Here, via email, we hear from Melissa Errico, the Tony-nominated singing actress who recently released two tracks on Ghostlight Records — "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" and "Maybe Someone Dreamed Us" — to benefit The Bowery Babes, Errico's charity that offers free support and resources to Manhattan mothers and families.
What show recently impressed you?
I'm torn between On The Twentieth Century and Fun Home. Kristin Chenoweth, for me, went to a new level of amazement! Her voice, her comic timing and her charisma are for the ages. The audience went wild for her, as did I! Fun Home was stunning because it resembled nothing I had ever seen or heard before. After the show, my friends Michael Cerveris and Judy Kuhn and I sat together for an hour discussing the family it is based on, the mystery of the father's final moment, and marveling at Jeanine Tesori's music.
What production are you most excited to see?
The Visit. Looking for a "date night," which in itself is always exciting (!!) because our lives are busy with three young daughters, and Patrick has to leave soon for The French Open then Wimbledon. (He commentates for ESPN and plays doubles with his brother John McEnroe.) Sometimes I'm just excited to see anything because it means we accomplished scheduling a night out!! But no doubt The Visit is next. And, I have tix for Matilda. The day after school ends, I'm taking the girls for a "ladies matinee" with some of their friends and moms — to celebrate the end of the school year. I had them read the book. (My twins are in kindergarten, so I kinda read it to them but they are ready.) My kids know I am usually friends with the actors who play the villains (seems I tend to know Captain Hook, The Grinch, Ursula, and now it will be Miss Trunchbull!). This year, I did a workshop of David Shire's new musical Table, and my daughter (Amelia Shapiro) was one of the original Matildas. So my girls are extra curious!
What play/musical would you most like to revive on Broadway, and which role would you want to play?
Little Edie Beale - Grey Gardens, Desiree Armfeldt - A Little Night Music, Edith Piaf - Piaf, Margaret Johnson - The Light In The Piazza, Mame - Mame, Maria Callas - Master Class, Rose Vibert - Aspects Of Love, Liza Elliot - Lady In The Dark, Sally Durant Plummer - Follies, Anna Leonowens - The King and I and Elvira - Blithe Spirit. Plus, there are a few Gwen Verdon roles I have also been asked to take a look at to get back in touch with how I began as a dancer. I can think of more! I love all these women.
What are your current/upcoming projects?
On May 18 I released a two-song single on Ghostlight Records. I'm so excited to share this music and make it available on iTunes. I played a very interesting role on the pilot of "Billions" for Showtime. It is written by an incredible group of people and stars Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis. I hear it has been picked up for a full season! Also, I am co-writing a new one-woman show with Adam Gopnik of The New Yorker. We will debut it Nov. 18-19 at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater. There will be original music, but I can't divulge much yet.
