BWW Interviews: RUTH WILLIAMSON Takes On 'HELLO, DOLLY!'

One of Orange County, California's newest theater companies, 3D Theatricals, will present HELLO, DOLLY! from July 9 through August 1 at the gorgeous O.C. Pavilion Theatre in the Arts District of downtown Santa Ana. The hit stage and screen musical marks 3D Theatrical's fourth production for 2010. Starring in the iconic role of the matchmaker Dolly Levi will be Broadway veteran (and Los Angeles-area theater favorite) Ruth Williamson.

One of the stage's most sought-after character actresses, Williamson most recently appeared in Reprise! Theatre Company's lauded productions of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum and How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying. Before tackling those long-titled musicals, she earned raves in the Hollywood Bowl's all-star staged-concert productions of both Les Misérables (taking over for Rosie O'Donnell after bowing out abruptly due to an urgent family emergency) as well as last summer's Guys and Dolls, in which she reprised the role of General Cartwright—a role she memorably played in the 1992 hit revival co-starring Nathan Lane, Peter Gallagher and Faith Prince.

Her other Broadway credits include the 2004 Revival of La Cage aux Folles, the 2000 revival of The Music Man (which earned her an Outer Critics Circle nomination), Epic Proportions (which won her a FANY Award), The Green Heart (Drama Desk nomination), Little Me with Martin Short, and Marvin Hamlisch's Smile. She has also been seen playing Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie, both on Broadway and on a national tour. Among her multitude of credits on the west coast: she's been in Irving Berlin's White Christmas (at the Pantages Theatre),The Women (The Old Globe Theatre), and Mame (Musical Theatre West and Sacramento Music Circus). She was also in past Reprise! productions of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Strike Up The Band and No Strings. And on top of her work on the stage, she's also quite the busy bee with recurring appearances in the large and small screen, including feature-film roles in Evan Almighty, Legally Blonde II, The Family Man, Malcolm X, and many more. Of her many TV guest appearances, her most scene-stealing of all was her recurring part as Mrs. Grubman on Ryan Murphy's FX series Nip/Tuck.

Now Williamson is getting ready to tackle her next challenge: one of the most beloved female roles in musical theater. During a break from show preparations, Williamson paused briefly for a chat with BroadwayWorld's Michael Lawrence Quintos to discuss her extensive history in the theater and her excitement in taking on the iconic role of Dolly Gallagher Levi in HELLO, DOLLY!

BWW: I'm so very excited to hear that you'll be taking on Dolly Levi in the show!

Williamson: Oh, I am too!

How are rehearsals going?

They are going amazingly well! You know, the ensemble started rehearsing a week-and-a-half before me, so I came into this situation where they had the show pretty much all staged, and then plopped me right into it! [Laughs] So, I'm really having fun, but it's hard, hard work. We have, I believe, 20 days of rehearsal total that includes 'tech.' We are almost finished staging the entire show, and I've only been here a week! I've done several shows at Reprise! and at this point, in Reprise! we would already be going into 'tech.' So, we have four more days of rehearsal before we begin 'tech.' That's pretty luxurious! So I think we're in really, really good shape. We have a wonderful, young cast that's energetic. We've got great dancers... the waiters that gallop in front of me are going to be extraordinary! David Allen Jones who plays Horace Vandergelder is absolutely wonderful. And this girl named Viva Weber who plays Miss Molloy... she's divine. We're all having a great time!

Awesome! How did you hear about the role?

Interestingly enough, it happened through Facebook! T.J. Dawson, who is the producer at 3D Theatricals, is an old friend of mine. We did Anyone Can Whistle together at the Matrix about eight years ago. And so I wrote on Facebook, "Damn! This is the first time in ten years that I haven't [booked] any Summer Stock jobs! What's going on?" [Laughs] It's true! I thought, this was so weird! I always have Summer Stock and I didn't have any! And then T.J. wrote back to me, "How would you like to play Dolly?" and I jumped at it! I said, "are you kidding?" [Laughs] I've never played her and it's about time!

