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[0:00] Eli Tokash: Hello everyone and welcome to episode 96 of Take A Bow. I'm your host Eli Tokash and this week we are wrapping up Women's History Month with one of the most powerful women on Broadway, starring right now as one of the Queens in Six. We have Brittney Mack joining us. So, before we turn it over to Brittney Mack, let's talk about some Broadway news because there's a lot going on. So, I actually saw Company this past week and it was my first time seeing it. So, you all know if you listen to this every week, you all know how excited I was to watch Company and how excited I was for this production of Company. Well, I finally was able to see it and let me tell you, it lived up to its expectations. I really didn't know what to expect, but it exceeded my expectations 100%.

I wasn't too familiar with Company and like the story of everything like that. So, when I went and saw it and I saw the way that they did it, I was blown away. Like, it was hilarious. It was moving. The set design was actually incredible. I wouldn't be surprised if it's up there in the Tony nominations this season, but it was essentially like a bunch of boxes were the sets and they were the different scenes and they all lived on the set to create this special kind of picture and it all blended together. It was just fascinating the way that they did it. Huge shout out to the set designer. But, Patti LuPone, hilarious. Stole the show in the second act. Christopher Fitzgerald, previous Take a Bow guest, Christopher Siebert, Jennifer Simard, they were hilarious.

But, the way that Chris and Christopher, oh my god, Chris Siebert, Christopher Fitzgerald, and Jennifer Simard were able to steal the show in a way of comic relief was just, it was really, really special and the show itself, everyone on the stage was tremendous. Katrina Lenk, Matt Doyle, Terrence Archie, Nikki Renee Daniels, Bobby Conti, all of these guys. Claiborne Elder did a great job. All of these people. This show is just star-studded. It's unbelievable. Everything was done so beautifully and I'm so glad that I got to see the show. I highly recommend it. We're going to move on. We're going to talk about some real Broadway news because there's a lot going on. So, there's been a bit of a nice little Tony update.

So, obviously, the Tony Awards are going to be on June 12th, which was previously announced. It's going to be from 8 to 11. The nominees for this year's Tony Awards will be announced on May 3rd, so the beginning of May. It'll be like the first week of May. And they came out with shows that are eligible for it because there were some shows that were like really, really cutting it close with the deadline because, you know, they have these deadlines so that all the Tony voters can have a chance to see all of the shows that they are voting for so that everyone can have a fair advantage. There's some shows that have not opened yet that are going to be eligible at the time that the Tony Awards are going to be announced.

They announced that Funny Girl will be eligible. They announced that A Strange Loop will be eligible. They announced that Mr. Saturday Night with the Billy Crystal musical will be eligible. They, Macbeth, American Buffalo, which just opened. Happy previews to American Buffalo, by the way. That literally started previews this week, so huge shout out to them. They're opening on April 14th. That features Darren Criss, Sam Rockwell, Lawrence Fishburne. It's an insane show, an insane cast. But go check that one out. Beetlejuice is going to be eligible to be in this season's Tony Awards. All of this information, Plaza Suite, Music Man, MJ, Mrs. Doubtfire, obviously, Is This a Room, Dana H., Carolina Change, Diana, Chicken and Biscuits, Passover 6.

This freaking season, man. It's packed. It's got some stars. Best Musical is going to be 6, MJ, Doubtfire, A Strange Loop. And then the revivals are really the one that's sticking out to me here, where it's Company, Carolina Change, Funny Girl. I guess Beetlejuice will be in the revival category. I can't, I don't really know. Music Man. It's just, this freaking season, man. It's truly incredible. It's going to be, it's highly anticipated, and for the right reasons. You're going to have Hugh Jackman, Rob McClure, you're going to have Miles Frost. You're going to have these Company stars, Christopher Sieber, Christopher Fitzgerald, someone in Company will be nominated. You're just going to have such a variety of stars.

They're going to have Ramin Karimloo from Funny Girl, all in the same category, which is just absolutely incredible. And so it's really going to be exciting to see how this all pans out. I'm excited for this year's Tony Awards. The host has not been announced yet, but the nominees come out May 3rd, and we will be able to watch the Tony Awards on June 12th. So everyone stay tuned, I'll keep you all posted on what's going on and what further news we get along the way, such as host and everything like that. But very exciting stuff. I recently just mentioned MJ, talking about that he would be eligible for the Tony Awards. So let's just announce that MJ's going on tour, which is very exciting. This show I feel like was made to go on tour.

You'll really start to get that Michael Jackson concert vibe from it going on tour. I don't know what's going to happen as far as casting, because I can't imagine the show as any other cast. I can't imagine someone playing Michael Jackson other than Miles Frost. He was just so amazing, and I feel like finding someone else to do that is just going to be such a challenge. So the casting directors really have a difficult task at hand, but I'm sure there's someone out there that can do it and that will pull it off so brilliantly that I cannot wait to see what comes of that. So very exciting stuff for MJ. That's going out on tour very soon. Happy closing to Space Dogs, which was written by Nick Blamire, who was a previous guest on Take a Bow.

That was a huge off-Broadway hit recently. They extended their run as long as they could until the next show had to eventually kick them out. So congratulations to Seriously on a great run, because you were able to continue to extend and do all these incredible things and had such great press. Hopefully we see that in the future. I was unable to see it, but everyone that I knew that saw it said it was just incredible and it was really great. But happy closing and congrats again on such a great run. Could we see Ben Stiller on a Broadway stage soon? It was reported by Deadline that Ben Stiller is in talks to play Jack Torrance, stage adaptation of The Shining. So that could be very fascinating.

They're saying that it's scheduled for West End BOW in 2023, but the production is expected to eventually transfer to Broadway. So that's already announced. We all know that Ben Stiller is a huge, huge Broadway guy, loves Broadway, always goes to his shows. He's seen me in Funny Neverland. He's seen me in Pippin. I've met him a few times. He's come backstage. He's brought his daughters. He brought his kids and all of that, his family and all of that. So he's a huge Broadway fan. And I mean, we all know that he's a comedian. He's a great actor. That's something really to keep your eye out for. I would be very excited about that. I'm curious to see him live. So that's just something to keep your eye out on and something that I found super fascinating.

And I'm excited to see The Shining as a stage adaptation. I think that should be pretty interesting. Anyways, that's all the news I have for you folks this week. Thanks again for listening. And without further ado, let's turn it over to Brittney Mack. Incredible interview coming your way. So without further ado, Brittney Mack, curtain up.

