It’s every aspiring Northwestern actor’s fantasy: Girl graduates from NU’s prestigious musical theatre program, moves to New York City and lands a part in a Tony Award-winning Broadway show. Sabrina Scherff, a 2001 graduate of the School of Communication, is in Chicago with the touring cast of “Hairspray,” which she joined after performing in the show on Broadway. As one of the Dynamites, a ’60s girl group, Scherff will be in town with “Hairspray” until Feb. 15. For tickets and info, visit www.hairsprayontour.com.
PLAY: You started out as a swing (understudy for all roles) in the Broadway show of “Hairspray.” How were you cast?
Sabrina Scherff: I got the part in October of 2002. The show had opened in August on Broadway, and then they had a last-minute problem with the swing they had hired. They were looking for an immediate replacement. I went to the audition and my agent called me the same day and asked, “Would you like to make your Broadway debut in ‘Hairspray?'” I was so excited.
PLAY: How soon were you on stage?
SS: It was actually a turnaround of about four days. It was a Monday audition, then I rehearsed Tuesday and a little bit Wednesday. On Thursday, they told me I’d be going on Friday for one of the girls who had a knee injury. It was almost better that way because I didn’t have time to really think about it.
PLAY: What was it like to finally be on Broadway?
SS: It was exhilarating. The whole idea of going to New York was to be on Broadway. It was probably the hardest I’d ever danced because I was just so excited. It was a huge test, too — you’re thinking, “This is it, you better do it right.” It was great.
PLAY: Does it feel different to perform on Broadway than it does anywhere else?
SS: Not really. The first day, I was thinking, “Wow, this is Broadway,” looking at the marquee outside. But after those first couple performances, it’s the same as being onstage at Cahn and doing a great show.
PLAY: In “Hairspray,” the main character spends most of the musical trying to racially integrate a popular television show. As a performer, have you had to deal with issues of race in your own career?
SS: I think that the overall theme of the show is really that line that Motormouth Maybelle says, “You gotta love yourself from the inside out.” When you love yourself from the inside out, you have to love the people around you. In terms of my own career, it is difficult sometimes both on stage and television/ film. I’m biracial, and because my skin color is so light, it’s hard for me to find a place one way or the other. It’s been difficult for me, but ultimately I’ve come to a place where I’m comfortable and happy with who I am.
