#NewsiesWeek continues with LaVon Fisher-Wilson, who stars as lovable showgirl Medda Larkin. Fisher-Wilson enjoys a fabulous moment early in the musical as she takes center stage at the Nederlander Theatre to perform the catchy showstopper “That’s Rich.” Below, Fisher-Wilson shares with BroadwayBox her three muses for Medda, each a fierce diva in her own right.
“To pull Medda's sass and motherly nurturing off every night, my three inspirations are Loretta Devine, Jenifer Lewis, and of course the bold and funny Bette Midler. I feel like Loretta comes across in my scenes with Jack and the Newsies. I am their foster mother and their protector in a way: "Don't mess with my babies!" Jenifer Lewis jumps in and out of the scene right before "That’s Rich," in her comic timing, down to earth way of turning a phrase and her need to command the stage with every word. Bette Midler has always been a favorite for me because of her colorful, humorous way of telling a story with song. She draws you in with her joy and love for what she is singing. I am constantly told, ‘When you enter the stage we feel your energy and think 'Now SHE'S about to SANG!'’ LOL. Oh yes, that’s the Bette in me!!”
