Up next in our Actor Interview is Brittney Slater. Brittney returns to us after performing in the World Premier of “Portrait” in 2023 as the scene-stealing Billie. Read through our chat with Brittney to see her thoughts on the show!

What sort of person is going to love this show?

I have been telling a lot of my parent friends about this show. There is a dark humor that grows from cocomelon on repeat that got us all through that toddler phase. The show is also perfect for cycle breakers of dysfunctional families, like myself and many of my friends are. I feel like a good gauge of healing is how well you can joke about your trauma, like how I lost my brother a few years back but it fine now because he’s just hanging out on my dresser from now on.

What’s challenging about bringing this script to life?

This script came with a little homework being that it was set in the 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s. There were some references I had to get better acquainted with for me to portray them accurately.

Why did you want to be involved in this production?

This is actually a pretty interesting full circle moment for me with this show. I had read this back when I was a barely 20 years old. And though I understood waaay less of the show than I do now, it helped me understand that my life was been a lot more traumatic than I had considered it to be. More than 10 years, a baby, and countless therapy sessions later I get to play a character hadn’t foreseen myself playing for another 10 years (or so that hot mess 20 year old thought). It feels like hearing a song you grew up listening to completely different having experienced it.

Who should not come see this show?

The Million Dollar Question! I’m gonna say it like Nanny, “There is no right or wrong answer, only fun” Baby, don’t come looking to take any of this seriously. This show lives in the universe of a SNL skits. I believe that if I have to explain myself where I meant well you never wanted to see me as well meaning. Otherwise this is the most absurd show you will see all year, join in the fun or just don’t come.

How is this production bringing something new to this story?

I honestly don’t know how to answer this without spoiling it for y’all. But I think we all have a deeper understanding and kind of gratitude for how art and society has changed since this show premiered 20 years ago.

What’s going to surprise people about this show?

 Surprisingly no bath tub in the show. Sorry folks!

Call someone out by name: who must come see this production?

Jason B. And the rest of my leadership team. I was still pretty new to the company and didn’t think I would get the flexibility to make rehearsals. I would love for them to see what it was all worth.

What is your favorite line in the show?

There’s a part where Daisy is venting about the hatred toward Helen (mom) and I find it so relatable. That journey to forgiving your parents shortcomings is the hardest labor of love.

Who in the show is most like their character?

Parker definitely! He is so resilient like Daisy. He has overcome similar issues with identity and has been able to find a life full of happiness from it.

Who is the least?

Morghan. She is far better than all of her characters; smarter, more practical, kinder. The fact that she is taking on this project at such a young age is the most impressive thing about it all. She’s a girl boss.

What sort of person is going to love this character?

The sort of person who enjoys unhinged and liberated female characters. That true for all the characters I play.

How is this character like you? How is this character different from you?

I think we are similar in way we are passionate about are beliefs. But I am not at all as physical or aggressive as she or any of my other characters are. At least not immediately.

What do you love about your character?

I get to crochet on stage as one of my characters. Never thought that would come in handy.

What do you hate about your character?

Yelling at Morghan. But it’s easier when she yells back.

What’s the biggest challenge about taking on this role?

The challenge  to focus on the story about Daisy and not the baby.

Besides yourself, what celebrity would you like to see tackle this character?

If they had to do all 3 characters? I’d say Melissa McArthy or Uzo Aduba (Orange is the New Black)

Without giving anything away, what’s your favorite line of dialogue?

 Helen and John do this “Fussy wussy baby” bit that’s funny and sweet to me because I never realized where I got that from when my daughter was an infant.

Besides yourself, which actor in this production is going to blow people away?

Beware of Payton. She will have you in stitches. The girl is just naturally funny but she is a riot in this part.

If you could play any other character in this show, who would it be?

As much fun as Helen would be to play, I would love to play Cynthia. Just for the opportunity to be young and dumb again if only on stage.