Interview with Sara Andreas

Sara Andreas is currently performing in Catch Me If You Can at the Neil Simon Theater. She was recently seen on the First National Tour of Legally Blonde (u/s Serena, Margot, Pilar, Brooke), and is a founding member of The Plastic Flamingo Theater Company. She took a few moments to catch us on up on her Broadway debut.


Ross Evans: Can you tell us a little about Catch Me If You Can and your involvement?

Sara Andreas: It's based off the movie with the same name (sans the musical part of course). I am swinging the show, which means I am not on stage every night, I am just there in case someone gets injured, or falls ill, or is on vacation, etc...

Ross Evans: So as a swing, how many roles does that mean you cover?

Sara Andreas: I cover 10 tracks in the show.

Ross Evans: Wow. That's insane. Memorizing that many tracks has to be one of the toughest jobs in all of theater. For which part are you most excited to go on? Which are you most dreading?

Sara Andreas: There are three tracks in the show that are the belt your face off black girl tracks. Wait, is that not PC?

Ross Evans: We will allow it.

Sara Andreas: Good. Originally, they scared the crap out of me. But funnily enough for the past two weeks, I've been on for one of those tracks, and it's been SO fun! I mean don't get me wrong, I was scared s***-less the first night I went on but now it's fun.

Ross Evans: Being un-PC is fine, but we will edit out the swearing.

Sara Andreas: Fair.

Ross Evans: Now, between them, your creative team shares 11 Tony's can you tell us what's it's like working with such theater Royalty?

Sara Andreas: It's f**** amazing!

Ross Evans: Swearing.

Sara Andreas: Sorry. I don't think I have an intelligent enough vocabulary to describe it properly. First off, Jack O'Brien is a genius! The way he describes things is amazing! Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman are brilliant as well, and the coolest people you'll ever meet! And well Jerry, let's just say I am obsessed with him! The way he creates really astounds me, he has a hundred ideas for every section of the show and 99% are good ones. He's so good at telling the story through dance, and so fun and wonderful to be around. All of them work so well together, it's really astounding!

Ross Evans: Sounds like quite an experience. So, working on a new musical is always a daunting task, can you tell us how the show has changed from it's first rehearsal until now?

Sara Andreas: It's actually changed quite a bit since rehearsal started. Numbers have been completely cut out of the show, choreography is constantly being changed, as well as scenes and songs. Since we're still in previews we have rehearsal every morning from 12-5, where we change entire numbers and implement the new changes in the show that night.

Ross Evans: And then re-memorize those changes for 10 different tracks?

Sara Andreas: Exactly.

Ross Evans: You're a rock star.

Sara Andreas: I know.

Ross Evans: Can you tell us what it was like stepping into a Broadway theater, and thinking "I get to perform here every night?!".

Sara Andreas: Probably one of the best feelings I've ever felt. Even better was the moment right before I ran onstage my first night on. I almost started crying (out of happiness obviously) and then realized I had an entire show to do, so I better suck it up!

Ross Evans: You only get that moment once, and I can't even imagine how special it must feel. Now to the tough stuff -- With such an exciting season on Broadway this year, can you give us three reasons (besides seeing you) to catch Catch Me if you Can?

Sara Andreas: My favorite thing about the show is that it's a father and son love story. And not in the creepy catholic church kind of way. It's a relationship you never really see addressed in musical theater and Norbert and Aaron, are really quite amazing. Also the choreography and music is nailing it! It's a really fun show!

Ross Evans: Finally, now that you are a big Broadway star, are you still pumped to do PFTC shows for little to no money? (We need it in writing)

Sara Andreas: Dzuh, as long as you give me more then three lines Ross!

Ross Evans: Not to worry. I wrote you a new scene today. Well, we couldn't be happier for you, Sara. We are all proud as can be at Plastic Flamingo, and can't wait to check out your Broadway debut.


To purchase tickets to Catch Me If You Can visit http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist, or/1515546?camefrom=CFC_NED_CATCH_TICKETS, call (877)250- 2929, or go to the box office at Neil Simon Theatre (250 West 52nd Street)