BWW Interviews: Getting to Know HEIDI CHRONICLES' Kate Wetherhead

Actor, screenwriter, author and more... Kate Wetherhead seems to be living the life that character Heidi Holland was striving for in Wendy Wasserstein's acclaimed THE HEIDI CHRONICLES, directed by Leigh Silverman at the Guthrie Theater's Wurtele Stage in Minneapolis this month.

Aside from her acting career, which includes stints on Broadway, Wetherhead is the co-creator/writer of a web series, "Submissions Only," found right here on BroadwayWorld.com and is currently writing a children's book, as well. BWW Minneapolis got to know this active woman of the 21st Century a little better.

From your perspective, tell me about Heidi Holland and what you like, love and dislike about her?

KW: Heidi is highly intelligent, observant, humorous, aspirational, loving, optimistic, and a little lonely. I like her wit and her feistiness. I love her strength, her hope and her intelligence. As an actor I don't dislike anything about her, because I love playing her weaknesses as much as I love playing her strengths.

Do you identify with this character as a modern woman? Is she still relevant today in a world where women grow up expecting to have it all?

KW: Absolutely. Finding the balance between career, relationships and family is a unique struggle for women, as is determining our identity as a social and political force. We're still stumped by the motherhood vs. career question. We're still stumped by the "Please take me as seriously as you would a man, but also tell me I look young and hot in this outfit" conundrum.

As a writer yourself, what do you think about Wendy Wasserstein's script and talent for humor?

KW: I think Wendy had such a singular voice. Her humor was so specific to how she viewed the world. And her characters are incredibly vivid. She knew how to write great dialogue while also offering tremendous insight into her times. I am inspired and awestruck by her talent.

Is it challenging to keep up with your own career as an actor and also as the writer/creator/star of "Submissions Only"? How do you manage to do it all yourself?

KW: Well I don't do it all myself! Everything that I've done over the last four years - theater, "Submissions Only," writing a children's book - has been collaborative. Andrew Keenan-Bolger and I co-created and produced "Submissions Only," and while it was a LOT of work, we did a pretty good job of dividing the labor between us, as well as delegating a lot of responsibility to our amazing production team. Andrew and I are also co-authoring a children's book series, with the incredible support of Penguin's Young Reader's group, Grosset & Dunlap. All that being said - yes, it IS challenging. But I am happier now professionally than I ever have been, so it's all worth it!

When Minneapolis audiences come see THE HEIDI CHRONICLES, what is something that they should watch for - a little known secret about the show/production that only readers of this piece will know to watch for?

KW: Zach Shaffer (who plays Heidi'd best friend, Peter Patrone) has such a quick costume change before the final scene in Act 1 that the wardrobe department had to build him a suit that zips up the back. The shirt and tie aren't real - they're just pieces sewn into the jacket.

Tell us a little about working with director Leigh Silverman - what has the process been like? Have you worked with her before?

KW: Leigh is hands down one of the best directors I've ever worked with - intelligent, compassionate, funny, patient and hard-working. She nurtured this play with such care, thoughtfulness and precision that I always felt completely safe during the rehearsal process. This is my first time working with her, but I really hope it's not the last!

What is your impression of the Guthrie Theater? What surprised you about working there?

KW: The Guthrie is functioning at such a high level - they seem to think of everything before you do. It's a remarkable institution and I have been treated so well during my time here. I've been surprised by the scope of it - its size, staff and incredible ambition.

Have you spent time checking out Minneapolis? If so, what is your favorite thing to do here so far?

KW: I can't think of one thing! But I will say that I love the energy of the city, and how nature is so well-incorporated into the urban development.

What's next for you in your career?

KW: The first book in our series, "Jack & Louisa: Act 1" will hit bookstore shelves in February. Hopefully Andrew and I will have some opportunities to promote it around the country - which hopefully means a return visit to Minneapolis!

As far as acting goes... Who knows? It's back to the grindstone. "Hi diddle-dee-dee, the actor's life for me!"

TICKETS
THE HEIDI CHRONICLES continues at the Guthrie Theater through Oct. 26. Tickets are available at www.guthrietheater.org or call 612-377-2224.

Photo: Kate Wetherhead, courtesy of the Guthrie Theater.