Friday, February 12, 2010

Queen Bea: A Soapsical Interview With BethAnn Bonner

Roger Newcomb and I nearly laughed our heads off at the February 9th performance of "Queen Bea: A Soapsical."  This is a hilarious new musical featuring some of your favorite ONE LIFE TO LIVE stars.  There is one more performance on Saturday February 13th, in Manhattan.  This is absolutely a can't-miss production for soap fans. You can still reserve a seat by calling 212.695.6909.  Then enjoy the below interview with BethAnn Bonner, who plays the eponymous diva of the show. 

We Love Soaps: That play was so awesome. It was wonderful to see you in the role of “Queen Bea.”
BethAnn Bonner: It was a little bit different from the roles you’ve seen me in since I started on soap operas.

We Love Soaps: And even before that on I WANNA BE A SOAP STAR.  I was rooting for you that season! Truly, you can ask my partner. 
BethAnn Bonner: I lost with flying colors but it was one of the funnest experiences. 

We Love Soaps: You’re like the Jennifer Hudson of I WANNA BE A SOAP STAR.  You’re career has turned out so much better than if you had won.
BethAnn Bonner: I had never even seen a soap opera before I went on that show.  I was brought up in a very Christian household where we weren’t allowed to watch any secular TV.  I was like, “I’m going to audition for the reality television show,” and I watched one episode of ALL MY CHILDREN to prep myself.  Then I went, had so much fun, got on the show, and the rest is history.

We Love Soaps: I think the joy you have when you’re acting was evident, and has helped you get these subsequent roles.
BethAnn Bonner: I really enjoy playing make believe.  I love playing dress up.  I love putting on other people’s personalities and playing inside of them...which sounds kind of weird. 

We Love Soaps: As Queen Bea, you were able to make what could have been a one dimensional soap diva quite sympathetic.  I actually felt sorry for her!  There’s a scene where Bea laments having been on her show for 30 years and never pursuing her true passion as a writer.
BethAnn Bonner: That was my hope, that she wasn’t too grandiose and above it all.  I wanted her to have flaws and weaknesses and vulnerability.  But I love this show.  I could sing this show every night and I would never get tired of it. 

We Love Soaps: So what’s next for BethAnn after this?
BethAnn Bonner: I’m recording an album, which is exciting.  I’m doing covers and writing original songs.  Coincidentally the person I’m collaborating with is the composer of this musical. 

We Love Soaps: And that’s wonderful to hear, you have a gorgeous voice.  May I say that at last year’s ABC vs. CBS softball game you were a fabulous hostess.  You made softball fun.  Will you be doing that again this year?
BethAnn Bonner: Any charity event that I’m asked to attend, if they ask me to I will. I’m the vice-president and CFO or a charitable organization called Lily Pearl.  We distribute funds to various children’s charities around the country. 

We Love Soaps: Could you even imagine four years ago that you would be a soap star and doing all these projects?
BethAnn Bonner: I have no idea what my life would have been like if I hadn’t gone on that reality show. 

We Love Soaps: What would you say the secret to your success is so far?
BethAnn Bonner: I don’t know if I’m necessarily successful but I’m super happy.  And I think a lot of that comes from being really grateful and not having a bad attitude when things don’t go the way I want them to.  A lot of actors get yucky and uncomfortable when things don’t go the way they want. Instead of pitching a fit I just say [throws arms up].  God has a different plan, it wasn’t supposed to be.

EDITOR'S NOTE:
Call 212.695.6909 to reserve your tickets for this show!

RELATED:
- We Love Soaps Review of "Queen Bea: A Soapsical"
- Queen Bea: A Soapsical Interview With Bree Williamson
- Queen Bea: A Soapsical Interview With Chris Stack
- Queen Bea: A Soapsical Interview With Jason Tam

Damon L. Jacobs is a Marriage Family Therapist practicing in New York City, and the author of "Absolutely Should-less: The Secret to Living the Stress-Free Life You Deserve". He is re-imagining a world without "shoulds" at www.shouldless.com.

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