INTERVIEW: Jane Krakowski Takes Town Hall
The Tony Award-winning star discusses her new concert, returning to Broadway, and the final season of 30 Rock.
On Friday, June 8, Krakowski will show off her consummate skill as a concert performer in Jane Krakowski Live at Manhattan's The Town Hall. TheaterMania recently spoke to the award-winning star about the show, returning to Broadway, and her thoughts on the final season of 30 Rock.
THEATERMANIA: What does it mean to you to play Town Hall?
JANE KRAKOWSKI: Having grown up in New Jersey, I am so lucky to be able to finally play Town Hall. I always remember walking by and seeing everyone's posters outside. I am really thrilled.
TM: How is your Town Hall show going to be different from some of your past concert and cabaret performances?
JK: It will have pieces from some of my other shows -- and it will have the same fun and sexy vibe -- but I'm really getting to open things up. Not only does the songlist include some of my favorite songs from the theater shows I've done, but it's also a tribute to so many of the women I've admired over the years, like Mitzi Gaynor, Eartha Kitt, and Ann-Margaret. And those girls always had boys, so this time, we are getting boys. I've always wanted to have boys.
TM: Some of the songs in your act you've been performing for many years. Do you ever get tired of that material?
JK: I tend not to pick a song unless I really love it and I think it's going to bring fun to the audience. So I'm not tired of doing them.
TM: Your son, Bennett, is a little over a year old. Has he affected your choice of material?
JK: It's funny, the songs that are going around my head the most these days are from this group called "Music for Aardvarks," which are these city-specific children's songs that bring my son much joy. They really get him smiling and dancing. I really should include a medley of them in my show.
TM: Does Bennett have a favorite song of yours?
JK: Of course, Bennett doesn't understand what I do for a living, but he likes it when I sing around the house. His favorite song is "A Bushel and a Peck," which I sang in Michael Grandage's London production of Guys and Dolls. But it's a very different version than the one we're used to -- let's just say we brought it to a whole new level.
TM: NBC just announced that next year will be the final season of 30 Rock -- only 13 episodes. When the show is over, do you plan to come back to Broadway?
JK: I would love to come back to theater; it's my favorite thing to do. After Ally McBeal ended, I had one of my favorite all-time experiences doing Nine, so if the right show comes along, we'll see what happens.
TM: Do you think a Broadway run would be different now that you're a working mother?
JK: I am not sure what eight shows a week would be like. I should call some of my friends, like Sherie Rene Scott and Kelli O'Hara, and ask their advice for how they do it.
TM: Do you have any idea what to expect on the final season of 30 Rock?
JK: It's all a total surprise to me; it's probably all being created right now in the genius mind of Tina Fey. I'm just really glad that NBC gave us the opportunity to give the show a proper ending.
JK: I hope so. I adore working with Will Forte and some of my favorite moments on the show have come from their unconventional relationship. But whenever I try to guess what's going to happen on 30 Rock, it ends up wackier and more extraordinary than I ever imagined!