After making her Broadway debut in Beautiful - The Carole King Musical last spring, Jessica Keenan Wynn is stepping back into the shoes of one of music history’s most iconic women: Cynthia Weil. Bursting onto the scene with her husband and songwriting partner, Barry Mann, Weil penned some of the most iconic songs of the 1950s and '60s, including “On Broadway” for The Drifters, “Walking in the Rain” for The Ronettes, “You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin” for The Righteous Brothers, and countless others. Her tenacity, wit, charm, style, and determination set her apart in a fiercely male-dominated business and has resulted in a legacy that continues to transcend generations -- one that audiences can experience every night as Ms. Wynn takes the stage at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
StageBuddy had the chance to chat with Wynn about going back to the early days of rock and roll, Cynthia’s sweet and amusing relationship with husband Barry Mann and friendship with the legendary Carole King, and the show’s anthem of female empowerment.
Congrats on making your return to Beautiful this spring! What are you most excited about coming back to this role – do you feel like you are visiting an old friend at this point or are you excited to keep making new discoveries about Cynthia?
Jessica Keenan Wynn: I am really excited to step back into this role! The great thing about playing Cynthia is that I was able to look to the strong females in my life – my mother, grandmother, and aunt – and use that inspiration in my role. It is so much fun for me to “try” on Cynthia and channel her determination, passion, and focus when it came to climbing to the top in such a tough industry ruled by men. It is such a joy to play Cynthia. I’ve been lucky enough to develop a relationship with her and she has been nothing but supportive. She told me “thanks for making me look so good” and it really doesn’t get any better than having that approval!
Barry and Cynthia are so entertaining to watch on stage because they have such different ideas about everything! What is your favorite part about their relationship and why do you think they fit so well together?
I love their authenticity and respect for each other. While they are not afraid to be direct and speak their minds, it is always done with a sense of humor as well as a mutual admiration. That honesty is what makes their relationship work. It’s wonderful to witness the underlying love they have for each other – it’s the real thing!
I’m looking forward to discovering new aspects with Ben [Jacoby] this time around and diving into their relationship all over again!
Tell me a little bit about your experience with Chilina Kennedy when it comes to interpreting Carole and Cynthia’s friendship. How are they able to remain so close in such a competitive industry?
Their friendship is really defined by such a deep respect for each other. While they are competing for that next #1 song and it is about the drive and focus, it is by no means conniving or malicious. In reality, the competitive nature results in the two pushing each other to be the best songwriters and human beings that they can be and is really something special.
It is thrilling to see the music industry of the past come to life. What is the most fascinating part of that experience for you?
I’ve actually never written a song myself, so envisioning it is very tough. With this role, it’s so exciting to see their drive and creativity being poured into every note, every melody. While the process they go through – pitching a song and awaiting approval – seems daunting, it’s wonderful to be able to take a step back and see that through a new lens. It teaches you to let go and trust your instincts and material – having faith that it will resonate with the right audience.
Being part of a young cast, how do you personally connect to Barry and Cynthia’s music and why do you think it is so timeless?
I’m really such a fan of enjoying things in life – whether it’s good food, fashion, music – and have such an appreciation for any aesthetic when it’s done simply and really well. The simple intention of a song has so much value and that underlying complex is true gold. These ideas of love, loss, and friendship that are in so many of these songs such as “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “Walking in the Rain” are so universal and really stay with you.
Cynthia has such incredible style – if you could steal any one of her outfits, which would it be?
I love her vacation outfit in Act One – the tweed pants, silk blouse, and knee-high boots. My style is so simple and casual, so getting to play dress up in Cynthia’s clothes makes me feel so feminine. I also really love the coat she wears at the end of Act Two when attending Carole’s concert – it’s actually what I get the most compliments on. It really takes you back to the time when people dressed up to go places and I appreciate that nostalgia.
The anthem of the show is female empowerment. How do you hope audiences will carry that message with them after the final curtain and is there a certain characteristic of Cynthia’s that has inspired you most as a young woman?
I really believe that it’s about having this steady, streamlined, intense focus. It’s so easy to get sidetracked by jealousy and insecurity, but the difference with these two powerful women is that they really believed in what they had to offer. They created this soundtrack for all generations – and that legacy continues to live on. It is so important to have a strong sense of belief in yourself and be able to block out the outside influences and just focus on the end goal, which is to do what makes you happy and hopefully inspire others in the process. These ladies are such strong female figures just by being themselves.
Jessica returns to the cast of Beautiful on April 26th. For more on the show, visit: https://beautifulonbroadway.com/