[8:13] Eli Tokash: So today we welcome yet another rising star on Broadway. I mean, she already is a star. But currently, she is making her Broadway debut in Six as Anna of Cleves. This guest is the first Six queen to take a bow. So welcome to Take A Bow, Brittney Mack.

[8:35] Brittney Mack: Thank you, Eli. Thank you for having me.

[8:38] Eli Tokash: Oh my gosh, I'm so, so happy to have you on. I'm obsessed with Six. I saw it before the pandemic. So that was a blessing. And I was one of the few people to be like, Oh, yeah, I saw it during the pandemic. So that was my pandemic kind of brag. I want to add, I want to, there's so many things I want to ask you, first of all, but the way I usually like to start my interviews is I like to ask, you know, what kind of got you interested in the entertainment industry? And what made you want to tell stories?

[9:07] Brittney Mack: Well, um, I have, I come from an entire family of artists and entrepreneurs, and just very successful, incredible, small business owners. And, and I, I have always kind of just wanted to, I guess, work for myself saying whatever that liberty meant. So in addition to that, I also grew up like, my mom being a salon owner, you know, she kept her own hours. So sometimes those hours were very late being a single mother. And she would just be like, okay, like after homework and reading and things like that, she would, you know, play all of these CDs, and she would play music. And so I grew up around music my whole life, my grandfather, you know, introduced me to, I don't know, blues and jazz very early and old, I really, really love old 20s music.

And he introduced me to radio. And so I've had all of these very interesting influences and being from Chicago, which is where I'm from. The radio is such a big deal in Chicago. So radio shows like the Tom Joyner morning show and things like that, I grew up listening to. So my first, like, big, oh, would be my big break. I used to want to be a meteorologist on the radio show. Oh, just so just because and then I started, I don't know why I just was like, Oh, I want to sound like that. So because they always sounded so cool, or like the people giving like traffic reports, you know, when it was just so strange. But on the Tom Joyner morning show, there was this show called It's Your World that he used to do that was kind of like that was like a radio drama.

So within his show, there was another show. And it was this like, novella, like a soap opera. And it was my favorite thing to listen to in the morning, early in the morning, getting ready for like daycare. And I would sit there like, Yes, oh my god, like I knew what was happening with these very adult people. And it was awesome. From there. I used to I also grew up watching WTTW and PBS and things like that and public broadcast network. Yay. And so my mom really late at night, my mom used to know that they would show musicals really, really late. And so one night, my mom sat me down in my big bird chair, and she said, You need to watch this and don't get up until it's done. And I was like, Okay, mommy, and all the lights were off.

And I just remember looking at a colorful screen for what felt like 30 years. And of course, it was the it was the opening to West Side Story. And I was like, Oh, so we just dance in the street. That's, that's it. Then, then she introduced me to Shirley Temple was my first big, like, Oh, I want to be Shirley Temple. I was like, Oh, yeah, I want to be her. She was just little and cute. I'm little and cute. Like, let's go. I want to tap dance and smile and pout and be cute. That's me. That's me. Let's go. And then watching black TV growing up. So all of there were so many different influences that I had just growing up saying, Oh, and the biggest thing was honestly, Eli, my mom never said that I couldn't do or be any of the things that I said I wanted to do.

That was the biggest thing she was like, Okay, so tell tell mommy why you want to do this? And tell mom, okay, and do you and so how do you want to do it? You know, and just wanted to see how involved we were. And that includes me and my siblings and what it is that we thought we wanted to do. Even if we were going to change our minds and parents know, even if we were going to change our minds, she just was always there to kind of take whatever we thought and grab it and cultivate it and help us go on to whatever path she saw that we really wanted to kind of start to go on. So I said, you know, I want to be Gary Coleman and share the temple when I grow up. And she was like, Oh, let's do it and started to kind of get me in ballet.

[13:35] Brittney Mack: Pardon me, get me into voice lessons and things like that. I was a pretty sick kid, so I had a lot of surgeries and stuff like that, but after, there was no stopping me and I guess the rest is history after that.

[13:49] Eli Tokash: Little did you know here you would be today?

[13:53] Brittney Mack: Amazing.

[13:54] Eli Tokash: Yeah, so talk to me because your first, would you consider like your first professional show to be Memphis?

[14:03] Brittney Mack: Uh, no, I would consider my first professional show to be Rent from that I did at Seacoast Repertory Theatre in Portsmouth, New Hampshire and we, that was the first like regional professional get a check every week, you know, $300 every week. Oh, yeah, that I booked before I even graduated from AMTA. So on the weekends during my showcase, my teachers, my professor, everybody worked with me because we had the days off so you could go and audition, then we had evening classes. And I was like, and that was how the fourth semester was set up when I was going so that you could audition and book. That was the idea. And I booked, and so you're gonna have to redo the program or you got to figure something out with, you know, and that was like my first time negotiating, right?

Saying, okay, like I didn't have an agent. So like showcase was over, but I didn't have an agent or anything. So I was like, alright, okay, so, and we ended up working out that on the weekends I would take the bus, go to New Hampshire up to Portsmouth. So that's two buses, New York to Boston, Boston to Portsmouth and then little me. Wow, when I think about it, I'm like girl who...

[15:37] Eli Tokash: What age were you exactly?

[15:40] Brittney Mack: So I took a year off, so I think 18. Yeah, that's probably 19. Maybe 19. Good for you.

[15:49] Brittney Mack: Yeah, and because I did my first, okay, so probably 19. I did my first year in LA, M to LA and then transferred to New York. So I think I was 19 years old. Wow, wow, wow.

[16:03] Brittney Mack: Buses up there, came back on the weekends and then finished the program. Incredible. Yeah, so that was my first. So I did Rent there where I was actually directed by Brian Swayze, who is I believe the artistic director or associate director. I never know which word it is at a gunk with Playhouse right now. I love him so much. He taught me so much. So he directed and choreographed Rent there. My favorite part of that show, we had this beautiful like dance like ballet sequence to Santa Fe. Wow, that was that Seacoast rep gave me my very first like professional gig. My first theater gig was at the drama group in the suburbs of Chicago where I did Oliver.

