The Broadway veteran talks about her role as Laurey in the hottest ticket in town.
By Rachel Sokol
Next time you’re in NYC, if you don’t already live here, the Broadway musical you must-see is Oklahoma!, the world-famous musical that originated on Broadway back in the 1940s! A famous Rodgers & Hammerstein production; this particular show is a Tony-award winner and received rave reviewers—critics and fans alike like that this production is more modernized while maintaining the same script and plot. Actor Rebecca Naomi Jones stars as the show’s leading lady Laurey Williams—she’s the first woman of color to play Laurey on Broadway. (Rebecca is African-American and Caucasian Jewish.) Oklahoma! closes in early January, so nab your ticket soon; and read on to learn more about this gifted stage starlet.
I admit: When I first heard Oklahoma! was coming back to Broadway, I wasn’t interested in it because I tend to not like old-school musicals. But I loved this production. Why should teens see the show?
I think the strongest draw is that we are taking something 76 years old and looking at it in a very raw, honest way, and not trying to cover up the flaws--I don't mean the flaws in the script, the script is actually so well-written--the flaws of human beings, the way we talk to each other, the way we make choices for other people, the way we back people up into a corner and say, “you're this thing and I choose to evaluate or devaluate you...” We’re taking a look at this text and seeing how little has changed in the 76 years since it was written. It feels like a play with music and the plays feels so inherently appropriate to the time we're living in now.
Tell us about Laurey—how did you make the role your own?
I thought about how she feels about this situation she's in (being pursued by the smitten, flirty Curley) and honestly come from that place as opposed to trying to think of what people think of Laurey as. It’s funny, people will say to me at the theatre’ stage door, “it’s nice to see Laurey with a little attitude and sass.” I don’t see her that at all when she's giving Curly a run for his money. I think she's been expecting him to come by and he waited till the last minute to ask her to this party and has all this swagger--she's trying to take care of herself and wants the truth in every moment. So many people think of her as this delicate flower, but really she’s so strong, and besides—is she supposed to be anything? What drew me to her is that she's being asked to make major choices for herself that will affect her community, and her list of choices is so limited. She has such strength as a young woman trying to figure out how to grow up and that's endlessly exciting for me. It’s nice when audience members tell me: “Laurey’s not the loudest on stage, or speaks the most, but when I watch your face I see everything I need to know.” If they’re lost in the show, they look at me and they know that their your guide.
The show is currently running at Circle in the Square theatre, and the audience sits in a circle, or a U-Shape, around the stage; as opposed to a traditional seating style. You’re close-up to the cast and the show since they’re pretty much at eye-level with you. It’s crucial for audience members to know this in advance, right?
The beauty of having a theatre in the round, is that it's a shared experience, which lends itself an extra deep exploration of what the show is trying to ask us and say to us. Really close, you can see every actor's little expression, and this gives you the opportunity to dive right in and ‘lean in’ and pay close attention. Because of the set design, some people think it looks like a community room or a pine box or rodeo; the round theatre is intended to feel like a conversation between everyone in the room.
What advice do you have for those interested in a career in theatre?
It’s really a journey and you can’t expect it all to come at once. If you’re here for the long run which some people are, it can be a hard gig. You have to have patience with yourself and the process--that means rolling with it when you didn’t get the jobs you want and along w that finding other ways to feel fulfilled in your life--paying attention to other people, finding other activities that make you feel like yourself...you're not just on this earth to be an actor. Also remember to be kind, put yourself in other people's shoes, be curious...you can’t be a good actor if you don’t care about or notice anyone else. Remember that everyone’s important. With shows, preparation is so key--so major--from things like having your headshots done to knowing your material well, to showing up on time and saying ‘yes,’ when someone suggests trying something a new way. Let your ego go when someone gives a critique and you just get better and better the more open you are.
Learn more about Rebecca by visiting her Instagram: @onerebeccajones.