INTERVIEW: Brie Cassil’s cabaret show promises to be ‘marvelous’
The Marvelous Wonderettes, the jukebox musical celebrating tunes from the 1950s and 1960s, continues to extend its long life off-Broadway at Theatre Row. In the production, Brie Cassil plays Suzy, a character that allows her to sing some of the most memorable songs of any generation.
In addition to her time with the Wonderettes, Cassil also has a successful singing career, and her vocal talents will be on full display Friday, May 11 at 9:30 p.m. at The Green Room 42 in Midtown Manhattan. Her one-woman show is called The Shape of Me, and it promises to engage her Wonderette fans with a different, more intimate showcase of tunes.
Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Cassil about the new show. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can fans expect from your solo show, Brie Cassil: The Shape of Me?
They can expect a little bit of everything! Most of my fans know me as the resident Celine Dion, but what they don’t know is I’m also a rock singer as well as a musical theater girl. There will be songs by P!nk, Van Halen, Celine and Sia — as well as some classic Broadway tunes and some not so well known off-Broadway tunes. The Shape of Me will take you [through] all the many genres of music that helped shape me into the artist I am today.
What do you love about performing in The Marvelous Wonderettes?
Hands down, it’s my girls! No mater what’s happening on or off stage, I know my wonderful ladies will be right there with me. Because it’s such a small cast (four women and our one beautiful swing), we all got close very fast. Even the ladies who have left the show are still part of my life. I’m lucky to have such wonderful and talented women to work with. We really have a lot of fun on and off stage. The best part is, I think the audience can tell how much we really get along.
Did you know these iconic songs before taking on the off-Broadway role?
I’m proud to say, I knew most of them! There were a few that I hadn’t been aware of, like ‘Tears Start,’ ‘Needle in a Haystack’ and ‘Lucky Lips,’ but for the most part, I knew them. I didn’t, however, know those four-part harmonies! Watching the show you don’t realize how hard the show is, but it’s 27 song all in four-part harmony, and not just thirds and fifths. They’re tricky!
When did you first fall in love with theater and singing?
I’ve loved singing and theatre for as long as I can remember. My family always jokes that I came out singing. I started ballet when I was a 3 years old and every year danced in our town’s production of The Nutcracker. From there [I] worked my way up to my first musical of Starmites at the age of 9 or 10, I believe. I sang in church, school talent shows and state competitions. Any chance to perform I took it! The love for singing and theatre was always there; it just grew.
What’s the future hold for you beyond The Green Room 42 solo show?
I will be taking my final bow with The Marvelous Wonderettes on May 20, so if you have yet to see it, nows your chance. From there I will be singing all over the East Coast with my band, as well as auditioning. The main goal is Broadway, with maybe a Tony or two. Haha.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Brie Cassil will perform The Shape of Me Friday, May 11 at 9:30 p.m. at The Green Room 42 in Midtown Manhattan. Click here for more information and tickets.
