Th3Heights: What was the audition process for Wicked like?
Erin Wilson: I went to an open equity dance call and Wayne Cilento [choreographer of Wicked] happened to be there. I made it past a few rounds and eventually was asked to sing. This is the ONLY audition I have ever not brought my audition book to {I was pretty sure I would get cut} and when they asked me to stay and sing I was freaking out. Luckily my friend was also kept and she SO kindly let me use her book. I flipped through the songs and realized the only song I knew well enough was "What I Did For Love" from A Chorus Line {coincidentally a show in which Wayne was an original cast member} and kind of nailed it. PURE LUCK and adrenaline because this isn't a song I sing, just one I know! This began my auditioning for Wicked--I was asked back later 2 more times to sing/dance/read for casting and creatives and finally booked it.
T3: What did you do when you found out you were cast in Wicked?
EW: I had a feeling that I had booked it and was HOPING for a call soon. I happened to be home at my parents house when I received the call. After I got off the official phone call I remember doing a little dance in my kitchen! Luckily my Dad was home and I went into the office and told him I had good news. I was so excited to tell him and my mom because they have been SO supportive over the years. We hugged and I waited all day for my Mom to get home from work so I could tell her face to face. Everyone was so excited and while I was pretty excited I was so nervous I was going to wake up the next day and find out it wasn't real! I guess a year and 2 months later its been quite a real experience :)
T3: What is it like being an understudy?
EW: It's really fun to know 2 different versions of the show. When I have had the chance to go on for Morrible I have LOVED every moment. She is such a wonderfully wicked character. We rehearse every few weeks, alternating with the other understudies. I think it is important to understudy and play in the ensemble so one can truly appreciate what the group does as a whole for the show.
T3: What is the funniest or weirdest thing that has happened onstage during Wicked?
EW: The other day was actually pretty weird. We had a stall in the lighting and the lighting had to be rebooted from the beginning of the show. When Elphaba is dancing for the first time at the Oz Dust Ballroom we basically ran through every light cue in the show. The house lights even came on for a bit! It was pretty funny, but we kept it together :)
T3: What moment or song do you look forward to performing in Wicked and why?
EW: I love performing What Is This Feeling? and all of the scenes. I really love scene work. It's a challenge to keep it real and fresh 8 times a week and I look forward to the challenge!
T3: Do you have any preshow rituals?
EW: I have a few little habits...I like to steam from time to time, especially when we change cities or climates. I always do this little vocal warm-up during the overture that sounds really funny but is actually really helpful. And, I always sing into my gloves and into a curtain the beginning of Defying Gravity to check my placement for my upcoming Act 2 solo.
For Morrible, I sing Dear Old Shiz the octave down and while I am getting ready some Tracy Chapman! I also do this little diction warm up as well.
T3: What is it like traveling around the country and getting to perform for so many different audiences?
EW: Really fun! Basically I would say all of America is kind of similar in a way. I mean, there is a Target a Wal-Mart, Walgreens, a mall and similar food places EVERYWHERE! We are truly a franchised country. But, it is finding the local haunts that make each place unique. Each city has had its own experience whether it be the weather, the shopping, the activities, etc. Seriously, I think in Memphis all we did was EAT. The different audiences are fun and can be funny. Some cities are very quiet where other audiences are a little more raucous. But in the end regardless of the audience there is always a standing ovation and you can tell everyone had a great time. That;s the brilliance of this show...it takes you on such a journey you can't help but get swept away in it regardless of who is on that day.
T3: What is your favorite part of being in a touring show?
My favorite thing is the first day in a new theater. So fresh, so exhilarating.
T3: What is your favorite Broadway show and why?
EW: I definitely can't pin down one favorite, but I really love Ragtime for the music and storytelling, Sweeny Todd for the orchestrations, Gypsy for being a perfect musical, Sunday in the Park for the story within a story, and Parade for the passion and conflict. But I could think of a million more I love too :
T3: Who is your favorite performer and why?
EW: I have a lot of actors I look up to for many reasons, but I don't think I have a favorite. I have always followed Sherie Rene Scott because early on I got a lot of comparison looks and performance-wise to her, but overall I like many different performers for lots of different reasons.
T3: Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
EW: Definitely my parents and family. My parents push me and guide me to be a better person daily. They help me to keep focused on the big picture. My family keeps me grounded and loves me unconditionally. I could never have chosen this career without their support and love.
T3: Is there a quote or motto you try and live by?
EW: My mom recently wrote me a letter and in it she reminded me of this:"We need to be sprucing up our own lives….stretching to be better. We need to push ourselves to be better people." I look to this often for inspiration and for help while I live in this tiny bubble of Wicked on the road :)
Thanks for doing this Erin! I really enjoyed it! Best to you and keep rockin' it! May you morph into Morrible again soon! - Ruth
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