Allison Blackwell Shares Backstage Moments and Must-Haves at RAGTIME
Blackwell appears in the Ensemble, making her Lincoln Center debut.
We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving.
In this edition, we catch up with Allison Blackwell who is appearing in Ragtime on Broadway. Below, she takes us backstage at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of her favorite backstage moments, must-haves, and more!
Ragtime marks Allison Blackwell's Lincoln Center Debut. Her other Broadway credits include New York, New York, A Night With Janis Joplin, Pretty Woman: The Musical, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess and Disney’s The Lion King.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?
I always say hello to our security at the Vivian Beaumont stage door. They are kind, helpful and keep our cast and crew safe.
What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?
As a company, Joshua Henry leads a circle up before we set up for the top of the show. Before that, I grab a Grether’s Pastille and a gulp of water. Gotta stay hydrated!!!!
What’s your must-have backstage snack?
I don't snack a lot in the show but IF I do it is has to be Skinny Pop. I am obsessed with Skinny Pop.
Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?
Not sure if it is weird, but I think most people workout or do some type of exercise before the show and then do their makeup and pincurls. I do the opposite. I do my makeup and pincurls first. I then do my workout on the stage. Our show is very physical especially with the voms, so I have found doing a 15 minute workout helps my body survive the 8 shows a week.
What are five must-haves in your dressing room?
1. Grethers’ Pastilles
2. Pictures of my parents and grandparents (They are forever my inspiration)
3. Foam Roller
4. Humidifier
5. Cozy Onesie
*Honorable Mention: Water Bottle (Standard in the dressing room so didn’t add it)
What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?
I love watching Colin Donnell and Joshua Henry’s book scene after "Make Them Hear You.” Hearing Joshua sing this song daily is thrilling but combined with book scene immediately following breaks my heart. It is also special for me because I have known Colin and Joshua for a long time (I met Josh in the Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess on Broadway and Colin doing Jesus Christ Superstar at Northshore Music Theatre).
What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?
Ragtime is a LONG show and it is also taxing vocally, physically and emotionally. I am so proud of this cast and the moments we find to bring each other joy in the midst of telling this story. My favorite moment right now is when the cast does the electric slide backstage during the show. So much fun :)
About Ragtime
Ragtime stars Tony nominee Joshua Henry, Olivier and Grammy nominee Caissie Levy, and Tony Award-winner Brandon Uranowitz, Colin Donnell, Nichelle Lewis, Ben Levi Ross, Julie Benko, Anna Grace Barlow, John Clay III, Rodd Cyrus, Nick Barrington and Tabitha Lawing. The production is directed by Lear deBessonet, with James Moore as music director.
They are joined by Nicholas Barrón, Lauren Blackman, Allison Blackwell, Briana Carlson-Goodman, Jordan Chin, Eean Sherrod Cochran, Billy Cohen, Kerry Conte, Rheaume Crenshaw, Ellie Fishman, Jason Forbach, Nick Gaswirth, Ta’Nika Gibson, Jackson Parker Gill, David Jennings, Kaleb Johnson, Marina Kondo, Morgan Marcell, Kane Emmanuel Miller, Jenny Mollet, Tom Nelis, Kent Overshown, Kayla Pecchioni, John Rapson, Matthew Scott, Ellie May Sennett, Deandre Sevon, Jacob Keith Watson, and Alan Wiggins rounding out the cast.
Ragtime is the musical adaptation of E. L. Doctorow’s classic novel that follows three fictional families in pursuit of the American Dream at the dawn of the 20th Century: Black pianist Coalhouse Walker, Jr. (Joshua Henry) and his beloved Sarah (Nichelle Lewis), Jewish immigrant Tateh (Brandon Uranowitz) and his little girl, and a wealthy white family led by matriarch Mother (Caissie Levy).
The musical features a score by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, a book by Terrence McNally, and orchestrations by William David Brohn, all of whom won Tony Awards for their work.