That's great! I think it's pretty exciting because I don't believe I recall of any recent productions of the show anywhere.

Yeah, we're hoping that Mr. Jerry Herman will come because he lives not too terribly far [from the theater]. That would be really great.

Now, the role, of course, has been played by some rather big names in theater history... like...

...by everybody! Every famous diva in the world! [Laughs]

With that in mind, how do you plan on playing such a famous role to, in essence, make it your own?

You know, the interesting thing I'm finding out about Dolly is that she... I mean, of course, she's a huge personality. She is a little bit of a con-woman. She's not doing terribly well, you know? She's really living hand-to-mouth... and, I mean, she even says that at one point. And if you take a look at the movie, [Barbra] Streisand's costumes in the beginning are a little bit frayed. She's just getting by... she's a widow with no means of support, except her own wiles. So, you know, she's very smart and she's very savvy, and is quite ahead of her time. She is just doing anything and everything she can to put bread on the table and is somehow managing. But what she's got going for her is that everybody adores her.

So, you know... I think to play her, it takes a woman that has a big-ish personality, [Laughs] ...or can summon one. So [playing Dolly] is requiring me to bring out the best in myself... the very best Ruth I can be. Whatever woman that plays her has to utilize her best charms. Everyone has their charms, and so I'm trying to use what I have at my disposal. So, you know, Carol Channing used her charms and Mary Martin used hers... they were all different. And so I guess I'm using a great deal of my own self in this [show]. I identify with Dolly. I mean, I'm not widowed and I'm not married. But I am working hard to pay my mortgage! And, you know, I'm managing. I'm an independent woman and that's what Dolly is, except she's an independent woman in the 1890's, which is a much harder thing to be.

I bet. So let's talk a little bit about your background. Growing up, did you know you wanted to become an actress?

I think so. I started out taking dance lessons when I was three years old. I have this memory... I remember going to my mother and saying "I want to take dance lessons and I want to take piano lessons!" You see, we didn't have a lot of money, so she said, "well, honey, we can't afford both, so you're going to have to choose!" For whatever reason I chose to take dance lessons, and so that's what first got me on stage... and I sort of fell in love with it. When I got to junior high school, I did a farewell assembly, and a teacher afterwards pulled me aside and—well, she knew a lot about the theater—so she said "I think you have some talent as an actress. I suggest you get into as many plays in high school as you can!" And so I took her advice and I did. That's how it sort of evolved. I did pretty much know certainly by the time I got on stage in high school that I really wanted to be an actor.

Who were some of your creative influences growing up?

Well... [Laughs] This is kind of embarrassing, but I was obsessed—and I do mean OBSESSED—with Bette Davis. I was just obsessed with her! I've never seen anything like her in my life and, of course, there wasn't anything like her. She was one of a kind. And now that I look at her as an adult, her choices as an actor are just so outrageous, but so completely believable. Oh, and I was also influenced by those great 'character' women. Like Eve Arden. Thelma Ritter. And Helen Broderick, who was in all those Fred Astaire movies. I love those 'second banana' ladies... especially Eve Arden. She was a very big influence on me.

And what about in the world of musical theater? Who were some of your influences?

You know, I was a little bit late coming into musical theater. I never had any intentions on becoming a musical theater actress, which now I think is very funny. I really was hardly in any musicals until I got to New York City and started auditioning. I just happened into a children's theater company—The Prince Street Players—on my first day in New York, and just went in completely unprepared and sang something. They said, "okay, here's some sheet music..." and I thought, "well, what the hell... what have I got to lose?" And I got the job! I've been singing and dancing ever since!

