From Paris to Little Havana, Wharton Center audiences have traveled back in time and all over the world this season. This month, they’ll be treated to a trip back to the time of Shakespeare. “Something Rotten!” the hilarious, Tony Award-nominated musical, arrives at the Wharton Center for a week of fun, March 13-18, 2018.
As assistant dance captain and a member of the ensemble, Mandie Black wears many hats in the touring production of “Something Rotten!” — literally. I spoke with her about her experiences with the show, how she got into theater, and the movie role she gave up to pursue work on Broadway.
Stefanie Pohl: Can you tell me a little about your background and what led you to performing on stage?
Mandie Black: I’m from England and that’s where I grew up. I was in dance classes from an early age, and my mom tried to put me in as many things as possible that had me running around because I had so much energy. The dancing was the thing that stuck. I trained professionally in London for three years, and then I worked in London for three years. I became very curious about New York, and musical theater in particular. I came over to train for three months because I saw how amazing the American performers were. While I was there, I auditioned for a production of “White Christmas.” I came back to the U.K. because it was the end of my training in New York, and I got a phone call to say that I had a final audition for “White Christmas.” I gave up a film with Angelina Jolie — “Maleficent” — to come to New York for my final callback. I didn’t get the job. But I was still really happy that I made that choice, and the decision to stay in New York to see what was possible there.
Pohl: From that point, how did “Something Rotten!” come to you?
Black: I had worked regionally, and then in 2016 I worked on the Broadway show “Tuck Everlasting” with Casey Nicholaw, who is the same director as “Something Rotten!” Through that, I developed a good working relationship with him. I was able to audition for “Something Rotten!” and we had many rounds of auditions to book the job and get the exact right ensemble for the show.
Pohl: You are a part of the ensemble, but you are also an assistant dance captain for the tour. Can you explain that role?
Black: The way that the show works is that once the show is open, the choreographer and director won’t be there all of the time. They’ll come in every couple of months to check in, but in the meantime, it’s the job of the dance captains to maintain the integrity of the work. That can involve anything from when we get to a new venue and saying “oh, this feels a bit different on this side of the stage compared to what we’re used to,” or saying “oh, this is starting to change into a bigger move than what was originally set by the choreographer, so let’s keep that as a reminder.” It’s about keeping it true to what was originally set by the choreographer.
Pohl: You had a very funny photo on your Instagram with a costume mishap. As a performer, how do you handle it when things like that happen in the show?
Black: It’s not too bad. It’s a very efficient show backstage as much as it is onstage. Every two performers will have one dresser. And that dresser’s job is to check that all of our costumes are in the right place. I will say when you’ve had a long, eight-show week… we have these little pieces of velcro on our hats. So when you go to put it on and there’s a basket of laundry next to your hat — that was how the tights got stuck on it — things like that at the end of the week, you have them, but they make you laugh. It’s true with the comedy of the show, it can become just as much of a comedy backstage.
Pohl: I’m a big fan of “Rent,” and you’re working with Adam Pascal in “Something Rotten!” along with many other great stage performers. What has it been like to work with this cast as you’re touring the country together?
Black: This company is the most loving, supportive, hilarious group of people who I could possibly be traveling around the country with. Because of the nature of touring, it’s not like on Broadway where you go to work, leave, and go back home to see your family. Here, you go to work, go to the hotel, and you’re still with your company. Your company becomes like your family when you’re on the road. Everyone has been really open, and we’ve had some great adventures together. It’s things I never would have done, and it’s been a great way to see the country. We’re very lucky.
Pohl: What has the audience reaction been to the show?
Black: It’s actually really great to experience the show in different parts of the country. As far as we’re concerned, especially with the nature of a comedy, the element that is always different for us is the audience. The audience is just as much a participant as the ensemble. We can feel if they’re with us, or not with us. Everyone has been slightly different, but it has always felt appreciated. The laughter is so energizing for us. That has been something that has been continuous across the country.
Pohl: It’s clear from your Instagram that fitness is one of your passions. Was that a natural extension from your training as a dancer and the rigors of performing in a Broadway musical?
Black: My mom works in fitness, and my fiancé owns a fitness studio in New York. So I don’t think it’s a coincidence that it has been my passion. This is a quote from a girl who was in the Broadway company, she said “you have to stay stronger than the show that you’re in.” That is really true. People see what we’re doing on stage and think “oh, you don’t have to work out, you must be so fit and healthy.” And you are very fit from the show, but you’re fit in a very specific way. Sometimes you might do something three times on your left leg, but after eight shows a week for a year and a half, your right leg is going to start feeling unbalanced. The gym and the training is about being prepared for the show. And it happens to help that it’s something that I love to, because it’s movement of the body. That’s very joyful for me.
Pohl: Hopefully you’ll get a chance to explore Michigan State’s campus when you’re here. I think it would make a great backdrop for an Instagram picture!
Black: I try to do at least one run in every city. I’ve never been to Michigan. I look forward to it!
See Mandie Black and the company of “Something Rotten!” at the Wharton Center, March 13-18. For show and ticket information, visit www.whartoncenter.com.