The world has some strong, empowering females that deserve a spotlight. This will be an on-going series of interviews with women that inspire, empower, and encourage me.
Our first interview is with Broadway actor Jennifer Cody. Her Facebook fan page can be found here or on Twitter here.
First, I want to thank you so much for doing this interview! I'm such a huge fan of yours and this is an honor. For those that aren't broadway obsessed, tell us a little about your background.
I grew up in Rochester NY. My family is Portuguese. I started dancing and spent most of my non-school hours at my dance school- Joyce Winters School of Dance, Drama and Modeling. After doing my high school trip to NYC to see shows, I realized that people did this for a living. I was hooked. Went to college for acting and the rest is history. Been married 18 years to Hunter Foster and I love dogs.
What was your favorite experience during your days before Broadway?
I didn't have a ton of experience pre-Broadway. I did an amazing summer stock season at a theater called music theater north which is now closed. I still love summer stock. I worked at Disney World for a few months in college. I love Disney.
Oh, that sounds like a fun gig! What did you do at Disney?
I did the ballerina doll in the Christmas parade- multiple characters in the park and the show at Mickey's birthday land.
That sounds like a dream job! Tell us about your first audition for a Broadway show and how did it go?
I went to an open call for Guys and Dolls. (They were looking for 5'4 and up) I was cut but the casting director kept my name. He also cast Cats. He called AEA and they didn't have my phone number because I was still non-union. I happen to be doing a 3 week showcase and my name was listed on a poster on the side of a newsstand on Broadway (with 25 other people). The casting director walked by the poster and remembered my name. He called the theater where the showcase was and left me a message to call him. I didn't even know who Vinny Liff was. The next day, I went to the Winter Garden and danced onstage by myself and I left on the national tour of Cats- that led to me being in the Broadway company.
That's amazing! I love stories like that! My first experience with your work was in Taboo. I felt like you stole the show whenever you were on stage. Can you tell me how your experience was doing that musical?
That was a rough one. We didn't really have anyone in charge. We previewed forever and Rosie O'Donnell was going through a court case and Boy George was depressed and Liz McCartney was 8 months pregnant. It was beautiful music but we needed a director. That is where I met Charles Busch... So it was worth it. And that is also the show where I played a piece of poop. So whenever anyone complains about a job- I always refer back to playing poop.
LOL I remember that! What was your favorite Broadway experience?
Urinetown but Wild Party was my favorite even know it was off-Broadway.
Lastly, I know you're a huge LOST fan like myself. Who's your favorite character, why? And what did you think about that ending?
Ben Linus.. I love that he was supposed to be on 3 episodes but they liked him and then he became the best bad guy ever. Ending was okay. Not as bad as Seinfeld (which I will never forgive them for.)
Thank you to the lovely, and super talented Jen Cody for allowing me to interview her! She was such a pleasure; if you get a chance to see her perform, don't walk, RUN!