What happens when you pair a principal dancer from the New York City Ballet with one of Broadway’s most sardonic and unpredictable comedians? Pure musical theatre joy. Megan Fairchild and Jackie Hoffman share a sidesplitting On the Town scene as Jackie’s Madame Dilly warns young Ivy Smith (Fairchild) about the professional dangers of getting involved romantically with a young man. And Jackie’s sneaking drinks and Megan is dancing and it’s just heaven. Below, the dynamic duo share with BroadwayBox the key to making their scene so great.
My first impression of my co-star was:
Megan:
Her self-deprecating sense of humor, and how much it put me at ease.
Jackie:
Skinny, pretty, perky.
I think our performances gel so well together because:
Megan:
Jackie is drinking alcohol throughout our scene.
Jackie:
She represents good and I represent evil.
My favorite moment onstage with her is:
Megan:
When she tries to scare me every night, with the delivery of a particular line.
Jackie:
Screaming and watching her jump.
My most memorable performance we’ve shared has to be when:
Megan:
During one preview, after a note from the director about how our song, “Do do re do” starts, I started a phrase late. We literally needed to stop and start our song all over again, but…on with the show. Jackie and I were singing mismatched lyrics for a couple phrases, because we were both confused about where we were in the song, and the conductor was literally shouting out our lyrics to us, until we got back on. The whole time I kept thinking, I don’t have the musical knowledge to deal with this situation!!!! Jackie was so nice about the whole thing…phewww!!!
Jackie:
The orchestra started and we didn’t hear the cue.
The character from 1940s film, literature or theatre that most reminds me of her is:
Megan:
Nancy Walker.
Jackie:
Sonja Henie.
My co-star and I bond over:
Megan:
Finding milk in the theater for our pre-show coffee.
Jackie:
Roaches, coffee.
I’m in awe of my co-star’s ability to:
Megan:
Improv.
Jackie:
Dance dance dance.
If I had to describe my co-star in a song, it would be:
Megan:
“Carried Away” from our show.
Jackie:
“Tiny Dancer.”
Now make a date to see On the Town with the delightful duo Megan Fairchild and Jackie Hoffman at the Lyric Theatre.
