BWW Interviews: Allie Trimm & Brynn Williams Talk 54 Below Concert, '13' Film & More!

After starring in Broadway's 13 THE MUSICAL and the Roundabout revival of BYE BYE BIRDIE together, Allie Trimm and Brynn Williams will take the stage together for the first time in five years at 54 Below! The talented actresses are set for "Allie Trimm & Brynn Williams: Nowadays" on Sunday, August 9th, at 9:30 pm. Click here for tickets and more information.

Today, the young Broadway vets share their favorite '13' memories with BWW and preview their August 9th engagement!

BWW: What are some of your fondest memories of appearing in 13 THE MUSICAL?

AT: Oh we all had so much fun working on "13" together! Being surrounded by people as passionate and creative as those involved with the show was unlike anything I'd experienced when I was 13... and getting to see how the creative process works from the inside was so cool. There were days when the cast would all sit in a circle and just talk, and the next day we would get script changes with phrases that we'd said to each other the day before!

BW: Any time the whole cast was together is a fond memory for me. We played off each other so well that anytime we were all in the same room, it was electric! Before every show, the whole cast would have a warmup in the basement. We'd sing scales and then sing through parts of "A Little More Homework" and "Brand New You"... We could always tell what kind of show we were going to have based on that warm-up. We could get a little crazy at times.

BWW: You originated a role in '13' and re-created a role in the recent revival of Bye Bye Birdie. Which do you prefer to do?

AT: Recreating the role of Kim MacAfee in "Bye Bye Birdie" was interesting for me because I'd never actually seen the movie or another production of the show. I had nothing to compare myself to, and I think that was probably a really great thing. It can be challenging to go into a job with a preconceived idea of who your character is, especially if the director or creative team is wanting to go a new way with the role. On the flip side, there is truly nothing like originating a role on Broadway, and I don't take that for granted at all. At the time it was so fun to be able to find pieces of my 13 year old self to influence the choices I made with Patrice. I get very nostalgic seeing productions of "13" now because I feel so closely attached to the words and lyrics throughout the show simply from being involved with the creation of them.

BW: Oh my gosh, don't make me choose! They are both amazing. There's something very magical about recreating a role, but If I HAVE to pick... I guess I'd originate a role. There aren't any preconceived ideas about how the character should be played because you're the first! It's all uncharted territory.

BWW: Why did the two of you decide to team up for the 54 Below appearance?

AT: I just moved back to NYC in February after being away to attend Stanford for a couple years. I knew I would have to work really hard to transition back into this industry, especially now that I am (hopefully) out of my awkward teenage years. So when Brynn and I first started talking about how much fun we would have singing together again, we knew that we had to create a show! Brynn and I have so much magic in our friendship from the incredible experiences and memories that we share, so to put that on a stage and just be ourselves and get silly is an absolute dream come true.

BW: Allie is one of my best friends. We always have a great time when we're together. Plus she's amazingly talented! Honestly, there's no one else I'd rather do a show with.

BWW: Can you share some details about what will be included in the August 9th show? Will it feature songs from 13 & Bye Bye Birdie, other show tunes?

AT: We wanted to do a solid mixture of musical theater and pop songs. Our incredible musical directer, Ben Rauhala, has been arranging some special mashups and covers of songs people may recognize. Because it is the first time Brynn and I are sharing a stage since 2009, we decided we HAVE to throw in some of our favorite musical moments from 13 and BBB. Our audience can expect to hear things in a new way, that's for sure.

BW: I don't want to give too much away! I can tell you that it won't all be show tunes. There will be some pop songs mixed in as well as original material. I think the audience will be pleasantly surprised by some our song choices. We'll be showing sides of ourselves musically that haven't really been seen yet, but there will also be some fan favorites from past shows and performances. You'll have to come and see!

(Check out a preview of the show below!)

BWW: Who are some of your favorite artists, both past and present?

AT: Wow tough question. The word 'artist' is so broad but my initial reaction is Jason Robert Brown. His work is so complex and beautiful, and to get to sing his music in any capacity feels like such a blessing. I'm also a fan of Alexander Sage Oyen, whom I recently met and became kind obsessed with. I will be singing one of his songs in our show on the 9th... I cry every time I hear it, and to have that strong an emotional response pops his work up to one of my current favorites!

BW: Whitney Houston, P!nk, Billy Holliday, Ray Charles, Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars... I could go on and on.

BWW: You began your successful musical theater career at a very young age. What advice would you give a young actor or actress starting out?

AT: Kindness goes a long way. People will tell you all the time that this industry is small and people talk, so putting out kindness is always a smart move. But beyond that, living in kindness and gratitude will put you in a mindset that will carry you much farther than living in bitterness or fear. This industry can be rough, especially at a young age when you are still discovering what makes you unique and strong, so to be focused on the things that give you life, joy, growth... that is what will carry you through the most challenging times.

BW: Never pass up an opportunity to sing/perform. You never know who could see you. Plus, it's great practice!

BWW: It was recently announced that a film adaptation of '13' is in the works. Would you be open to being involved in the project in some capacity?

AT: I'd love to be involved somehow! I don't exactly pass as a 13 year old anymore but hey, if Dan Quayle Junior High is looking for teachers assistants hand me an application!

BW: In a heartbeat! That would be so much fun!

54 Below will present Allie Trimm & Brynn Williams: Nowadays" on Sunday, August 9th, at 9:30 pm. Click here for tickets and more information. Check out a preview below:

Bye Bye Birdie Production Photo: Joan Marcus