[16:53] Eli Tokash: Oh, yeah, I did Oliver there and then I did Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

[17:01] Brittney Mack: So, you know, 'cause like where else are you gonna be able to be black? Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, you know, 'cause like where else are you gonna be able to be black and play one of the wives in Seven Brides? But a community theater and it was because it's one of my favorite movie musicals. Oh, yeah, it was a really good time. But yeah.

[17:20] Eli Tokash: So were those moments for you? Like that was it, like that's when you knew like this is what I want to do for the rest of my life?

[17:27] Brittney Mack: I know it now. This is, oh, I knew that when I was four.

[17:35] Brittney Mack: I was one of those kids that always, I've always known who I was, you know? Yeah, of us, me, all my siblings, we've always just known. And my mom was like, okay, she could, she raised us to have opinions. She raised us right, realized that we weren't kids, that we are little versions of people, that we just have to learn what we need to learn so that when we become big people, it's not so hard. And so that's basically like was like her philosophy. And so she allowed us to speak our minds and talk. And so when we did that, we learned that it's not what you say, it's how you say it. We learned what respect meant. We learned like my brothers learned like when a girl was going through what she's going through for the month, like leave her alone.

Like we learned how to be right. And so to do so, going into things like actor housing and, you know, being with a bunch of people, like all of those experiences that come with college and or just like your contracts, I was cool because I come from a really big family. We had pets and animals everywhere. So I knew because we learned respect very, very young. And so that to say I knew that this is what I wanted to do because I had to work for it and she showed me that I had to work for it. I went to a private art school in high school. I went to the Chicago Academy for the Arts. In my eighth grade year, she, my mom was like, okay, so listen, or seventh grade, she said if you want to go to start pursuing music theater full-time, you have to stop cheerleading because I was an athlete that forms like that.

And so I was in track and I ran and I was just like very athletic. And so she was like, you got to start to choose because you got to heal your voice so you can sing. And I was like, so that was really the turning point of choice, you know? Other than that, you could continue to pursue acting in a different way and go to like an HBCU and like these things if you want to or, and again, my mom, choice, choice, choice, choice, you know, free will giving you the chance to make a choice because this is what adulthood would be. My mom and now that I'm in my 30s, I'm like, wow, I'm always, I always call it. I'm be like, well, I just want to thank you. Um, yeah, seriously, because wow mom. Okay. Have a good day.

Okay. Bye, you know? She's just so cool. And she was like, listen, I didn't know, I, we don't write. Oh, she said, I just know, you know, one of the hardest jobs is not being a parent is being a kid and it's hard and I didn't want to make it harder for y'all. And so I just wanted to prepare you as much as I could. That's my job is to prepare you as much as I could. And it was five of us, five to one. And so she's like, listen, and y'all whoo, you know, and we had, you know, a dog and the parakeets and then the iguana. Yeah, who was a lot going on. But that I knew because I understood the work that it required and I didn't mind it. I didn't mind at the time what it meant to be diligent, what it meant to persevere, what I meant to get up in high school at 4:30 in the morning to catch a train at 6 to be on the bus stop at 7 to be, you know, bus stop at 7 to be, you know, and if you miss the bus, you better get on the other train and then walk to school and what that meant at 13 years old, you know, right?

So I was like, oh la, yeah, let's go. I'll go be in LA for a while. Oh, New York, let's go. Oh, you know, like right, so I, so being, just starting my contracts, I was like, yeah, and so, and Brittney Mack was that, Brittney Mack was the book like back to back to back to back, back to back to back to back. They like, Brittney, how long you in town for? You leaving now? Great. It's good to see you. Okay, love you friend. Okay, bye, you know? It was like the joke amongst all my friends, so.

[21:42] Eli Tokash: Um, and then, you know, I blink and here I am.

[21:47] Brittney Mack: Yeah, here you are. That's incredible. First of all, I want to meet your mom. Your mom seems so cool. Um, no, but I feel like it, as like similar to my experience, like if your parents, if you want to be in the performing arts as a kid, if your parents aren't like willing to take that jump with you and they're able to like look at you no longer as a kid and they're able to respect you as like an individual and like you're able to work things out, it's insane, like what you can accomplish and what you can do and what you do to make it work.

[22:26] Brittney Mack: Absolutely.

[22:26] Eli Tokash: Absolutely because I mean how many, I mean we know you like, right? Like how many people, how many friends do we have, how many colleagues, co-workers, people that we've met, peers in our industry that have been in a position where they just don't have that little bit of support? And then that's all we talk about, right? As artists, we're so emotional. We're just like, my parents didn't believe in me. My parents didn't want, and so what happens is, you know, theater becomes a refuge and a place to run to as opposed to a place to arrive.

[23:00] Brittney Mack: Right, right.

[23:01] Eli Tokash: You're running towards this industry that you feel like will give you the acceptance that you really needed from somebody in your past, your friends, family, whatever. Because again, being a child, that's that early childhood development. Like you need the support, you just need support. And you know, that's why teachers are so important. That's why, you know, that family support is everything. Even if you have a sibling that's like, you better sing and you're just like, really? And they're like, yeah, you're like, okay.

[23:32] Brittney Mack: And you know, one person that will help you kind of, you know, get to that, then it really does make a difference.

[23:39] Brittney Mack: Yeah, it really does because unfortunately I find that like the people, some people, some, so pardon me for misspeaking, some people who don't have that support, it's harder for them to last in the industry, right? Longevity part. It's the like, I think I can, I think I can, I'ma keep on keeping on, I'ma truck along, you know, it's that part, the perseverance that get through the mud to get to the solid ground part. That's where the support is important. So.

[24:12] Eli Tokash: Yeah, and I guess even now I try to be that friend that's like, hey friend, how you doing? When's the last time you auditioned? You don't want to do that? That's okay. What you want to do? Sell coffee? Let's go. You want to make your home? Let's do it. What do I need to do to help you? Right? Even as the adult because that's, that's all human. That's how we want. It's important love, you know, absolutely wherever it comes from.

[24:36] Brittney Mack: So I, yeah, yeah, I had a lot of that growing up.

[24:40] Eli Tokash: That's amazing. I mean everything in life just takes a group of people. It's not, it can't be accomplished by one person, you know? It's just not gonna happen that way. Just, and it's the same thing for performing. So like the fact that you're able to do that and you're able to like be that friend and, you know, learn from your mama and just be like, this is what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna give back, I'm gonna put it forward. That's amazing. Good for you. Um, I well, I want to talk to you about Memphis and I want to talk to you about tour life. Um, I know tour life is amazing, but it's also like crazy all at the same time. Yeah.

