Alexandra Frohlinger Talks West Side Story

From left: Casey Garvin, Alexandra Frohlinger, Nathan Keen and Jon Drake.Pic: © Carol Rosegg 2011

On May 8^th, Toronto will be welcoming Broadway’s hit revival of ‘West Side Story’. Presented by Dancap Productions, the classic musical written by theatre legends Arthur Laurents, Leonard Bernstein, and Stephen Sondeim will re-imagine our favorite tale of rival gangs, The Jets and The Sharks.

Winnipeg-born, Alexandra Frohlinger, joins the production as ‘Anybodys’- the girl who desperately wants to become the only female member of the Jets.

Shalom Life caught up with Frohlinger to discuss her love for musical theatre, West Side Story, and her preparation for ‘Anybodys’.

Ashley Baylen (AB): Your training began at a young age in various styles of dance. Why did you decide to focus on musical theatre instead of pursuing a career in dance?

Alexandra Frohlinger (AF): I don’t recall ever making a conscious decision, it just sort of happened. For a while I wanted to be a classical ballerina, however, I couldn’t get into the training schools for classical because of structural “problems” with my body (feet, turn out etc.) What I love about theater is there is no “right.” Classical ballet has very stringent guidelines about how a line or pose is supposed to look. In theater, if one way doesn’t work for you try another until you’ve achieved your tactic. Additionally I love music and I love to sing. It seems to me that the marriage of my passions: (singing, dancing and acting) lies in Musical theater and by “choosing” musical theater, I don’t have to choose!

AB: You play Anybodys in the national tour of West Side Story. How do you prepare to portray a tomboy that wants so desperately to join an all-male gang?

AF: “Tomboy” is a general term. In order to accurately portray this character you have to delve deeper than just the surface appearance. You have to ask yourself “what does this character want?” What Anybodys wants is the protection and the belonging associated with being a member of the jets gang. In the world of West Side Story the only way that women can be in the gang is by dating one of the jets. Anybodys doesn’t want to a member by association, she wants to be a member on her own. As a result, in order to get in the gang, she must act, dress and essentially become “male.”

AB: Were you a fan of West Side Story before joining the cast?

AF: West Side Story is my absolute favorite musical. I had the opportunity to play Anybodys my sophomore year at The Boston Conservatory (where I got my BFA in musical theater). To have the opportunity to re-visit the role after graduating, with better knowledge and understanding, in such a monumental production, is truly a ream come true!

AB: What has been your favourite role to play in your career thus far?

AF: Anybodys has really been the highlight of my career so far. However, if I had to pick another role, the summer before starting this show, I had the opportunity to play Maureen in "Rent" at Rainbow Stage in Winnipeg, which was a total blast!

AB: Do you have a dream role?

AF: My experience with “West Side Story” has really been a dream come true for me. However, my “dream” is to originate something new. I would love to put my “stamp” on a role and have it become known as “mine.”

AB: Do you enjoy the experience of being "on the road" with a tour? How does it differ from playing a show in one location?

AF: It is very thrilling to play different cities, regions and countries. I have learned so much about the geography of this continent first hand, whereas most people simply study and read about it in books. Every city is different and as a result, every audience is as well. When you sit down in one place with a show, the timing is often set: you know when the audience will laugh and clap and you come to expect specific reactions during certain points in the show. However, when you travel around the audience response is different. You really have to listen and focus on the feedback you are getting from the house. It makes it a lot easier to keep the show alive and “fresh” which can sometimes become a challenge with a long running show like ours.

AB: Can you describe the experience of being on CBC's "Triple Sensation"?

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