As an actor, every job you do, you make a new family. There is something special about theatre and its ability to bring people together in a way that is unlike any other. I have made so many amazing friends throughout my career, and many of them share my love of books and literature. Since theatre brings stories to life, I thought I would feature some of my favorite performers (my fabulous friends and cast mates) and see what their bookshelves look like! Welcome to my Broadway Book Chat!
Mandy Striph
Most recently seen as Tanya in Mamma Mia! at Actors Playhouse in Miami!
Instagram: @mstriph
What are you currently reading?
I’m almost finished with The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver, the author of The Poisonwood Bible. I love the way she constructs narratives.
What is your favorite book series and why?
The easy answer is Harry Potter. That series was fundamental and I grew up right in the heyday. But in terms of longevity, Sherlock Holmes. I’ve fallen back in love with those stories over and over and over. It is definitely the catalyst for my love of crime stories.
Who is your favorite author? What makes them special to you?
Alexander Dumas. The Count of Monte Cristo really hit home when I was a teen. So much angst, a sense of righteousness, a desperate yearning for love amid betrayal against a romantic adventure background? How could I not be enraptured?
Do you have a favorite genre bubble or are you adventurous?
I’m pretty open. I usually gravitate toward fiction, especially American or BritLit. Lately, memoirs have been a bigger part of my reading lists.
What book inspires you and why?
As a person? Becoming. Michelle Obama’s story and journey are so accessible in her memoir. She makes me want to be a stronger person. Creatively? The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. The imagery and inherent magic of this story is so intense. I wanted the circus to be a reality for me. The whimsical storyline made me want to write and create.
Which literary character would you like to play?
Irene Adler, romantic frenemy of Sherlock Holmes. It’s rare for women of that era to be portrayed as clever without solely relying on feminine wiles. She’s a fictional feminist icon.
If you could be friends with any of the characters you have played, who would it be and why?
Tanya from Mamma Mia. She is exactly who she wants to be and has everything she wants. Laid back, fun, wealthy? She’d throw a helluva party. And you KNOW there would be all kinds of interesting and/or sexy people at her soirée.
What book would you like to see made into a musical/play/movie?
The Night Circus. The magic and romance would be enhanced through music. Adam Guettel would create a beautiful score.
What is the next book on your reading list?
The Wind-up Bird by Haruki Murakami.
Have you ever thought about writing yourself?
I have. Mostly comedic romantic (or maybe even erotic) fiction. Something that would be pure, entertaining escapism.
What show are you currently working on and who do you play?
Right before coronavirus caused a full stop for the arts, I was Tanya in Mamma Mia at Actors Playhouse in Miami. I had a blast.
What is your favorite show you’ve been a part of and why?
Also hard to say. The national tour of Beauty and the Beast was my first job out of college and so foundational. I made life long friends on that tour. That said, I’ve done multiple productions of Mamma Mia as Tanya and that show (and character) has a very special place in my heart.
I’ve been loving your posts during quarantine about books and their perfect cocktail match. How do you decide what goes best and which is your favorite combination so far?
Pairing cocktails and books seems like a natural marriage. Who doesn’t love a beverage while they cozy up to a book. I choose my pairings on a variety of factors. If the main characters are drinkers I’ll do a crash course on their favorite beverages. If the book is set somewhere specific, I may highlight cocktails that feature native spirits. Sometimes it’s about theme or feel. Clean cocktails for delicate storylines or cocktails created by badass female mixologists to compliment female authors.
Follow Mandy’s book and cocktail pairings on her Instagram @mstriph
What book would you like to see made into a musical/play/movie? 
If you could be friends with any of the characters you have played, who would it be and why?
If you could be friends with any of the characters you have played, who would it be and why?
What is the next book on your reading list?
Reading In The Wings 