American expat Kristen Evelyn Rossi talks about her life as a performer in Bangkok
| When did you first come to Bangkok and what brought you here? I first came to Bangkok in 2006 on a whim really. I was in between my third and fourth year at acting school and thought, “there’s got to be more to life than head shots and monologues,” so I volunteered for three months at Pattaya Orphanage. When I returned to the States I decided I would graduate early and move out to Thailand for a year or two; have an adventure! When did you establish Broadway Babe and what’s the philosophy behind it? Have you always had a love for Broadway-style entertainment? Justin Brooks (the Creative Director) and I started Broadway Babe at the end of last year and launched our first show in March 2013 at The Hop in Bangkok. The concept is to bring/share Broadway style to Southeast Asia. | 
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| I have loved musical theater since I was a child. From as long as I can remember my mother was showing me old musical films or singing lullabies from famous shows (Rogers and Hammerstein, etc). Growing up in New York I also had the privilege to see lots of Broadway shows. We would go twice a year, usually at Christmas and then for another occasion. Most influential artist? Madonna. She is fierce and tenacious and follows through with what she believes in. I am the same. If I have something I believe in I am committed to the very end. What can we expect from one of your own shows? The shows are one-hour musical revues. The series is called Vintage Nights and each show is different. Different cast, music, storyline, venue, etc. The upcoming show, to be held from November 7-9, is called ‘Swingin’ On Nothing.’ Set in 1941, it is a story about a family in NYC during WWII, swing dance which brings them together and the war which ultimately tears them apart. The cast is small, four performers, one pianist and Justin running lights and sound backstage. The show will have a lot of swing dance (hence the title), which I am excited about as it’s a passion of both mine and my co-star David Fiske’s. We haven’t confirmed the venue yet, but it will be posted on our website. |
Do you ever get nervous before going on stage? If so, how do you deal with it?
I get nervous, JUST before I go out for the opening number. Once I’m on stage and have sung/spoken a few lines then no, focus/adrenaline kick in and I go on autopilot. (Thank goodness!)
Worst experience you’ve ever had on stage?
I can’t remember one if I’m honest! Maybe my subconscious has blocked it from my memory! For the most part, things have gone smoothly. There was one instance a few years back... I started a song up an octave, but luckily fixed it after a line or two. That was a little embarrassing.
And the best experience?
That is an even harder question... there are great moments in every show. A look with someone in the audience or a connection with another character. It’s that connection that drives me and each time it’s different but equally wonderful.
What are the biggest difficulties you face when planning a show here?
Ugh! Well this time it has been getting a venue that fits with our show theme/style and in general, budget. We want to keep upping the bar but that requires more financial backing and getting sponsorship is hard when the production is small. A lot of sponsors want to reach audiences of hundreds of people each night and that is just not our niche. We want to keep Vintage Nights intimate...so getting all the financial backing we need is hard. BUT, we shall persevere; we will get it.
When you’re not busy performing, how do you like to spend your free time?
When I am not working on Broadway Babe I sing at a few hotels including Riva Surya Hotel on Phra Athit Road (Thursday and Sunday) and The Plaza Athénée on Wireless Road (Friday and Saturday). I also teach musical theater twice a week after school at Bangkok Patana School and I am a freelance voice over artist/TVC/film actress.
When I am not working AT ALL, I am swing dancing, teaching myself how to play the guitar and deciding what other goals I want to pursue.
For more info see
www.broadwaybabeasia.com
www.kristenevelynrossi.com
I get nervous, JUST before I go out for the opening number. Once I’m on stage and have sung/spoken a few lines then no, focus/adrenaline kick in and I go on autopilot. (Thank goodness!)
Worst experience you’ve ever had on stage?
I can’t remember one if I’m honest! Maybe my subconscious has blocked it from my memory! For the most part, things have gone smoothly. There was one instance a few years back... I started a song up an octave, but luckily fixed it after a line or two. That was a little embarrassing.
And the best experience?
That is an even harder question... there are great moments in every show. A look with someone in the audience or a connection with another character. It’s that connection that drives me and each time it’s different but equally wonderful.
What are the biggest difficulties you face when planning a show here?
Ugh! Well this time it has been getting a venue that fits with our show theme/style and in general, budget. We want to keep upping the bar but that requires more financial backing and getting sponsorship is hard when the production is small. A lot of sponsors want to reach audiences of hundreds of people each night and that is just not our niche. We want to keep Vintage Nights intimate...so getting all the financial backing we need is hard. BUT, we shall persevere; we will get it.
When you’re not busy performing, how do you like to spend your free time?
When I am not working on Broadway Babe I sing at a few hotels including Riva Surya Hotel on Phra Athit Road (Thursday and Sunday) and The Plaza Athénée on Wireless Road (Friday and Saturday). I also teach musical theater twice a week after school at Bangkok Patana School and I am a freelance voice over artist/TVC/film actress.
When I am not working AT ALL, I am swing dancing, teaching myself how to play the guitar and deciding what other goals I want to pursue.
For more info see
www.broadwaybabeasia.com
www.kristenevelynrossi.com
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