[25:13] Brittney Mack: Um, yeah.

[25:15] Eli Tokash: Talk to me about it and talk to me about like just, you know, not the difference between Broadway and tour, but kind of more so like how tour life prepared you for Broadway, you know?

[25:25] Brittney Mack: Touring and, and so interestingly enough when I saw Memphis for the first time and I saw Laquette Pringle sashay across that stage and kick her face and I, thinking about it now, I am like speechless when I saw that opening in all these black faces on this stage and I was like, great, cool, love this, you know? I was just like, what is going on?

[25:49] Brittney Mack: Um, and you saw F from Psych slide across the stage. You saw Dick. I just was like, I'm not, I can, this is a little, this is a lot for me right now. But I, there was nothing better. So when I saw her, I saw Memphis five times with the original.

[26:15] Eli Tokash: Wow.

[26:15] Brittney Mack: Yes, and then to see Montego with her beautiful chocolate self come down these stage. Hey, big old mouth, eyes open big. I just was like, and first of all her arms, I said, come on, serve us these arms, Montego. I said, I couldn't keep my eyes off Laquette. I could not keep my eyes off Laquette Pringle, who is a huge inspiration for me. I don't know if she ever know. I don't know if I've ever told her that. Um, but she is and she, um, I saw her and I was like, I want to be that, bro. I want, I want that. I want to wear what she's wearing. I want that wig. I want that.

[26:57] Brittney Mack: And so I went in for Memphis, um, I went, I was out of town when they did that and I didn't miss it. In the meantime, just...

[27:09] Brittney Mack: First national, the Equity Tour. And I was like, snap. But all everyone that I knew was on this tour. And I was like, oh no, I ended up doing, funny enough, I ended up doing The Wiz at Main Street Music Theater. And Laquette was Dorothy in The Wiz. Wow. And Brie was in the ensemble. And Brie was in the ensemble of the Memphis The First National. Another friend of mine, Alex Aguilar, was in Memphis The First National. So all of these different connections, right? But I got a chance to witness Laquette in all of her wonderful incredibleness in The Wiz because she was Dorothy. And it was funny. I'll never forget. She came up to me. She said, this role would be great for you. You really should play this role.

And I said, I already have. And I was a replacement in that someone called out. And so I ended up doing. Then they called me for The Wiz. And so I kind of came and got a chance to work with E. Clayton Cornelius, and Laquette Pringle, and Eric, and Kylie, and Donna Drake directed it. And Mark Stewart choreographed it. So it was huge, big Bobby Day. It was a huge, big cast, okay?

[28:37] Eli Tokash: Sure.

[28:38] Brittney Mack: One of those ones you were like, oh my God, this is pre-Broadway. You know what I mean? Alpha Minds was in it. This was Broadway ensemble realness. And Broadway leaves, we're ready for this, right? And E. Clayton is original Broadway everything. So I'm like, if he's in this, hmm. So, la, la, la. Listen, I was plotting, okay? I was like, I'm so down for this show, okay? Let's go. So when she told me that, it kind of burned in my spirit. And I was like, oh my gosh. And we became very cool. And I just, I adore her show. I went in for the tour following, which was the non-equity tour. But this tour, I knew quite a few people who were going in for it. So I was like, I'll go in for it. And I'm in the callback, the final callbacks for the dance part.

And Brie is standing there. She goes, Brittany Mac! Hey girl! I said, hey Brie! Like, oh my God, hi! Like that. And I made it all the way through to the final round after cuts and all of these things. So it goes to show you how important work ethic is and building relationships are. And that doesn't mean talking to everybody and hanging out all the time, but it does just mean staying true to who you are. And you're like, if you're this person, be this person, whatever that is. And she was like, oh my God, Brittany, you are so crazy. And because I was just in there having a good time because that's just kind of me. And I love this show and I love the music. And we learned underground. And I was like, oh my God, I'm ready.

Oh my God, I was so ready. And I was like, yes, let's go, let's go, let's go. And I was there all day. It was the longest day ever. This guy that I really, really liked at the time was also there. And so we were like in it together. And like we had also, we worked together years before. So we were like hanging it out. And I was like, hi. It's like when you don't care, you're sweaty, you know, because you look hot because you're just like, yeah, I'm still in it. I'm still in callback. So yeah.

[30:50] Brittney Mack: So then, so then la la la. So I ended up actually not booking it originally, but I got called to do a replacement on it. Someone got hurt, someone got injured. So I was kind of like a vacation swing really quickly. So I just came in. I learned Memphis in two dressing rooms and a lobby. What? And yeah, that's how I learned the track. And let me tell you, when I say show up with love and, you know, just jumping on like, okay, here we go, you know, but I also understood and knew it was my job to show up. So I showed up baby. And when I tell you, they were like, Brittany, you better. They were like, nobody has ever laughed at that part. Why are they laughing? Like, I don't know guys. I don't know because I don't know who cares, you know?

And it was just so much fun, but really it was like, oh my God, I am in. And I was actually in the same role that LaQuette was in. And I was like, wow, I'm in the bodysuit. I'm in the shoes. I'm in the wig. I'm in the dress. I'm in the, like, and I was like, it's important to say what you want. Yes. And once you say it, don't stop till you get it, you know? And because who, Bob Klein, Bob Klein cast me and he called me. I never forget. I was in my apartment. I was back in Chicago too. I was like, Bob, I'm back in Chicago. Like, I left the city because my grandfather had passed. My mom was like, da, da, da. Like, there was a whole bunch of things going on. And he was like, well, I need you in Mississippi tomorrow.

I was like, that's what I did, Eli, tomorrow. And was packed and was ready to go. I was like, I got to wash some panties, but I will be there. And I was there. And what was lovely was being there with Avion's Hoyles, who I went to Amda with, being there with some familiar faces and some new familiar faces now, people that, like Keely, who's in Moulin Rouge, and Jasmine, who's in Book of Mormon, and Sidney, who's right now, first of all, he's just the most beautiful human being, but he's in Paradise Square right now. Him and JT and Paris Nix, and they were all in Beautiful together. They kind of just kept booking the same thing because they are all very pretty. I was like, wow, must be nice to be pre-Black man.