I guess my first big job was in Annie on Broadway... well, actually, I did the national tour and then I joined the Broadway company. So being in Annie, of course Dorothy Loudon was a big influence. She's about as brilliant as they come. And I love Mary Martin! You know, I love those old broads! [Laughs] But the lady who played Miss Hannigan in that national tour that I understudied when I was in my 20's was Ruth Kobart. She was the original Domina in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum and the original Miss Jones in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. She became a mentor of mine. Ironically, this past year I played both Miss Jones and Domina at Reprise! So I feel like Ruthie Kobart is looking down on me... and smiling.

I'm sure she is! So the last time I watched you personally on stage was at the Hollywood Bowl's fun production of Guys and Dolls last year, where you played the very same role that you played in the hit 1992 Broadway revival, correct?

Yes, I did!

In my spare time, I actually sing with a theatrical choral group, and a few years ago we did "Sit Down, You're Rockin' The Boat" and I got to solo on the very same high notes you sang in that song! I was, like, "Wow, cool! I'm doing Ruth Williamson's high notes!"

[Laughs] Oh, you're kidding! Oh my gosh, that's so funny!

Yeah, so it's quite a treat for me to be talking to you today! But anyway, besides Guys and Dolls, I also saw you in Les Misérables—also at the Hollywood Bowl the year before...

Ohmigod... I LOVED every minute of that. And I had to come in as a pinch hitter for Rosie O'Donnell who was supposed to do [the role]. Her son, unfortunately, got badly injured, so she couldn't do it. So [getting the role] was this gift that just fell into my lap. Well, I love that show... and I had never done it. It was such a gift and an amazing experience. I just had the greatest time. That was just very special.

How much notice did you get before diving into the part?

They called me in the day before rehearsals started. It was a Sunday and they were starting on a Monday. Michael, I was having coffee Sunday morning and my phone rang and it was [casting director] Bruce Newberg and he said, "are you sitting down? I'm about to rock your world!" [Laughs] And he did!

So you've done a lot of productions at Reprise! and at the Hollywood Bowl, and soon you'll open in HELLO, DOLLY! in the O.C. Tell me, do you prefer working in West Coast theater or New York theater? Or is there really a difference?

You know, theater is theater. You've got a stage, you've got an audience, you've got lights and costumes... they're all the same. Certainly Broadway is in a league of its own... you get first-rate treatment! You get first-rate dressers and a fantastic crew. But I have to say, I've been very impressed with Reprise! and the Hollywood Bowl. Those are both, you know, top-of-the-line venues. I was treated extremely well in both places. But, yeah, there's really not that much difference. Well... the weather's better out here! [Laughs] You don't have to trudge through the snow to get to the theater!

Speaking of Reprise! and the Hollywood Bowl, any concrete plans for other projects with either soon?

I don't have anything with them planned. You know, they're doing RENT at the Hollywood Bowl this year, so I don't think there's anything in that for me! [Laughs] Reprise! doesn't start anything until next year. I don't think there's anything there for me because it's just too soon to know. But the next thing I have on my plate is... well, you know I do White Christmas almost every year. I did it on Broadway this past year. They do the show all over the country, so I've agreed to do a tour this year, which will be about a 12-week gig: three weeks of rehearsals and nine weeks on the road. We'll end up with three weeks playing Chicago so that'll be nice. And, we'll be going to places like, Hartford and Schenectady and Greenville, South Carolina... and Tampa, thank God! [Laughs] So I'm looking forward to playing Martha Watson one more time. I love that show!

So from your long list of credits, is there one particular role that stands out for you as a personal favorite?

Gee. [Pauses] Well... I have experiences that were extraordinary. I did a play Off-Broadway called The Good Times Are Killing Me that was a big hit back in 1989. I was very, very proud to be a part of that show. That is one of the highlights of my theatrical career. Of course, the Guys and Dolls experience... the one with Nathan Lane and Faith Prince was... well, it was about as good as it gets. That show was so extraordinarily well done and, again, I was so proud to be a part of that. But as far as roles... you know, I've only had a chance to be a leading lady twice in my life. I've always been a character actress. But I did play Mame [in the musical Mame] at Sacramento Music Circus. Now, I LOVED playing Mame so much. That was so fulfilling, and such a beautiful story. And I would imagine that Dolly's going to be up on that list. I'm finding her to be pretty special. To get to play those iconic roles... it's a gift and an adventure. And a great challenge. That's all any actor could ask for.

