Savannah Lee Birdsong, Samantha Gershman, and Hailey Thomas Share Backstage Scoop From THE BAKER'S WIFE

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 Savannah Lee Birdsong, Samantha Gershman, and Hailey Thomas who play the nieces in The Baker's Wife off-Broadway. Below, they take us backstage (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of their favorite pre-show rituals, backstage moments, must-haves and more!

What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?

Savannah: Hopefully I’ll remember to sign in! But no promises. After that I’ll usually fill up my water bottle with powdered electrolytes, and head to fight call.

Samantha: I wash my hands.

Hailey: The first thing I do when I arrive to Classic Stage Company is sign in on the call board, drop off my stuff at my dressing room station and then head to the kitchen area to check if there are any treats while saying hello to my fellow cast and crew. 

What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?

Savannah: I’ll put down whatever crochet project I’m working on and briskly walk to wherever my entrance is. Right before I go on, I’ll usually give a look to my girls, and make sure we’re all together, and ready to go on stage.

Samantha: I pick out my lollipop and stretch out my splits vertical on the hallway wall. 

Hailey: The last thing I do before I head on stage is go through my mental check list of everything I need to make my first entrance. The nieces have lots of bits and bobs and accessories at all times during the show! 

What’s your must-have backstage snack?

Savannah: Right now me and the girls LOVE our Trader Joe’s Scandinavian Swimmers, as well as their Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans for a little caffeine hit. But I always have to keep in mind that we get to eat bread on stage during the show! It’s like a bonus snack :)

Samantha: Depends on the show, but for this show, chocolate covered espresso beans.

Hailey: The nieces all run on Trader Joe’s sour Scandinavian swimmers and dark chocolate. 

Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?

Savannah: I don’t really have any pre-show rituals! But before I go out to perform “Feminine Companionship,” I’ll usually spritz myself with some perfume and say “this one is for Scott Bakula.”

Samantha: More of an onstage ritual - During “Meadowlark,” the orchestrations have a Latin feel where I always salsa dance for everyone who is backstage.

Hailey: This is not weird in the slightest but every night before I make my first entrance, I pass by Scott Bakula waiting to make his big entrance as the baker and we give each other a little “have a great show” and a thumbs up in passing. It’s such a sweet moment that has become a vital part of my pre show routine.

What are five must-haves in your dressing room?

Savannah: Trader Joe’s Rose Water Toner Spray, a salty snack, a sweet snack, a backup of clothes, and a good book or craft project.

Samantha: Toothbrush/mouthwash/toothpaste/face wash and lotion/rose water spray, liquid IV, snacks, a little mini stuffed frog named Ira, and affirmation cards.

Hailey: Candy, nebulizer, neck massager, my Little Shop of Horrors hoodie, and 5 different kinds of lotion/ body oil (winter is upon us and you can never be too moisturized!).

What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?

Savannah: “The Luckiest Man in The World”!!! The boys in the cast are HILARIOUS during this number!!! I love watching them have fun and be silly up there!

Samantha: Second act moment with Therese & the Teacher when the teacher puts “the moves” on Therese OR watching the second act first number - “The Luckiest Man in the World”

Hailey: If I can sneak a peek at Ariana DeBose’s stunning rendition of “Meadowlark” it is always a good day.

What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?

Savannah: Our amazing percussionist is stationed right next to the up stage left entrance, and we all have an absolute BLAST dancing to all of the amazing instruments he plays throughout the show.

Samantha: Favorite ONstage moment so far - when we all sing the song “Bread” and each of us get a piece of the real baguette during the song, half of the bread fell on the ground and so half of us decided in the moment to either not each the bread or suck it up and eat it anyway, we were all pretty giggly needless to say.

Hailey: My favorite backstage moment is right before the “Finale” where most of the cast is huddled backstage. Because it is such an intimate space and the quietest scene in the show, we aren’t able to talk backstage and so we have a full fledged shadow puppet show until we make our final entrance. 

About The Baker's Wife

The Baker’s Wife is now playing at CSC’s Lynn F. Angelson Theater for an extended engagement through December 21.

The Baker’s Wife stars Golden Globe winner Scott Bakula as Aimable Castagnet and Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose as Geneviève Castagnet, with Wendi Bergamini, Savannah Lee Birdsong, Arnie Burton, Tony Award nominee Robert Cuccioli, Alma Cuervo, Tony Award nominee Kevin Del Aguila, Bill English, Zachary Freier-Harrison, Samantha Gershman, Nathan Lee Graham, Tony Award nominee Judy Kuhn, Sally Murphy, Manu Narayan, Mason Olshavsky, Kevin William Paul, Will Roland, and Hailey Thomas.

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