And they were telling me to go here and here and here and here and here and here. And then, so then, so it was just really nice. And I also went to Amda with Paris as well. So they were like, bring him back. And I was like, oh my gosh. So it was cool because people got a chance to kind of be like, okay, well, she must be cool because these people know her, they know her rapport. And they were like, you still up? And I was like, yes, I have to get this. My roommate was Oyoyo. Oyoyo is in, she's a swing at MJ right now. Yes. I love her. And like, she's, oh my gosh, she's in. Oh my god. So talented. She's insane. I'm obsessed. Like what the what? Ew. And she's so beautiful and long and sweet. She's so funny.

So, you know, the other thing was feeling, I, for the first time, I think ever, I felt short because Oyoyo's got a nice height on her and she's very long. And Keely's very long. And so I was like, oh, they hire really long Black girls. I'm not long. So it also gives you an insight on like casting and things and what they were looking for. Because a lot of times you're like, well, you just don't know what they were looking for. Or what, what, you know, and yeah, you want to think like your height is, excuse me, your height isn't whatever. But Jasmine, who played Felicia, is tall. So that was our ensemble, right? And so it was our Black, our Beale Street ensemble. So it was like, oh, that made sense.

I was like, oh, cool. Okay, you know, and it was just like, cool, cool, cool. So you like, it was interesting to kind of start to see and notice certain things and how touring worked. And let me tell you something, it's a hard life. Being on the bus, being on planes, like the-

[35:25] Eli Tokash: On your day off. So like, what is the day off?

[35:27] Brittney Mack: You don't have a turnaround day.

[35:29] Eli Tokash: Right.

[35:30] Brittney Mack: And what is your recovery like? You know, then you got to check into hotels, then you got to figure out where you're going from there. Then you got to make sure you eat, you got to this, you got to that. And listen, this was not when everybody was like, oh my God, I have celiac, I have this, I have that. And I'm not downplaying people who have things. But on tour, you get what you get, or you better hope you go to Walmart and get you some. This is interesting because there wasn't like grub hub. And you wasn't grub hubbing to, you was like, I guess let me see if they got delivery. Let me call Domino's. It was that, it was like, oh, I'm at the gas station, let me get some fruit cups. You got what you could.

And I'll tell you one thing, if you were like, I don't eat beef. Well, you might today. Right. Do you get your protein, child? I don't know. You know, like you just never really knew what you were going to get. But it was really, it was lovely. And I had a wonderful experience coming into a cast that had already built what they built, right?

[36:40] Eli Tokash: Sure.

[36:41] Brittney Mack: And I was very aware that I was just there temporarily. And I was like, and they were like, Brittany, so are you going to stay? I said, oh no, this is too hard for my body. Oh, I knew immediately, my body can't do this. Like naps on the buses, on the floor, buying dog beds, because it's like dairy foam and cushy and this, and you buy three and then you, whatever, y'all share. And I said, oh no, this is not for me. No, no, no. It was something to learn from. It was something to prepare me, but more for preparation of understanding what role in my career that I wanted. How do I want to continue to pursue my career? I am not a swing. Some people are like, no, I am a swing. Like that is my gift.

That is not my gift. God did not bless me with that gift. The way my kneecaps are set up, that's not for me. Being an athlete, I've been, I mean, being young, it was very hard on my body, and not maintaining that particular athletic lifestyle and switching to more of an artistic lifestyle. So you're talking ballet and things like that. The body start, I have acute arthritis in my knee. So from running, I've been a runner my whole life. And so it got to the point where it was like, yeah, you can't do that anymore. And I was like, oh, I don't know who I am. Because it's about who you are outside of what you do. So I did that tour, learned so much in the short time I was there, was so welcomed.

Everyone was so lovely. And I figured out, I said, okay, I'm not a swing. I'm not a swing. I'm not even really so much like an understudy cover type of situation. I mean, it can be full ensemble, or I'm a lead. And that's just it. But I am in the show every day. I like the consistency of it. I'm a person who needs consistency, who desires it, and who functions very well with it. So from that, I knew that whatever pursuit of whatever I wanted in Broadway or in the rest of my career, that that's what I would always go for. So that's what I learned from touring. And that was more my thing, what prepared me for Broadway, because then I did cruise ships. I did all kinds of things. I really liked working for Royal Caribbean.

I really liked the cruise ship life. People have opinions about it, but I think don't knock it till you try it. And it is very hard. But wow, wow, wow, wow. It makes you so culturally aware. It makes you realize how small America really is. It makes you understand and learn people, the rest of the world's opinions about our country. It really teaches you. Now it's very popular to say, give grace, right? It's very trendy. But it teaches you what that actually means when you're dealing with someone who doesn't speak English, when we think everybody speaks English. But why don't you speak Italian? Why don't you speak Spanish? Why don't you speak Tagalog? What is wrong with you? And it's like, okay, wow, right?

So yeah, it's interesting. I learned and what prepared me for Broadway, honestly, Eli, was every experience in my whole life. I can't pinpoint one, but I will tell you different turning points that I had, like working with Brian, learning professionalism in that way, learning where your lines are with production and your directors and your cast, what that is.

[40:45] Brittney Mack: We're learning what the business part of the show is. So business, this industry is 99.9% business. 0.1% is show. And the business part is simply how you carry yourself. It's how you choose to navigate this industry and doing it with integrity. And that it's not what you do, it's how you do it. That if you want to be successful, that success is a mindset. So that's why people who say, oh, you can do anything you put your mind to, that's where that comes from. Because as long as you shift your mind, so as a man thinks, so is he. As soon as you think it. That's why it's so important to think positive, that's why positive thinking, positive affirmations, whatever it is that gets you out of bed in the morning.

I could do this, but I got this. I'm going to sit here, I may fart for a second, but then I'm going to get up and I'm going to go, whatever works for you, get up and do it. I get up and I make myself laugh. I have a vanity in my room and I get up and I look at it and I go, wow, wow, ma'am, you are winning today. Why is your face dry? And then I make myself laugh and I'm just like, wow, just as crusty. What, ma'am, could you, and I'm going to go handle that. Like that is my conversation with me in the morning. And I'm just, because I have to, humor, humor for myself, because life is hard. This industry is hard. And so, I mean, not even to mention the last two years that everyone has gone through in the whole world, it's just been so much.

