Introducing ActorQuest: An Interview with Kristin Huffman

Actress Kristin Huffman just made her Broadway debut in the new production of COMPANY. We're proud to welcome her aboard BroadwayWorld.com, where she'll be writing "ActorQuest", a new weekly column with tales from her life as an actor. Join Kristin every Friday as she shares her stories. In the meantime, let's get to know this up & coming Broadway talent!

What made you start keeping these actor's tales?
One of my dearest actor friends was hitting a really low point with auditions and just trying to stay sane in this biz. I started writing to him about all the stupid, frustrating, funny and odd things that seem to happen to me while engaged in this pursuit to cheer him up. It started to become therapy for me too and a way to share it all with my family in Ohio. Then, when we did COMPANY at Cincinnati Playhouse I got to meet George Furth and he said that HIS writing started as therapy for him! 

Were you always a writer?
My mother recently sent me some stories I wrote as a first grader! So I guess so. I didn't really start writing them in profusion until about eight years ago. I guess that's when my angst kicked in.

What are some of the experiences that BroadwayWorld.com audiences can expect?
I have written true stories about every aspect of being a performer. From auditions, to shows and commercials to murder mysteries. As we all know, sometimes you have to do more than theatre to survive...and my 'survival' job has been mostly to teach voice and piano lessons for 15 years in my private studio, at the Hartt School of music and for the Performing Arts Center of CT in Trumbull. I am also a Realtor in CT. Everything seems to relate back to theatre for me though so all of these stories tie in to my 'quest for Broadway'. Plus, the silliest things seem to happen to me no matter what I am doing.

How did you know that you had the performing bug growing up?
I just have always done it. My family had a singing group that entertained all over. Kinda like the Von Trapps but with only four people. Then in high school I formed my own singing group and we performed for Lion's clubs and stuff. I was a music education major in college though. To be truthful, I actually enjoy the rehearsal process more than the 'performing' part.

Who were some of the performers that influenced you over the years?
My 'teachers' have really influenced me more than any performers. Richard Sabellico and John Doyle. Those are two teacher/directors who influenced me greatly! Coaches like, Tom Helm, Phil Hall, Kate Chapman, Doug Houston, Kathy Jones (my flute teacher!) and my grandmother who died at 104 years old and always WISHED she'd been an actor. They influenced me the most.

I see you've got a good list of regional credits - what were some favorite parts?
Thanks. I was getting to the point where I was trying to make peace with the fact that I might only EVER have good regional credits and no Broadway credits. There is so much made of the 'broadway' credit, and for good reason! But so many of us have to find a way to feel 'successful' even if we never make it to Broadway. My favorite roles recently have been the comedic ones. Meg in Brigadoon and Gooch in Mame both at Maine State Music Theatre. Anything comedic is my favorite. So Sarah is really a great role. Truly, I thought, if I ever made it to Bway that I would maybe be the 17th Carlotta in Phantom or the understudy for Velma Von Tussell. All of which would have been FINE! But I couldn't have written it any better than what is really happening. A great show. A funny role. A wonderful cast and a superb director. Wow! I don't think it gets any better than this!

What's this I hear about you, bumper stickers, and John Kerry?
Yes, well, I don't want to put anyone off by my political enthusiasm...but this was my misguided attempt to help with his campaign. I wrote a story about this one too.  Who knew morals were going to be the deciding factor in the last election?

3 instruments - whaaaaat?
Yea.  Wild huh? I was a flute major in college and also played piccolo.  

So how has the show evolved from its out of town tryout? 
Since we are EXACTLY the same cast, we have all had a chance to grow even more into our characters and the 'style' that John wants.  Simpler, real.   I think it's actually an ongoing thing!

Have there been any on or offstage mishaps yet? 
No real mishaps, but the show is different every night since we are encouraged to just go with the flow.   Since we play everything and sing everything and never leave the stage, there are always new and interesting things to watch and do.  The audience really helps us too.

How have audiences been reacting to the show?
I am not sure that audiences realize how much their reactions affect us!   They have been really great, some more vocal than others, and it's THOSE shows that really stimulate us. The "Long laughers" or "laugh/clappers" or "gaspers" in the audience really let us know that they are "getting" the show.   We love that!   But ever since the great reviews came out I think folks realize that they are in for a really interesting evening and they come with that mindset.

What's the most thrilling part of the show for you? 
The opening. We walk in singing our "Bobby's" and then I have to play high notes on the flute to simulate the answering machine.  I am ALWAYS nervous because it's the first instrument you hear!  And yet, it really gets you right in the mood to hear the instruments as part of our show.  So when the audience responds to the first set of "messages" we know that they are going to
enjoy the show! THAT is thrilling!

How have family and friends reacted to the show?
A person couldn't HAVE better and more encouraging family and friends than I do!  I wish that for every person pursuing this career. And to know that they are in the audience and enjoying all this with me is the best!

This show has been your Broadway debut, how has your life changed?
I am not sure yet.   It's been so great, and yet so overwhelming and there truly has not been much downtime to think about it.

We've heard that many "notables" have been making their way to the show - who have been some of your faves?
I have met or seen so many at our show over the last month that my mind boggles!  Some notables are:  Angela Lansbury, David Hyde-Pierce, Ben Vereen, Helen Hunt, Elaine Stritch, Patti LuPone, Eartha Kitt, Diane Sawyer, Mike Nichols, Chris Noth, ....and so many more!  

One fun thing happened to me the night before Opening Night.   Joan Rivers came to see the show and afterwards I got to talk with her. She was so nice and complimentary and I just noticed how great her earrings were and asked her where she got them, as I still needed to find my own Opening Night earrings. I completely forgot that she has her own LINE of earrings on QVC!  But instead of making me feel silly about not remembering that she told me she would send me some earrings for Opening. And she DID!!  

Those pix of me showing off my earrings are the ones!!!  She also sent over a bag of every day earrings for the other girls
in the cast for later on!  Wasn't that nice?!!!!

What do you have planned after this Broadway show?
I want to be a reporter/writer for The Daily Show!!! It's smart and funny and sarcastic ….and I have a big crush on Jon Stewart!