Lindsay Mendez

Q & A with Lindsay Mendez when she starred as 'Betty Jean' in The Marvelous Wonderettes which played at Off-Broadway's Westside Theatre (Upstairs) from 29 Aug 2008 - 3 Jan 2010.

Date of birth
March 1

Place of birth
Downey, California

Currently living in
Midtown, Manhattan

Did you go to training school, if so which one?
I attended the Orange County High School of the Arts in Santa Ana, California.

As an actor, do you have a preference for stage, tv or film?
I love performing on stage. There is nothing like getting the feeling you get from an audience during a live performance. It is instantly gratifying...who wouldn't love it?

Your first stage performance.
When I was 6, I played Gretyl in The Sound Of Music at my community theater. That's where it all started.

Career highlight to date.
Getting to perform along side Sherie Rene Scott in "Everyday Rapture" at 2nd Stage Theater. It was so inspiring and thrilling to work with her, and the entire team on that production.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?
Probably falling....I fall ALOT on stage. Not the most stable human being on my feet. I tend to fall most running up stairs. I had to run up on a platform in Grease right before I sang a song, and was introduced and completely bit it running up there...caught myself with one arm on the railing, and definitely performed "It's Raining on Prom Night" with blood dripping down my arm. Excellent.

What roles would you most like to play?
I would love to play Eva Peron in Evita one day. Other than that, I am mainly interested in developing new roles on new musicals. I love that process.

Who are your Favourite actors?
Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Sherie Rene Scott, Christine Ebersole, Patti Lupone, Bette Midler.

What is the most annoying part about your job?
I'd have to say the most annoying part is that you can't do our job when you don't feel well. Alot of people can make it through their regular 9 to 5 job if they are under the weather...and that just doesn't happen when you are a singer and have to bring the energy you need to a show. If you aren't on your game and feeling your best, it is HARD to make it through.

If you hadn't become a performer, what might you have done instead?
I always say I would be a Veterinarian, because I am in love with animals. But, I don't know how cool I would be with certain aspects of that job.

If you could meet anyone in the world dead or alive who would it be and what would you say to them?
Judy Garland...I would ask her if she had to do it all over again, would she?

Favourite after-show haunts
Trattoria Tre Colori on 47th and 8th

Favourite books
"Eat, Pray, Love," "The Red Tent," "The Alchemist."

Favourite films
Any MGM Movie Musical, "The Sterile Cuckoo," "When Harry Met Sally," "Annie Hall."

Favourite TV programs
MAD MEN.

Favourite holiday destinations
California, to visit my family.

Do you have any hobbies?
I love to knit, play guitar, and work with my band, "Limbsakimbo."

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
My Guitar, matches, and a new book I hadn't read.

What are your future plans?
There is definitely hope that 'Everyday Rapture' will make a Broadway transfer next year. I am also working on a new musical called, 'Band Geeks!,' which was featured at the NAMT Festival this year. It is a fantastic piece written by Tommy Newman, Gaby Alter, Mark Allen, and Gordon Greenberg.

Do you have any superstitions?
In this business, I have learned that everything happens and works out the way it should...so, no.