So, even that has prepared me to come back to Broadway, what that looks like and knowing what to ask for as a Black woman in a show that is very, that can be very shaping industry-wise. It can be very shaping. And when I say industry, I'm talking to the younger artists in our industry, the artists that are coming up to Broadway, looking at Six can shape their whole worlds and take the idea of impossible and turn it into possible. And say like, wait, okay, I could do that. You know what I mean? I could do that, to take a show like Six and say, we cast all female, female identifying and non-binary people in these roles. I'm like, what? I'm like, what? Let's go. And to challenge those who are to actually come in and audition though, like actually do it, challenge them and make them say no to you and be everything that you are.

So, going, coming into Broadway, it was really how I carry myself. I've always said that Broadway is the floor because it's a stepping stone. It's a launch pad for what you could do in this industry. And the show like Six is so big that for me, you get five seconds of being in the next big show. So right now, I'm probably at second three and a half. And I got two and a half more seconds, one and a half more seconds to be like, okay, what do I do with this platform while I'm here? What do I do? Where can I continue to be a light? How can I be Brittany and help to shape the minds of those who think that it's impossible to make them know that it is possible? But it's a little bitty four foot 11 thing from Chicago to wear her natural hair on stage playing a German queen and the story just be what it is, right?

It doesn't change. People don't be like, well, you're not pale, so you're not German. What? I don't care. I just want to hear what happened. Most people don't even know who Anne is. Right. You have no idea. They're like, now, who is this fourth one? And everybody, but everybody's like, oh, my God, when it's done, when you realize who she is, what her story how, how much she rocks, you know? Yeah. So it's just it's just that cool. You know what I mean? And, and, and that so so so all of that to say, I, you know, Broadway is is is a street that runs from the top of the island all the way down to the bottom of it. Right. And in some and in every state, there's a Broadway street. Yeah, I'm gonna be on Broadway goes thing on the street.

No, but, but you but but really, though, it is important to know that the same way you approach auditioning for your regional houses, you just audition. It's the same. When you go in, you're like, oh, and we still have tech, we have 10 out of 12. We do this, we do that. Everything's literally the same. Your career is what prepares you for your career. Interesting. Yeah, you know, it really is kind of all the same stage management, this that every house has its own rules, just like every theater has its own rules. Right. And, and that's it. It really is just, just maintaining who you are. Yeah, gotta maintain who you are. So it's important to know who you are. And if you don't, it's okay to take time to figure it out.

Right. Hard to do that, you know, it is hard to do that. And I feel like that it finding out who you are, and truly knowing that you won't be able to perform and become someone else until you know who you are. Exactly. Yeah, you can see where you fit. So you can see what you add to the character to make them tangible and to make them reach the audience. That's right, right. Because we can see, you know, what made us freak out when you know, when Leslie Odom came down, how does a bastard? Come on. And you're just like, ah, ah, oh my god, like I believed immediately. Everything he told me. Yep. Everything, everything he said, I believed it. Everybody else I didn't know what they were talking about.

But everything Leslie is telling me I believe you, sir. Right. And and if you read his story, his book, what is it falling up, failing up? I think it's fine. Um, I didn't even know that he had a book. Oh my god, it's incredible. Is it falling up? I'm gonna find out what it is. But his his his book, it's just so lovely. And you just get so much of who he is, that you go, ah, that's why you okay, failing up. And you're like, failing up. Yeah. And I'm like, ah, that's why you I see it now. Yeah, I see it now. And you hear about his passion and things like that with rent. And you hear how everything he did in his life prepared him for this thing. This Yes, show that he had been in from the ground up that where he had no money, where he stuck with it.

That's the perseverance, right? Where? And so it's funny, because people, they want to know what's the sauce, right? What's how do you get to Broadway? How do you whatever, everyone's journey is going to be different, but I guarantee you, like, everyone's cake will be different, but the ingredients all in are the same, right? You need flour, you need eggs, you need milk, you need what you need for it to stick and rise is what you need. But your flavor may be chocolate, your flavor, maybe strawberry, you may be different. You're frosting cream cheese, whipped cream, fresh fruits, I see you sprinkles. But the cake itself still needs exactly what it needs to be. Yes. And that's, that's what this is, you know, it's so true. Oh, my God, that's, that's amazing. That little reference.

[49:01] Eli Tokash: Yeah, like that went to another place. Right? You have your own show soon.

[49:11] Brittney Mack: Right? Oh, my God, that was that was intense. But like, that was real talk. You know, like, that was that was real stuff. And it's totally true. I mean, it's incredible the way that you were able to put that out. And I was like, Wait, that actually makes sense. And it always makes it better when you're you're talking about food. It's easier to

[49:30] Eli Tokash: I mean, right? Always, everyone says wait. You got my attention.

[49:39] Brittney Mack: Well, I have to ask just because like, we're talking about like six, like you mentioned, like, it just it's, it truly is revolutionary for Broadway. I mean, I mean, just to have an all female cast, the creative team, everything, it's just what you guys are doing. It's literally like the hottest ticket in town. It's just like, it's insane. And it's beautiful. And what you all are doing eight shows a week is just even more incredible. Like, what is it like to be able to like, collaborate with all of these wonderfully talented and beautiful women on a stage?

[50:09] Brittney Mack: Oh, my gosh, it's, it's, it's insane. Like you like, because everyone's always like, it's insane. And I'm like, it really is. Like, on that stage. I'm like, I don't need, I promise you, I blackout. And I'm really glad that I do. Like my personal performance, I blackout. But I can tell you everything that's going on on that stage. Because we are just a bunch of really good friends, laughing at each other and being silly. Like, there is no real work happening, Eli, right? That is not okay. This is Broadway. Okay, this is, we need to get it together. Um, you know what, uh, it is, it's something that we established. And by we, I mean, the original, the original, the OG6, which includes myself, Samantha Polley, Andrea Macassett, Adriana Hicks, Abby Mueller, and Anna Uzele.

We, we started all together at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Yes, you're hoped down. Turn up! Turn up! And we were there and, you know, we, we, we are all pieces to an, an incredibly perfect puzzle that we didn't even know existed. Um, and it's, it's, you know, you wait for so long for something that seems that seems tailor made for you. And, you know, I remember, let me tell you something, Eli, the way I went in for Beautiful, I, baby, I went in for them so many times. I can't even, listen, I was just like, I should have got paid. That's how many times. For real. I even went in one time and there was this girl that I knew that she, uh, from high school and she didn't show up. And I did, I was waiting and I said, if they have a space available, I would love to just walk in and like, do this audition.

