Melissa Strom Dreams
Big In Jersey Boys
Melissa StromWho, or what, inspired you to pursue a career in acting?
I get inspired by seeing a great movie, going to the theatre, watching a great episode of my favorite show, reading and hanging around my talented friends. Inspiration comes and goes, jobs come and go but my family has always remained constant through my career. I can always count on my Mom, Dad and two sisters and their children to be in the audience smiling and clapping. For me, inspiration grows from my confidence so my family’s support serves as my foundation and is very important to me.
How did you find out about Jersey Boys?
The first time I became aware of JERSEY BOYS was when my manager called me with an audition for the first national tour of the show. All I knew was my character’s description. I knew the songs were “oldies” so that helped me prepare stylistically for my song choice, what to wear and deciding on my character choices.
Where you able to see the performance before auditioning?
I auditioned and was cast out of LA so I did not see JERSEY BOYS before I auditioned, was offered the role or even before I started rehearsals. I did research online, watched clips on You Tube and checked out the show’s web site. A week into rehearsal I was able to stand at the back of the theatre and watch the Broadway cast.
What scenes did you read for in your audition?
I was given thirty pages of sides, music for “Boyfriends Back” and told to pick my own song in the “style” of the show. Originally, casting brought me in for “Lorraine” and “Francine.” I started with the breakup scene (when Lorraine leaves Frankie) but didn’t get too far. It’s such a serious scene for an audition situation and I had just sang this upbeat song. I think I dropped my script and started laughing and the room melted into giggles and that was the end of my “Lorraine” attempt. I did the “Francine” phone call scene and four other scenes and then the audition was over. “Thank you and goodbye.” I was genuinely excited to do all the scenes because I thought they were well written and full of life. After that I had a callback in LA and a final callback in NYC.
Which role(s) do you play?
I play eighteen different characters. That’s eighteen separate and distinct costume changes during the course of one show using ten wigs (restyled and poofed for each new character) and about fourteen shoe changes. (A couple pairs of my show shoes come from Paraguay and most of the heels were custom painted and glittered to match my costumes!) The detailed costumes, wigs and shoes help get me into character especially when I’m running backstage to my next entrance, doubling (singing) for “Frankie,” changing into my next costume and getting my props all in darkness. With only three girls in the show at eight times a week it is a wild, demanding ride that requires focus, energy and stamina!
Have you had any surprises when onstage performing for an audience?
All the time. Instead of “live” theatre I call in “alive” theatre! One time an older lady started talking to me during the “Francine/Frankie” phone call scene. I guess she was really wrapped up the story and cared so much about the characters that she didn’t want Francine/me to get into any trouble! I stand right on the edge of the stage...I thought she was going to come up and join me! Another time my blonde wig fell off in “Short Shorts” I was shakin’ my thang and the wig started sliding further and further until it was on the floor! Hilarious! Miles Aubrey and his guitar scooped it up and we all grooved off stage with what looked to be a dead rat/my wig in his hands! Actors forget lines, drop things, make up bazaar dance moves to get back on track so when this happens during a show I think it’s fun! It keeps you on your toes and with two thousand people watching, it’s a rush to try to “fix it” on the spot. P.S. There have been lots of things thrown onstage during curtain call. We’re talking flowers, posters, under garments, jewelry, letters, stuffed animals...I’d always crack up during the “Oh What A Night” reprise. Here we are finishing this dramatic story, trying not to step on all this stuff (in three inch heels), trying to figure out what it is, who’s going to pick it up and take it off stage, the audience is standing and clapping, we’re still performing (dancing and singing) I’m cracking up and laughing. It is such a good time!
What backstage information can you give us?
If you’ve seen the show, you’ll notice that the band is nowhere in sight. All the actors have is a small black and white monitor to get their music cues. The conductor and his band are actually playing in a small room under the stage. Their instruments are hooked up to the speakers in the audience, so when you run past them all you see is a bunch of musicians strumming their instruments with no sound and on stage it’s like blaring loud! Another thing that cracks me up: during “I Cried For You” there is a coke that we give to “Bob Gaudio” after he sings and we “pretend” to remove the bottle cap. So Bob has to “pretend” to take a swig from a coke with the cap still on it. I always think to myself, can the audience see this? Do they know what’s really going on? There is so much to look at on stage and I get a kick out of the show tricks.
