BWW Interviews: NEWSIES' Angela Grovey

Newsies: The Musical heads to Tennessee Performing Arts Center next week and helps ring in the beginning of summer. Based on the 1992 Disney movie of same name, Newsies: The Musical visits the late 1800s of New York City. Actress Angela Grovey plays Medda Larkin. With an extensive career in film, television, and theatre, Angela took some time out of her busy touring schedule to answer some questions for our readers in the Nashville region.

BWW Nashville: Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us here in the Nashville region of BroadwayWorld.com. You have an impressive resume, spanning many types of theatre, and many areas of the country, as well as movies and television. Can you tell us about how you ended up with acting as a career?

Angela Grovey: I guess I should have known early that I was going to be some sort of an artist. I would put a towel on my head (so I had something to swing back and forth) and sing all over the house on my microphone (hairbrush). In high school, I was deeply involved in Forensics and Theatre and decided I was either going to study politics or theatre. My senior year in high school, I had some major challenges and found that doing my school plays allowed me forget about my personal problems and step into someone else's life.

BWW Nashville: Even though you have a resume that is rich with theatre, many people may know you from your role as Earla in Joyful Noise, the movie starring Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. Of course, in the South, we love our Dolly and if you're a theatre lover, we appreciated seeing Jeremy Jordan in a feature film. Can you share with the Joyful Noise fans some of your experience with the film?

Angela Grovey: Joyful Noise was a MAGICAL experience and the cast, including Dolly and Dana, were like a family. I mean, to be in a rehearsal room and then DOLLY PARTON walks in................I tried to keep cool and calm, but inside I was FREAKING out. Dolly quickly put everyone at ease and made us all feel like she was a normal person (even though she's a living legend)! Dolly would bring fudge to the set, and my absolute favorite was when she would play her nails. We would all freak out because you were in a room with Dolly Parton singing and playing her nails! CRAZY!!!! What a special woman! I am grateful to have done the film and to have met such amazing, inspiring, KIND people.

BWW Nashville: With the variety of work that you've done throughout the years, do you have a favorite type of work to take on? Comedy or drama? New work or existing? Television, film or theatre?

Angela Grovey: I love it all!!!!! It's always fun to work on new stuff because you get to be in the room and "figure it out" with the writers. Rehearsal is my favorite part of a process, because it's like going to a master class everyday, taught by your fellow artists in the room.

I went to school for theatre, and I LOVE THEATRE, but I would love to dive into more film and television. As long as I can be artistic I'm happy.....

BWW Nashville: When Disney decided to take their 1992 film Newsies (which was considered a "flop" by most) and turn it into a stage musical, I'm not sure they expected the positive way in which it was received by audiences. What do you think makes Newsies such a relatable piece of work?

Angela Grovey: I believe the message that is shared in this story is something that every human being benefits from hearing. The movie and musical are based on a real event that happened at the turn of the century. Over 100 years later, the message is still important.

We ALL can (like the newsies) come together and make a change in the world. We all have a voice and it doesn't matter how young, old, rich, poor, etc... We deserve to be heard. And with hard work and determination the "good guys" can come out on top.

BWW Nashville: You play the magnificent role of Medda Larkin in the production. Medda is a character unfamiliar to those who only know the film. What can you share with us about your character and her importance to the show?

Angela Grovey: Medda Larkin is the owner of a burlesque house where Jack and his friends come and hide out when they are in trouble. Medda sees potential in Jack Kelly, is very fond of him and cares about his safety. Anne Margaret played Medda in the 1992 film.

BWW Nashville: With a tour that has been on the road for a while now, how has your experience varied throughout the country? Do you feel a different reaction to the show in different areas or does it seem to be a similar reception everywhere you go?

Angela Grovey: We are getting tons of love everywhere we go!!!!!! We started previews in Schenectady, NY and our first preview we had a full, excited house. We broke box office records in Chicago over the holidays. Charlotte, NC was sold out before we arrived to the city. And many of the venues we have played have already been asking when we coming back. People love this show, and we love "Carrying the Banner" around this country.

BWW Nashville: Have you had any particularly memorable experiences while on tour with audience members or while on stage?

Angela Grovey: Being able to break the fourth wall in "Medda's Theatre" allows me to have so much fun with the people in the front row. At many of the theaters, the people in the front row are "lottery" winners and are huge fans of the show. THEY are always fun to interact with. Occasionally, there are young kids who get to sit on the front row, and seeing their eyes light up when they realize I'm are speaking directly to them gives me such joy.

BWW Nashville: What are you most looking forward to on your stop in Nashville?

Angela Grovey: I have never been to Nashville, so I'm going to try and figure out how to cram some highlights into 7 days while doing Newsies. I have heard nothing but wonderful things about the city. So I'm open for suggestions. Tweet me @angelagrovey and tell me what to do!

BWW Nashville: Do you have a particular role in the theatre that you see as your "dream role"? Can you share with us what that role would be and why?

Angela Grovey: I don't. I have so much respect for the roles and people who have "stepped" into them. I am always honored to put my spin/ perspective on a role that has already seen the light of day.

I have been blessed to play a variety of roles so far in my career and even understudy roles that I will be more appropriate for in a few more years.

I want the theatre writers to keep writing and continue to allow me to "play" with their creations.

BWW Nashville: What should our readers expect when Newsies comes to Nashville in May? In five words or less?

Angela Grovey: An Unbelievable, Magnetic, Unique, Memorable moment!!

Opening on Tuesday, May 26th, Newsies: The Musical, is the perfect start to the summer and the perfect chance to recover from Memorial Day vacation. You can purchase your tickets to see Newsies: The Musical by visiting Tennessee Performing Arts Center's website, or by calling their box office at 615-782-4040. The show runs through May 31st.

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