Cause I knew that they were actually casting and they were like, I'm so sorry. We can't take anyone. I was like, even the girl that didn't show up, which I'm mad cause I know her, mind you. I'm like, I should text her right now and be like, why? Um, and they were like, yeah, no, so sorry. And I thought about, I actually thought about this the other day and I said, you know what, Brittany, you couldn't have gone in, in her slot because it was her slot. It even had her name on it. And that would have altered your journey so much. I was so upset from that day, Eli, I didn't have an agent. I say, you know what? I'm not coming back to New York cause I was still in Chicago traveling. I said, I'm not coming back to New York until I have an agent.

I'm not doing this anymore. It makes me tired. I can't do it. Now, my relationships that I had built, I was able to get appointments and things, but that was like years of just like, that's the pound in the pavement for me. So I said, you know what? All right. A couple months later, Eli, I got an agent. Now I had submitted, I've been submitting top agents and stuff. They wanted me to come to LA. I was like, I can't come to LA. I got to do Broadway. I got to do it first. Um, and, and all that to say, I got an agent and then I go in, and I'm in Chicago and we had talked and we're back and forth and dah, dah, dah. So I would go in for stuff and in and out of New York. And I actually auditioned for six in Chicago.

[53:31] Eli Tokash: Wow.

[53:35] Brittney Mack: I didn't even know I was auditioning for six. I was auditioning for the wizard of odds. Okay. So Ken Ingram, original, uh, Lion King, uh, he was directing the wizard of odds at Chicago shakes. So I went in for it. I was at my eighth audition of the day. I was like fasting. I was like in a really good space, like spiritually and physically and all these things. And it was my eighth audition and last audition of the day. And I went in and auditioned at the equity building for Chicago shakes. I saw the breakdown, but I didn't know what six was. I wasn't even paying attention to that. I went in for the wizard of odds. I was like, y'all going to get all of this today. I'm going to represent the lollipop swag swag. I was read deep. So I went in, I sang my song and Bob, old Bob, Bob was like, do you have anything?

[54:19] Brittney Mack: When I tell you Bob had me go through my whole book, I was like, Bob, you're going to cut me a check because this is a concert. This is a concert, Bob. Not me. I always want to get paid. So always, always looking for the check. Oh, we all. Listen, I was hungry. I was fast and I was hungry. So fast forward, I booked this thing. Get down, get well. I don't know what this is. And I was also in Final Calls 4 and Berlin to sing Don't Lose Your Head. That was really funny. Wow. You would have loved to be in the room for that, Eli. It was very funny. I was like, what is what grew up in the what? I don't know. Wait, can I follow? It was so much. Right. She was not for me, obviously. So then we so we're fast forward.

We're in our first day of rehearsal and we do all the paperwork stuff. And I said, can we just have a second? They walked out. I said, Hey, ladies. I said, can we just take a second to just like accept the fact that we're all women? We're all humans. We're all women. We're all in this space. We come from different backgrounds and creeds and colors and generational things. But I think if we respect each other, we'll be all right, because I've been an all-female cast before doing Beehive. I've done Beehive quite a few times. And it's my favorite show to do because my experiences on all-female shows have just been magic. If you decide to respect each other because we a lot, we a lot, we a lot. And so I said, you know, if in Beehive, it can be a pretty big show depending on how you want to cast it and what version you do.

So I was like, you know, hey, guys, like, can we agree to agree that we will respect each other first? And if you don't want to talk to that baby, you don't have to. If you need a hug, hug it out. If you like, girl, I just, can we? Yep, we're going, you know, whatever we need, let's do that. And we did. And from that day on, Eli, I am certain that that is our sauce.

[56:21] Eli Tokash: Yeah.

[56:21] Brittney Mack: We took the time with no one else around to say that we will respect each other. So even if somebody don't want to hang out, it's okay. We know that you're not a hang outer.

[56:32] Eli Tokash: Right.

[56:33] Brittney Mack: If you say, but today I want to turn up at the club, we going to the club. Right. Go, you know, and that we would be there for each other in whatever way they needed us to be. And that's what we did. And we didn't let anyone, not production, not a creative team, not no one get in our sauce. We didn't get in our pot. It was just, it's just us. And then there's like, you know, the container within a container within a container situation, but we're the center of it. And I believe that that had allowed us to, and I was so nervous saying it because I was like, Brittany, who do you think you are? You know, but I was like, but I, you know, someone's, you got to do it because we were all so different.

We were all so different and very aware that this person had been on Broadway. That person did too, that, wow, wow. I am in the room with some, I am in the room where it happens. Okay. What is, so let's just establish that right now we're all the same, regardless of, so it was so many things that was said there that didn't need to be said, as long as we agree to respect each other. And that's what we did. And, and, and here we are.

[57:43] Eli Tokash: Yeah, that's beautiful. And I think you can, I think you can tell that on stage, now that you say, you know, it's very clear that that is your little sauce. And that is like, y'all are just playing, y'all are just doing your thing, respecting each other, but also letting you guys be yourself. It's just, it's amazing. It is seriously. And it's what makes you can see that you guys are having so much fun. So it makes the audience have just as much fun, if not more.

[58:06] Brittney Mack: Exactly. So it totally translates. And I can't believe that. That's incredible. What a story. And it all came from you. You made that sauce.

[58:16] Brittney Mack: You know, it was a group thing. And I think it was something that everyone was thinking, like, we all need to get together and have a talk. But it was like, we had to do it before we started, right? We didn't do it after rehearsal, we had to do it right before to kind of, you know, foundation is everything. And so I, you know, I was like, all right, all right, I'll be the one to say it, you know. And it was fine. And it was like, yep, okay, cool. We all agree. Cool. Okay, you can come in now. Yeah, like one of those secret meetings. And they're like, what happened in here? I mean, you know, from there, you know, our voices blended, we let it just it just was you became one magic.

[59:00] Eli Tokash: Yeah, we did. One of a kind. No cash.

[59:02] Brittney Mack: Yes, seriously. And honestly, like I said, like, I love six because it's such an not an on I guess it is like an ensemble piece. Yeah, like y'all have your own moments to shine. Yeah, you all compliment each other so well. And when you all sing together, it is one, you know, like it just you are all being featured. But at the same time, it's it's a group. And you it's it's just, it's mind blowing how beautiful it is on the stage and how different it is from any show and how you all have found a way to make it work and make it what it is today. Yeah. So kudos to all of you. I'm everyone is obsessed with six and it's such a beautiful, beautiful show. And y'all are doing some incredible work. And it's so cool that you're back on Broadway. So everyone go check out six because we're back.

