the years. The timing has never worked out for me to do it. It's another Kander and Ebb show that I love and it's been on my list for years. On the opposite side of the spectrum another role I hope to play one day is Madame Thenardier from Les Miserables.

You've travelled the world as Velma Kelly in Chicago, how do you handle being away from home?

It's never easy to be away from home. You leave behind a loved ones, a routine, and a way of life. Im very close to my family so it has always been a challenge for me to be away from them. However at the same time I embrace the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures and new cities. Its such a gift to be able to do what I love and travel. Part of growing is experiencing places and being open to what will present it self. The gift and wonderful opportunity I have had bringing this show around the worlds has changed my life is many ways. It really has been one of the highlights of my career. The beautiful thing too is you create a family with the people you work with and friendships and bonds develop that you carry with you. I have also made some life long friends over the last 10 years from being with the show. That makes the journey all the more special and meaningful.

What are your most treasured items you travel with on tour?

My family photos. I have an album that I travel with and every city the "photos" come out. They go up in my dressing room and every day my family and friends from home are with me. I also have a set of Christmas lights and candles that I always have on in my room so the "lighting" is just right. It's the little things that can make your experience all the more unique and comforting. Your hotel room becomes your sanctuary so I always try to make it feel like home.

You must know your character inside and out, but have you ever suddenly forgotten your lines on stage?

It's live theatre and anything can happen. I have in the past blanked out...it comes out of nowhere and literally every muscle in my body freezes! It's quite an adrenaline rush. I remember one particular moment. I once was doing my monologue and looked in the audience and made eye contact with someone and in that moment I lost my train of thought. That was it. I lost it. I had to make up words right there on the spot. Talk about panic and adrenaline rushing through my body at 200 miles a second. Live theatre.. that's the great thing about it you always have to be prepared and ready for anything.

What really goes on back stage in-between songs?

Oh we have fun. There is a great vibe with everyone. I tend to sit back at times and speak with stage management and some cast members catching up on their day. We check in with one another. But mostly I'm back in my dressing room warming up for the next number. I have a few breaks in the show but when I am back on stage its like being shot out of a canon so I have to be warmed up and ready to go. I like to say there is a whole other show going on backstage. We have crew back there taking care of us making sure the show is running smoothly as well. We owe a lot to them as they are the people behind us making it all happen each and every night. I have a lot of respect for the work they do.

Purchase tickets for Chicago by calling the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts box office at 816-994-7222 or visit the Kansas City Theater League website. Interview and photo courtesy of the Kansas City Theater League.