Actress and singer Libby Lane now tackles a new role and this time she's channeling an icon. Playing the part of Ethel Merman in the new show Book of Merman has Lane teaming up with two missionaries searching for entertainment.
Libby Lane is an artistic associate with Pride Films & Plays. Some of her past works have included The View Upstairs, Assassins, and Rosemary Clooney's Baby.
After the performance once night the talented thespian and open lesbian met for a quick chat.
Windy City Times: Hi, Libby Lane. Is that your real name?
Libby Lane: It's Elizabeth, but I have been Libby since kindergarten. I went to Millikin and my first day of acting class when we were all nervous my acting teacher noticed my name and called me a star. That was a really poignant moment for me.
WCT: There is a bishop with the same name.
Libby Lane: I know. I started getting all of these friend requests from around the globe the day that he became famous.
WCT: The name Book of Merman can be a little tricky.
Libby Lane: We have had a few people show up here thinking they had tickets for Book of Mormon. They were pleasantly surprised of course. There is a little crossing of wires now that they are back in Chicago. If someone is not theater-savvy, they may think these book of Mormon tickets are really cheap!
WCT: Have you seen Book of Mormon?
Libby Lane: Oh, yeah. I was totally in love with it. I wish we could do a Mormon versus Merman thing. The cast could attend one night and we could battle it out!
WCT: What is your theater background?
Libby Lane: I went to Millikin for my undergrad, then I went straight to Western Illinois University to get my masters degree there. I was in seven years of training straight through. They both have fabulous programs.
WCT: When did you come out of the closet?
Libby Lane: I came out to myself in grad school. Once I fully realized that within myself I looked back on my life and saw how obvious it was. I grew up in a small conservative farming town. I guess that wasn't on my radar. I have a couple of friends that were from there and they knew they were gay right away but they said their life was hell.
I came out shortly to my parents after I came out to myself. I didn't wait a long time to be honest about my life.
WCT: So was it a huge deal for you?
Libby Lane: I was really lucky to be in the theater. I have never been a position career wise where I had to hide a part of who I was. It was a difficult period of adjustment for my family for about five years. Now they have come around and are completely my biggest fans. It is a non issue, which is amazing.
WCT: I noticed you worked with [Hell in a Handbag's] David Cerda.
Libby Lane: Of course. Once a Handbagger, always a Hell in a Handbagger. I have done several shows with him and they have all been fabulous.
WCT: That must have helped you with Merman.
Libby Lane: It has some camp, doesn't it? I think that is what I thrive on.
WCT: Did you watch a lot of Ethel Merman videos?
Libby Lane: I did. I did a lot of research. I found out I would playing this role last summer. It gave me an extra boost to start really digging in to who Ethel Merman was. There were a lot of parallels with my life and her—the foul mouth, brassy, loud. Interesting. David Zak, the director, and I have had a lot of interesting conversations about "Is she or isn't she?" We let the audience choose their own adventure, so at the end of the show some people will still wonder. Is it really Ethel Merman or some loony lady?
I haven't had a chance to talk to audiences after the show to get their perspective. I would be interested in people's opinions.
WCT: The show could have been set in the '80s.
Libby Lane: It is set in a mystical place and time. It is not established.
WCT: You could have easily just played her as a caricature.
Libby Lane: Right off the bat, we knew we didn't want to do that. That is exactly what I didn't want to do. Unless you are doing drag I feel that it can pull the audience out of the realness of the piece. There is a lot of quiet special moments in the show. If I were just a caricature then I think that would turn people off.
I wanted to find more realness, not buffoonery. I wanted to keep a little of me also and not be larger than life. We had discussions about not doing 90 minutes of Ethel Merman's voice.
WCT: That could be tough on your voice, also.
Libby Lane: Leo Schwartz has written the music beautifully for my range. It has been awesome. I have done over 35 shows and been vocally fine. It is right in my sweet spot.
WCT: Having the audience participate with singing seems like a fun idea.
Libby Lane: It has been hit or miss, more hit though. I have a backup plan in case the audience is terrified. I see people put their head down sometimes. I never want to make people feel uncomfortable or put people on the spot. We had three amazing people tonight like you saw.
WCT: Is everything coming up roses for you?
Libby Lane: Yes, we are talking about this run being open ended. I don't think any of us understood how special this production would become. It is such a hit and the little engine, or show, that could. Our end is scheduled through April 5 but we will see what is beyond that. Everything is coming up Merman!
Is she the real Merman or an imposter? Come up with your own answer at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., now running through April 5. Visit pridefilmsandplays.com or call 773-935-6100 for ticket information.