[59:49] Eli Tokash: Yes. So exciting. I mean, honest to God, Brittany, I can't thank you enough. I've taken up so much your time, but I am so honored that you were able to come on here today and talk to me about all these incredible stories that you had to share. I think a lot of people will learn a lot from it.

[1:00:04] Brittney Mack: Oh, my gosh, thank you so much, Eli. And I'm like, and that's the thing when I just start talking and I'm just like, oh, my gosh, and this thing happened and nothing happened. You know, so I apologize for talking your head off and everyone that's listening. But it's it's it's it's that right there to give people more of an understanding. I would love like in a dream world for people to really think about Broadway, how they do mega feature films and like huge cinema, you know, and like really see our industry as this as a very important, very detrimental and vital part of the entertainment industry and know how many people that how many actors that people love that are on film right now and, you know, Netflix and all of these different streaming platforms and stuff that started on Broadway or that started in a regional theater somewhere.

So supporting Broadway and supporting regional theaters, go see tours and things like that, how important it is to the rest of the infrastructure of entertainment, you know, because Broadway, you know, live theater is where it all started, you know, like, you know, going in vaudeville and, you know, all of these things, like all of the, you know, even live. I mean, live entertainment, period comedy shows, all of that, like, it's so hard to get up there and be vulnerable. We don't get 17 takes, you know, that's also its own hard, difficult thing. But when you see somebody's wig fall off, like Ari did, my girl Ari and through it, that's real, you know, and people were like, wow, my girl was on the morning, the today show, the people's magazine, all of that.

And this girl is an incredible artist, DJ, you know, and community activist and all of these things and have been around for a long time. And it took for her wig to fall off for people to see her. Do you see what I mean? Wow. That is wow to me. And what other industry can your wig fall off and it make you 24 hours sensation? No, none other than Broadway. So like in places like, you know, Broadway Podcast Network and things like that, that continue to push our stories forward and things I'm so grateful for. And so thank you so much for having me on, Eli. I am so honored to have chatted with you today. Thank you.

[1:02:32] Eli Tokash: Oh, my God. Thank you. You deserve to take all the vows. Seriously, so much fun.

[1:02:40] Brittney Mack: Oh, yeah, there it is. Oh, yes. Oh, well, seriously, thank you so much. This was a blast. And you are one of the best storytellers I think I've had on the podcast. So thank you.

[1:02:52] Eli Tokash: Oh, my God. Thank you. Take about Brittany Mac. I mean, seriously, that was just it literally had a bit of everything. Whoever you are listening to this, I think that we can all relate to the things that she was saying. They were so universally relatable and understandable that she put it she put it in ways that were just so relevant and real. And I think it made for an incredible interview. And I think it was so impactful because of all the wonderful things that she brought up talking about. I definitely did not expect to talk about our parents as much as we did. But I'm glad that we were able to do so from an adult perspective, because usually I have those conversations with, you know, the teen actors and the child actors that I have on here.

So talking about it with her was just a great story. And I'm dying to meet Mama Mac. So shout out to you if you're listening to this. Thank you for the gift of your daughter because I would not have talked to her today if it wasn't for you and for all your support and getting her through theater and all the parents out there for that matter, for all the guests that I've talked to and including myself like huge shout out to my parents just talking to her just really put that perspective back into my head. And it's truly incredible what all the parents do out there because it really and friends like it really you you're not going to be able to succeed in this business if you don't have that kind of support system.

So huge shout out to all of those involved and it truly takes a village and until you reach out and get that help you're not going to be successful in this industry. So that's a huge huge takeaway from from all of this and what she just had to say about Six and kind of you know leading the way as a newbie in the industry was just fascinating. So I appreciate all the fun stories that she brought on to the show and all the incredible kind of examples that she shared with all of us to get us to really understand and put it into our shoes. So huge shout out to Brittany Mack. I appreciate you coming on here and sharing all your stories that you have throughout your career and your time at Six in Memphis.

So if you haven't yet I highly encourage you to to go check out our Take About Live at the Green Room 42 live show that's coming up on April 18th at 9 30. We are just less than a month away now so we are about three weeks away which is crazy. I mean we have a little bit more time than that but we're about three weeks away three and a half weeks away and it's going to be insane. We've begun to to get some special guests for the night and I really think that you're all going to be really excited with the guests that we have. All former Take About guests and just celebrating their contributions to to the past 96 episodes that will soon be 100 by the time of the performance. So everyone come check us out if for those of you who can't make it to the live show itself we will also be selling live streaming tickets.

So if you are not in the city you can still check out the live stream and watch it from the comfort of your home. So go check that out it's on the Green Room website. Search up Take About Live on the Green Room 42 website. It's going to be a great night and it's definitely something that you're going to want to check out. So thanks again for listening. Check us out on social media to keep up with all of the fun announcements that we have coming out and all of the amazing content that we have coming out. Whether it's Take About Live or you know anything else that we're posting about all the videos of previous episodes and all of that fun stuff. It's all on TikTok, on Instagram, on Patreon. You can check us out the social medias at Take About Podcast and Patreon is patreon.com slash tab.

Thanks again for listening to this week's episode and I hope to see you all next week for an old friend of mine which I'm very excited to for you all to listen to because we had a great time. So stick around and I hope to see you next week. Bye everyone. Have a great week.

[1:07:01] Eli Tokash: For this episode's curtain call I would like to recognize a few people who also deserve to take a bow. This podcast would not be possible without the help from Dory Berenstein, Brittany Bigelow, Katie Rosen, Alan Seals and the team at the Broadway Podcast Network. Next in line to take a bow is Tessie Tokash who edits the audio and all the visuals for this podcast. A special thanks to patrons Brian Thompson, Pat McNamara, the listeners at PCC as well as all the other patrons for their continued support. If you're interested in becoming a patron go to patreon.com slash tab and if you enjoyed this week's episode don't forget to subscribe on the platform that you're currently listening to this on. Also feel free to give us a follow on Instagram at Take A Bow Podcast. Take A Bow's logo is designed by Giselle Bustos and the music is by Nikki Torsha and Cormac Collinan. Bye everyone. Hope to see you next week.