Carly Jibson Takes on 'Big Guy'

Carly Jibson made a splash with her portrayal of Tracy Turnblad in HAIRSPRAY and will be making her next appearance in at the New York International Fringe Festival with the show Bye, Bye Big Guy.  And if you read on, you will find out more about this powerhouse and what's been going on in her life…

TJ: BYE BYE BIG GUY…it's a great title that's got a great ring to it. Is this the first time you have been involved in a Fringe show?

JIBSON: Yeah!

TJ: How did you get involved with the show?

JIBSON: I have actually worked with Devanand Janki before. We did a worskhop production of a new Andrew Lippa piece that Dev choreographed. He had called me to see what my schedule was like this summer and explained the BYE, BYE BIG GUY project and how excited he was. Being familiar with some of the pieces that have gone through the fringe in the past, I accepted immediately. I had not even read the script. Just to work with him again, knowing our rapport and how I trusted him, I knew it was something I needed to do!

TJ: Now, how much rehearsal time did you have for this show?

JIBSON: We met about 6 times a week for roughly 3-5 hours a day for about three and 1/2 to four weeks. Not long, but hopefully long enough…hahahah!

TJ:  This sounds like fairy tales on parade. What can you tell me about the show and your role in it?

JIBSON: You mean role(s)???? Hahahaha! I play about 4 different characters. It's crazy! With accents and everything changing, I always forget who I am! It's a little insane! The show is sooo funny. It's edgy and raw and very original. It centers around characters the whole world is familiar with, but focuses on their issues you never knew existed!

TJ:  Were you a fan of fairy tales as a kid?

JIBSON: Being a child of the Disney era, I was the biggest Little Mermaid fan.....wait I didn't mean that like the "biggest" ....wait.....well.....you know. Anyway, I used to lay in my bath tub and sing while my cousin Sarah would yell "keep singing!!" from the hall!! Wow.....that actually sounded funnier to say it out loud!

TJ: So, do you miss doing HAIRSPRAY?

JIBSON: Oh yeah!! All the time. That show was such a big part of my life, and the memory of it will always be in my heart. Even though I will move on, I will probably always take it with me!

TJ: Tell me, Carly, what was the best thing for you about HAIRSPRAY?

JIBSON: Wow, I don't know if there is one thing. I mean the experience itself was unforgettable. Being so young and having every dream come true, you can't sum that up in a sentence. I think the friendships that I made and the memories. Most of all, touching peoples lives with the story. And getting to work with some of the most talented people in the business.

TJ: Any chance you might be coming back to the show at some point?

JIBSON: If I have learned anything, it's that you should never try to predict the future. I am always open to anything, of course.

TJ: OK, now the big question…..did you see the movie and what did you think?

JIBSON: Don't kill me!!! Not yet, I figured I knew I was going to buy it when it came out anyway so I would wait till then. I hear good things though and I am happy that the story is being told to people all over.

TJ:  Did you go to school for theatre?

JIBSON: Well, I was 18 when I booked the tour so, no. I went to the school of "HAIRSPRAY" does that count???

TJ:  And after BYE BYE BIG GUY, what's coming up next that we can look forward to?

JIBSON: Yall, I am so pumped. I am doing CRYBABY!! I just cannot wait! We go to the La Jolla Playhouse this fall/winter so look for us!!!

TJ: Have you got some time to tell us about some of your favorite things so we can learn more about Carly Jibson?

JIBSON: Favorite things?  Thunderstorms, laughing, a smile from a cute guy and those moments when you make yourself proud.

TJ: Here we go, what's your favorite fairy tale?

JIBSON: You know, when I was a kid, I always thought they were lesson learning tales but looking back....they are all kind of dark and unsettling, hahaha. I guess Hansel and Gretel.....cause of the big house made of food....I mean come on....table for one!

TJ: How about your favorite restaurant?

JIBSON: Honestly, it's this little Chinese place in my home town called House of China, it's ridiculous and the first place I go when I get home!! Big up to Skee-town, hahahaha!!! It's what we call Muskegon, Michigan.

TJ: A Michigan girl!!! And what's your favorite time of year?

JIBSON: Fall, without a doubt....reminds me of football games, bon fires, burning leaves and camping!!!

TJ: Do you have a favorite city?

JIBSON: Paris or Venice....been to both, but could never choose between them though.

TJ:  And one final question,  if you weren't an actor, what would you be doing as an occupation?

JIBSON: Never gonna happen, boo!!!

And we hope it doesn't happen. Thanks Carly!  And you can catch Carly in her Fringe Festival show, BYE BYE BIG GUY, at the Lucille Lortel Theatre located at 121 Christopher Street from Monday, August 20^th through Saturday, August 26^th. For tickets, call (212) 279-4488 or check out the website at  http://byebyebigguy.com. Bye bye from this big guy for now and remember folks, theatre is my life!!