INTERVIEW: Rebecca Naomi Jones keeps busy with ‘Bleeding Love’ musical podcast
Photo: Rebecca Naomi Jones, who has appeared in Oklahoma! and American Idiot, stars in the new musical podcast Bleeding Love. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by Kampfire PR with permission.
Even though theatrical performances around the world have come to a screeching halt, writers, directors and actors have not stopped their creative output. Case in point: the team behind the new musical podcast Bleeding Love, which recently released each of its episodes to the public.
The audio show, courtesy of the Broadway Podcast network, is directed by Harris Doran, based on a story by Jason Schafer, inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Nightingale and the Rose. Schafer provides the book, while Arthur Lafrentz Bacon is the composer. Doran offers lyrics.
The podcast’s cast is a who’s who of the New York theatrical scene, including Annie Golden (of Broadway Bounty Hunter), Rebecca Naomi Jones (the recent Oklahoma! revival), Marc Kudisch (Girl From the North Country), Sarah Stiles (Tootsie), Taylor Trensch (To Kill a Mockingbird) and Tony Vincent (Rocktopia).
Bleeding Love is a show very much for these historic times. The podcast tells the story of a teen cellist who is unable to leave her apartment because of the dangers outside, and that means she is unable to connect with her neighbor down the hall. But perhaps there’s still a way for a relationship to form?
Appropriately the podcast was recorded by each actor in their own apartments. Jones recently took some time to exchange emails with Hollywood Soapbox about the new project. She is known for starring in many New York theatrical productions, including American Idiot and Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
How did you get attached to this musical project?
Director/Editor Harris Doran and I have been friends for many years, and have collaborated on some really special projects that he’s created with composer Arthur Bacon. A couple of years ago Harris and Arthur asked me to sing the role of Lolli for a demo recording of Bleeding Love, and when it was decided that the show would have a podcast production they asked me to dive in with them.
What was it like recording the musical in your own home, without your fellow actors by your side?
It’s a process. It requires a lot of focus in order to connect to one another, and in order to bring as much truth as possible to each moment in the story.
What do you love best about Bleeding Love?
It’s so theatrical! It comes alive in a way that’s so thrilling even when you can only hear it.
How devastating is the coronavirus pandemic to the New York theater community?
It’s so devastating that I have to force myself not to think about it too much. Our lives depend on close contact, and we thrive on that contact. It’s what brings us joy. It’s what brings us back again and again. Hopefully the version of theater that we come to when the pandemic dissipates will be even better, fresher, sharper.
What have you been doing with all your time while staying at home?
Working out, brushing up on my Spanish with DuoLingo, cooking, cocktails, coloring books. Catching up on all the great TV shows that are out there. Scrolling. Also self-tapes, Zoom readings, Zoom concerts. Had a keyboard delivered that I have yet to play. Tomorrow’s the day!
Once the pandemic lifts, what’s the first thing you’re going to do?
Hug my mom so tight.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Bleeding Love, featuring Rebecca Naomi Jones, is now available. Click here for more information.
