CheekyChicago

Beth Curry, one of the theatre world’s cheekiest chicks, currently stars in Young Frankenstein. She dishes with us on what it’s like to play the monstrously (ha) famous role of Bride of Frankenstein, “deep love” and just what it is that Chicago’s got in its water.

Cheeky: How does it feel playing such an iconic character as Elizabeth/Bride of Frankenstein?

Beth Curry: First off, thanks for having me! I am so honored to be your Cheeky Chick of the Week! Yay! Now to answer your question, it feels amazing. She has such an amazing journey, from an uptight, high maintenance girl to a woman who embraces abandonment. It is a fabulous reminder for me, every night, to let go and live. I love coming out at the end with that huge iconic hair. So much fun.

Cheeky: Young Frankenstein is a huge cult classic! Were you a fan before becoming involved in the musical?

BC: I was always a huge fan of Mel Brooks. He is a genius. I had seen Space Balls and Men in Tights. Before I went in for Young Frankenstein, I rented the movie and fell in love. The humor was right up my alley. I went in to my audition with the mentality, ‘I am either going to get a restraining order or the job.’ I got the job. Thank God! It is so nice to work with a group of dirty-minded and silly people. I found my home. Oh, back to the question….I also had not seen Blazing Saddles, before. I watched it for three days straight. Loved it!

Cheeky: I think this is one of the funniest musicals I’ve seen in a very long time. How do you keep a straight face while singing “Deep Love?” Do you find it as funny as I do?

BC: I, absolutely, find it as funny as you do. Yes, it is one of those amazing moments in theatre, where I love seeing how long it takes the audience to understand what I am truly talking about. Sometimes they are right on it and other times it is a slow trickle of people getting the joke. Most nights, what makes me want to lose it laughing is the Monster, played by Shuler Hensley. We are so silly together and his moans and groans in strange places sometimes throw me over the edge.

Cheeky: When you perform, do you have any superstitions or rituals that you practice before going on stage?

BC: I spit three times, run in a circle and sacrifice a lamb…okay…not really. I don’t have any superstitions, per se. A trip to Starbucks before each show would have to be my ritual, I think. There is a whole lot of show in just one cup of joe!

Cheeky: What is your favorite part of Chicago versus New York?

BC: I find them very similar, but I have to say, what is in your water here?!? People are gorgeous! I think they all must be reading your website, because there are some beautiful people in this town, men and women! (Laughs.) In New York, we definitely aren’t rockin’ the pizza like you are. Wow! De-lish! I love a big city! I love the hustle and bustle of a big city. And I think people are nicer here than in New York. Don’t tell them. Shhh!

Cheeky: You probably don’t get much time outside of the theatre, but what have you been able to do in Chi-town that you’ve enjoyed?

BC: You are right. We barely see the light of day! Not really. I have loved living by Millennium Park, because it is stunning. The Art Institute was absolutely incredible. And I think my favorite night out was jamming to some serious blues at Kingston Mines!

Cheeky: What is your favorite Chicago restaurant?

BC: Oh, goodness me. I haven’t been out as much as I wish. But, I have enjoyed the Gage restaurant on Michigan Ave. and also Petterino’s for the good ole dose of the Golden Age of Glamour. Don’t all Cheeky girls love glamour?

Cheeky: And, of course, the question we end all interviews with: What is the Cheekiest thing you’ve done this week?

BC: Wow….how to narrow it down?!? I am a very bold girl who speaks her mind and somehow wasn’t conditioned like the rest of the world. This leads me into trouble and bliss. Last week, I was at Kingston Mines and walked up to a very handsome man and asked him to dance. He was too shy. So, I danced for him a little bit. Just to see what he was missing out on. And the funniest part of the whole story, he found me on match.com and emailed me. Nice!!!!! I think we may go out next week.

CheekyChicago, I love you! Thanks for having me!

Catch Beth Curry as the Bride of Frankenstein before the Monster carries her away for some “deep love.” But make it fast because Young Frankenstein is closing up shop on December 13^th.