Well, it seems you have such a cosmic connection with Jerry Herman's musicals!

Oh, god, I know! I also did the revival of La Cage aux Folles in 2004 and I played Jacqueline. Yeah, I love Jerry. I know Jerry quite well and he's been very, very good to me! [Laughs] So, thank you, Jerry Herman. I'd like to think that in some way I am one of Jerry's girls.

Great! So, now before I leave, I'd like to throw some rapid-fire questions at you, if I may. Just tell me the first thing that pops into your head.

Oh, dear. Okay!

[Laughs] What's your favorite musical of all time?

Oh, dear. Um... that's hard! Probably Gypsy.

Great choice! What song do you like belting in the shower or when you're all alone in the car?

"If He Walked Into My Life" from Mame.

Who is the person you admire the most [in the world]?

Oh! Do you know who I adore? Michelle Obama. I can build a shrine to her! [Laughs]

What scares you the most?

Mediocrity.

What is your one guilty pleasure?

Oh, dear. [Pauses] I'm pretty clean livin,' honey. But, I have to say Coke Zero! [Laughs]

Actually, I would probably say the same thing! Okay, so what or who irritates you the most?

Bad drivers!

There's definitely plenty in L.A.! So, what instantly puts a smile on your face?

My dogs and my cats.

If you weren't an actor, what other career do you picture yourself doing?

I think I would have probably become a marine biologist, and I'd be working with dolphins and doing research with marine mammals. You see, growing up, not only was I obsessed with Bette Davis, I was obsessed with dolphins! [Laughs] I was an odd child.

Well, most artists are a little odd [Laughs]. Okay, what is the one piece of advice you'd like to share to young theater students hoping to one day do exactly what you are doing right now?

Get on stage as much as you can! In any way, shape or form, just get the experience of being on a stage. Whether you're paid or not, get yourself on stage!

And, lastly, what can we expect with HELLO, DOLLY! at the O.C. Pavilion?

An extraordinarily fun evening! It's going to be marvelous. The venue—the O.C. Pavilion itself—is perfect! It looks like the Harmonia Gardens! So it's a perfect setting for an altogether delightful show. I think everyone is going to have a really good time. It's going to be a very, very good production!

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3D Theatricals' production of HELLO, DOLLY! is directed by Calvin Remsberg with musical direction by Jerry Sternbach, choreography by Kami Seymour, set design by John Iacovelli, lighting design by Jared Saveg, and sound design by Julie Ferrin. In addition to Ruth Williamson as Dolly, the cast also includes David Allen Jones*, Bryan Feldman*, Taylor Simmons, Viva Weber, Hannah Simmons, Garrett Deagon, Dani Kerry, Clare Solly, Jay Wallace, Michael Hill, Sheila Karls, Paul Romero Jr.*, Ami Russ, Archer Altstaetter, Brittany Hammond, Jenny Rose Hobbs, Dennis Bendersky, Jenn Aedo, Jenna Wright, Karlee Ferreira, Kevin Ling, Maggie Howell, Michael Milligan, Nathan Wise, Neil Starkenberg, Shannon McFarland, Stephanie Draude, Zsolt Banki.

Tickets to 3D Theatricals' production of HELLO, DOLLY! at the OC Pavilion are available online at www.ocpavilion.com or by calling 714-550-0880. Performances run from July 9 through August 1, Thursdays through Sundays. Tickets start at $20. Student and Youth (16 and under) tickets are available for $15.

The OC Pavilion is located at 801 N. Main Street in Santa Ana. Visit www.ocpavilion.com for more information.