In ELLE's new column Showstoppers, theater's biggest stars open up about the moments in their careers where they had to embody the famous phrase "the show must go on." In this month's edition, Shoshana Bean, currently starring in Hell's Kitchen at the Public Theater, recounts her experience taking over as Elphaba in Wicked after Idina Menzel fell through a trapdoor.
Bean describes how she had always believed that artists have a resilient spirit, driven by the unpredictable and strenuous nature of their profession. She reflects on various challenges, from Menzel's accident to returning to performing after a pandemic-induced shutdown.
Recalling the moment when she had to step in for Menzel, Bean shares her initial disbelief at being thrust into the spotlight with only seven minutes' notice. She vividly remembers the fear and uncertainty among the cast and crew, who had just witnessed Menzel being carried away on a stretcher. Despite the pressure, Bean knew that her role as a standby meant she had to hold it together and take charge.
Bean emphasizes the delicate balance of stepping into a lead role while respecting the existing dynamics within the cast. She understands the challenge of bonding with new teammates and being mindful of their emotions. For survival, she had to adopt the mindset that she was just a small part of the overall production, focusing on fulfilling her responsibilities instead of succumbing to personal emotions.
After successfully performing in the matinee show, Bean was shocked to find out that she would be taking over for the evening performance as well. Worried about the audience's reaction and the disappointment of those who had come specifically to see Menzel, Bean braced herself for potential negativity. However, she was pleasantly surprised by the warm reception from the audience, attributing it to her dedication and professionalism.
Bean believes that her strength in those challenging moments stemmed from her desire to support Menzel and make her feel valued. By taking over the role, Bean wanted to convey that they had Menzel's back, acknowledging that everyone had initially hoped for Menzel's return. Ultimately, their goal was to ensure that the show went on smoothly.
The interview concludes with a mention of Bean's current role as Jersey in Hell's Kitchen at the Public Theater, as well as her upcoming solo holiday show at the Apollo Theater on December 4.
