5 Questions for...Betty Buckley

We’re a-buzz with holiday events for our Los Angeles supporters, and we’re especially excited for Musical Mondays at the historic Pantages with Tony® Award winner Betty Buckley on December 5, 2011. She’ll be performing her show new show “Ah, Men! The Boys of Broadway!” Ms. Buckley recently answered a few questions for us about her incredible career, and her support of The Fund.

Actors Fund:  Why, in your words, is it important to support The Actors Fund?
Betty Buckley:  The Actors Fund does extraordinary work for so many members of our artistic community. It serves people of all ages in need or crisis in the performing arts community. It is my privilege to be able to offer my concert work in support of such a noble, big-hearted organization.

AF:  You were given the gift of one of the most uniquely beautiful voices in musical theatre. When did you realize you had this gift and when did you begin performing professionally?
BB:  Wow, what a lovely thing to say! Thank you so much. I was 11 years old when I discovered through my two dance teachers Ed Holleman and Larry Howard (both of whom who had danced for Bob Fosse in Broadway shows and on tour) that my voice had a special quality. Prior to that, I had always been placed on the back row of our elementary school chorus and admonished to “blend in.” I started performing regularly at age 11 under the mentorship of my two teachers and with the support of my Mother Betty Bob.  I made my professional debut as Dainty June in our regional theatre production of Gypsy when I was 15.

AF:  Did you have a mentor when you first began performing? Now that you are a seasoned Broadway veteran, do you serve as anybody’s mentor?
BB:  I’ve been a teacher for over 40 years. Everything I’ve ever learned of quality I’ve learned from great teachers. I feel it is my responsibility to pass along the beautiful tools that have been given to me.

AF: What are some of your favorite Broadway roles? Are there any you’d like to revisit if you had the chance?
BB:  I think of Grizabella in Cats as one of my dearest friends, a great teacher and my soul companion. And I loved playing Norma Desmond of course in Sunset Boulevard for a year in London and a year on Broadway. I revisit both ladies regularly in concert.

AF: What can eager audience members look forward to hearing from you at Musical Mondays at the Pantages on December 5?
BB:  My collaborator Christian Jacob and I, with Matt Betton on drums and Peter Barshay on bass, will be offering our new show: “Ah, Men! The Boys of Broadway.” We just completed a beautiful month long run at Feinstein’s in New York.   I can’t wait to share my wonderful new collection of men’s songs from Broadway with my friends in LA.