What is the most important thing that you’ve taken from this particular show?
JERSEY BOYS marks the first time I’ve performed in a smash mega hit that’s won the Tony Award so everything becomes heightened. Essentially the audience is so enthralled because it’s the great American story set to the great American soundtrack. Every audience member can identity with something in JERSEY BOYS; the music, the characters, the story. As an actor knowing that you’re a part of something bigger than yourself is rewarding creatively, spiritually and well, it’s just a lot fun to be singing and bopping to Four Seasons music and entertaining sold out audiences.
I’ve learned that my job is to make the show seamless so from the audience’s perspective dancing, singing and playing eighteen roles looks easy. But in reality there are fourteen actors working very hard to “float” through the show. My admiration and respect for working theatre actors has shot through the roof, especially the professionals that tour. It’s a lot harder than it looks. Traveling, living out of a suitcase, missing holidays with family, performing in eight shows a week when your sick, wearing three inch heels while pushing furniture, playing multiple roles, doubling backstage. BUT I’ve also learned that if an actor wants it badly enough, go get it and hold on because being in JERSEY BOYS is a fantastic ride worth experiencing.
Have there been any other productions that have influenced your life?
When I was eight my family went to see FORTY SECOND STREET at the Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh, NC and I thought I had died and gone to heaven. Girls were tap dancing on revolving giant coins in amazing costumes and Peggy Sawyer could sing, dance AND act. I recognized shuffle steps and ball changes and thought to myself, “I want to do that, I can already do some of those steps. So I decided to work for it and well, here I am.
Have you had any sort of odd jobs in between shows?
I am the queen of part time jobs! Last year I had fifteen W2’s and 1099’s, my tax woman was going to kill me! In between a steady gig or when the residual checks from a previous commercial or TV job simmers down, I have partaken in children’s theatre, substitute teaching, directing, catering, script reading, office assisting, hostessing, advertising, and promoting and party planning. My favorite is when I get called to do a “focus group.” I love giving my opinion and testing new products. I’ve tested cheese, lipstick, video games, cookies and cars. But during all these jobs I can’t wait to book my next acting gig.
What advice could you give to someone who wanted to pursue a career in the performing arts?
See everything! Go to the theatre, movies, Netflix, and Tivo every play, musical, TV show and film out there. Take lessons or classes in the things that interest you and stick with it even when it get tough, or you get tired or feel like giving up. Every opportunity is a gift so make as many as you can and never take for granted the ones that are given to you. And above all else, always, always be yourself. This is your common denominator that will get you through the best of times and the worst of times while your studying, pursuing or winning your Tony Award!
How has your career evolved?
I started taking dance lessons when I was very young and loved it. Dance paved the way to performing in the school musicals and plays, cheerleading, taking voice lessons, and taking theatre classes. In high school, I signed with my first agent in Dallas and started doing print and promo jobs. At the same time, I won dance scholarships to NY and LA and scouted out colleges in those cities. After my senior year of high school, I earned my union card in a touring production of the MUSIC MAN. While at USC (University of Southern California) I started auditioning and booking jobs in LA. After graduating, I began working in commercials, TV guest spots and regional theatres and developed my web site.
Where do you see yourself after Jersey Boys?
I’m thankful for where my career is at and that I’m even able to pursue something I really love and have passion for. A lot of time, hard work and dedication took place for me to be in JERSEY BOYS so I definitely want to enjoy the ride before having to hit the pavement and audition again. BUT I think it’s important to dream big too! A change of pace from a musical to a play or doing a film/TV project would be ideal where I play less than eighteen characters. Broadway, a series regular on TV or a commercial would be icing on the cake! Whatever I do I want my parents and teachers to be proud of my work (me included).
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