Tony award-winning actress Victoria Clark chatted about starring in “Kimberly Akimbo” on Broadway and her new CD.
‘Kimberly Akimbo’
On playing the leading role of Kimberly, she exclaimed, “It is a dream. Dream show, great writing, dream cast, great crew, great theater, great audiences. I am in my happy place. I laugh a lot every day.”
“I love Kim’s bravery, her insight, her ability to make decisions under pressure, and her wacky sense of humor. She is hilarious and so is every other character,” she said about her character.
Motivations
Regarding her daily motivations as a performer, she said, “Knowing that people have come from near and far to see this show motivates me. This show is ultimately about healing, about seizing your life, and going after your dreams. My hope is that in some way our performance brings some closure and healing to everyone who sees it.”
“I always look forward to sharing the stage with my colleague actors: Bonnie Milligan, Justin Cooley. Alli Mauzey, Steve Boyer, Olivia Elease Hardy, Fernell Hogan II, Michael Iskander, and Nina White. They are the most hilarious, joyful, energetic, compassionate group of artists I have ever worked with,” she said.
The digital age
On being a performer in the digital age, at a time with streaming and technology so prevalent, she said, “It is very different from the old days when you only heard from audience members when they sent mail to the theater. Now, anyone can DM someone in the cast after the show and we can get back to them and thank them for coming, or for their support.”
“Also, I enjoy showing some backstage magic in my social media. It’s a rare opportunity to share the artist’s experience with a larger audience, people who might never know what it’s like to be an actor on Broadway,” she added.
Latest album
She also spoke about her new album December Songs for Voice and Orchestra. It was written by two-time Tony-winning composer Maury Yeston, famed for his beloved Broadway scores for Nine, Titanic and Grand Hotel. This is the first orchestral version of his celebrated song cycle, originally commissioned in 1991 by Carnegie Hall in honor of its centennial, featuring a lush a 37-piece orchestra.
“It is a complete song cycle with words and music by my friend and colleague Maury Yeston,” she said. “They are about a woman in the ‘winter’ of her life who is looking back on a past love, remembering details and events, re-lives them during the songs, and comes to peace with her love, her loss, and her ultimate healing. Thematically, this cycle is not that different from Kimberly Akimbo, so it is sort of a lucky coincidence that I am able to do both in one year. Or, not a coincidence at all- a beautiful puzzle where all the pieces fit,” she elaborated.
December Songs has been heard around the world and been translated into many languages, but this is Yeston’s dream recording with his ideal star. This version is conducted by Tony winner Ted Sperling and scored by Tony winner Larry Hochman. Her new album is available on Apple Music by clicking here.
When asked about her personal favorite song on the album, she responded, “They are all sort of my children in a way, and I love them all. If I had to pick, I am most drawn to ‘Please Let’s Not Even Say Hello’ for its bittersweetness and gorgeous soaring melody and ‘By The River’ for its dramatic realization of a person in trouble, who can’t see a way out. Maury has really captured the the torment and Larry Hochman our brilliant orchestrator has found the tumult and the turbulence.”
Success
On her definition of the word success, Clark said, “Peace of mind. Peace and balance in the world. In my relationships, in my work; however I can contribute to that sense of peace is what drives me. Not surprisingly, to find that peace, other explosive states must be acknowledged and explored, even befriended. And this is where being an artist brings me great joy and solace.”
For her fans, she concluded about her Broadway show and album, “What I want them to get out of both: healing. A sense of urgency to live your life and to never give up on your dream. Everything will be okay. More than okay. Trust your own inner compass.”
To learn more about Broadway star Victoria Clark, check out her official website and follow her on Instagram.
