Jenni Barber has graced the stage in some of the most exciting roles of all time, including Olive Ostrovsky in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Glinda the Good Witch in Wicked, and has learned from some of the greatest Broadway legends such as Nathan Lane and Julie White. Currently starring in Barrington Stage Company’s new musical, Presto Change-O, at St. Germain Stage in Pittsfield, Masschusetts, Barber is saying yes to believing in magic – and allowing herself to be in awe of the theater during every performance.
StageBuddy got the chance to speak with Barber about this magnificent production, working with director Marc Bruni and an all-star cast, and the importance of playing to different theater communities outside of Manhattan. Plus, we geek out about Spelling Bee!!
What was it about this particular musical that really piqued your interest?
Jenni Barber: I love being a part of new work and anything that is original – and this is a completely new piece of musical theatre, which is always exciting. I knew that Marc Bruni was directing, and I love working with him and there’s such an amazing cast attached! When they invited me to be a part of it, I knew that it was going to be a good time!
The meaning of family is a key theme in this production. Tell me a little bit about how it comes to be defined among the three generations?
It’s three generations of magicians. The oldest is of the Harry Blackstone kind of archetype, played by Lenny Wolpe and the middle is the David Copperfield type played by Michael Rupert, and Jarrod Spector plays the youngest – sort of a David Blaine type of endurance. I’m the only one who is not part of the family – I play Michael Rupert’s assistant. My character is obsessed with magic, the history of magic, the future of magic, and someday wants to be an accomplished magician herself.
Can you describe the journey of your character, Tina, as she finds her place within the family dynamic?
I love being surprised and having that challenge of trying to unravel something and figure out how it works, so that’s what magic has become for me in the process. I love playing Tina because she’s sort of an old soul, in the way that she is so infatuated with magic and its place in the world. She’s very academic, but is also aspiring to become a performer – I love that juxtaposition.
For me personally, I am in awe of the magic that theater can create. As an actress and as a theatergoer and an artist, that’s the most exciting part for me.
What has it been like working with director Marc Bruni [of Broadway’s Beautiful] and this exceptional cast?
It’s an amazing cast – everyone is so extraordinary. You’ve got Barbara Walsh, Michael Rupert, Lenny Wolpe, Bob Walton, Jarrod Spector, all at the top of their game, and I’ve been fans of theirs from different projects. I worked with Marc Bruni last year for the first time in Paint Your Wagon and had such a ball. Everyone is just so talented and funny, and just so smart – we’re all having a blast together.
Looking back on your career, is there a moment that really stands out to you as solidifying your decision to be a part of this industry?
It’s so hard to pick, because I’ve been extremely fortunate to work with such amazing artists. Working with Nathan Lane in The Nance was probably one of the best – it just felt like one of the greatest training grounds that I’ve had for theater. I’m so grateful to have been on the same stage as him. I was such a fan of his as a kid and he’s taught me so much in so many ways.
Do you have a favorite aspect of performing outside of NY?
Personally, it’s so important to get outside of yourself and know that there’s a world outside of Manhattan and Broadway. You will be able to find a community in every town in the world that you travel to. It’s important to know that everyone has their own perspective and you will find that by spending time in different places. It really delights and surprises you, and is such a terrific learning experience.
With this run lasting a little over three weeks – does it seem like a whirlwind or an experience that you can stop and savor?
No matter how long the run is, you always feel like there’s more you can do! It’s so exciting though. Theater is really about discovery and enjoying every moment.
Who do you think would make a better magician – Olive Ostrovsky or Glinda the Good Witch?
Honestly, Olive! She’s really observant and has such a focus and a peacefulness about her – you definitely need to be grounded to get all those tricks right. She’d be surprising – you wouldn’t see it coming with Olive. My money’s on her!
Catch Jenni in Barrington Stage Company’s Presto Change-O at St. Germain Stage through June 11th. For more on the show, visit: https://barringtonstageco.org/
