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!
Elizabeth Dugas
Currently performing in The Beast in the Jungle
Instagram: @emdugas
What are you currently reading?
Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress by Susan Jane Gilman. Thanks to my dear friend and cast mate, Leah Hoffman, who leant it to me!
What is your favorite book series?
The Baby-Sitter’s Club. That probably sounds like a funny response with all of the amazing options out there, but I was a particularly avid reader as a child and I loved few things more than going to a used book store. It was my personal mission to collect and read every single book from that series… I think I got pretty close actually (There are 131 by the way… and 122 in the spin-off Baby-Sitter’s Little Sister.)
Who is your favorite author?
Currently, Kristin Hannah. Her book, The Nightingale, was one that had me staying up all night because I just couldn’t put it down. I also really like Gillian Flynn and shout out to E.B. White for writing my favorite childhood book, Charlotte’s Web.
What book inspires you and why?
Yes Please by Amy Poehler. In the age of everyone writing self-help books, this one felt particularly real and unapologetically hilarious. One stand out quote, that I found particularly applicable to people in our field:
“You have to care about your work, but not about the result. You have to care about how good you are and how good you feel, but not about how good people think you are or how good people think you look. I realize this is extremely difficult. I am not saying I am particularly good at it. I’m like you. Or maybe you’re better at this than I am.”
Which literary character would you like to play?
Hermione Granger, one hundred percent! She’s strong, loyal, independent, super smart… the list goes on and on and I’m all for playing a badass female!
If you could be friends with any of the characters you have played, who would it be and why?
Lorna from Bullets Over Broadway! Though her track featured a mere one word line, “Hello!”, her subtext and ability to keep David and the play together were vital. She also triggers my Type-A nerdy side and I’m now good friends with the girl that played her on Broadway (shoutout to Brittany Marcin Maschmeyer). I’d also like to be friends with Edie Falco who played her in the movie so…. Lorna FOREVER!
What book would you like to see turned into a movie/musical/play?
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger…. Yes, it’s already a movie, and No, I’m not super into every movie getting a stage adaptation, but I think this would be so fun, and the costumes would be FABULOUS!
What is the next book on your reading list?
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood. I know I’m super late to the game, but it’s one I really want to read before watching the TV series.
What is your favorite show you’ve been a part of and why?
This is such a hard question, but I think I have to give it to The Beast in the Jungle for a couple reasons. 1) There’s something so special about being a part of creative process, and I’ve been lucky enough to work on two workshops of this production before finding a home at the Vineyard. Which leads into 2) It’s incredibly inspiring to hear the audience’s response to the piece after being isolated with it in a studio for a year and a half. And 3) It’s a story that needs to be told, and I feel everyone can relate to in one way or another. I still get chills offstage every night watching the final scene featuring the brilliant Peter Friedman.
What show are you currently working on?
I am currently in The Beast in the Jungle at the Vineyard theatre. Prior to that I was in Turandot at The Metropolitan Opera, playing an attendant and temptress… also known as Ballet Lady #18 (kidding….. kinda 🙂 )
Check out and buy tickets to see Elizabeth and the cast of The Beast in the Jungle!
I feature a new performer every month! I would love some suggestions for questions you would like to ask, or things you want to know! Leave them in the comments and I will add them to future interviews! Thanks to the wonderful Liz for sharing with us! 🙂 ❤
Reading In The Wings 