Jessie Mueller has had a good year.
This past June, the 2001 ETHS grad scored the 2014 Tony Award for “Best Lead Actress in a Musical” for her brilliant performance as Carole King in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.” Actually, it was more of a transformation than a performance, as Mueller’s complete lack of artifice on stage allows her to fully inhabit a character. Clearly the Tony voters felt the same way.
The daughter of Chicago theater actors Jill Shellabarger and Roger Mueller, she got her start on the North Shore, appearing in numerous local theaters including the Marriott Lincolnshire, Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Goodman. A Jeff Award winner, she was named 2011 Actor of the Year by the Chicago Tribune.
That same year, Broadway called, and she moved to New York. As in every actor’s dream scenario, she was nominated for the “Best Lead Actress in a Musical” Tony Award for her starring role in “On A Clear Day, You Can See Forever” opposite Harry Connick, Jr. To say this hometown girl made a big impression is no exaggeration.
By all accounts, Mueller has remained down to earth and approachable despite her success. Make It Better’s email interview with the actor seems to prove the point.
Make It Better: You were born into a theater family. Did your parents encourage or discourage you from following in their footsteps?
Jessie Mueller: They didn’t push us either way; they let us figure it out on our own. And we got a pretty realistic picture of what a life in this business could look like. I’m grateful for that. Once our parents realized it was what we all wanted, they were super supportive. And we’re all still doing it! It’s great to have family that understands what you do.
What was your most meaningful theater experience at ETHS?
I LOVED YAMO (ETHS’s all student-run variety show)! It was the greatest—the rehearsals after school, the people, the camaraderie. I think that was my high school theater highlight. I also did a production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” my senior year, directed by Aaron Carney. It was very special. We really had no business doing that play in high school, but Mr. Carney made us feel like we did. He had such faith in us and treated us like professionals—not like kids.
Who were some of your most important influences in Chicago?
Paula Scrofano, John Reeger and my parents, probably. I grew up watching them and maybe not knowing it at the time, but learning from them. They were also family friends of ours, so I was able to see them as professionals and as people. [They] made me believe I could find a way in this business and have a life—although I’m still working on how to make that happen!
Did you have a favorite professional theater role here in Chicago?
“Carousel” will always hold a dear place in my heart, as will “Shenandoah,” at the Court and Marriott, respectively. But I was blessed to do so many amazing roles during my time in Chicago. I can’t say I really have a favorite. But those are two that will always stick with me.
What was the deciding factor for you to relocate to New York City? What was it like leaving Chicago behind?
I had the unusual experience of coming with a show (“On A Clear Day You Can See Forever”). Harry Connick, Jr. and the producers took a chance [on] me. Staying was a leap of faith. The show didn’t last, but I decided to stay. I’ve always tried to focus on the work, the gig, the task at hand. That’s how I wrapped my head around coming to New York and staying here. I cried the day I left … there was a part that felt I was leaving my life behind. But I wouldn’t change my path. I’ve been challenged and blessed by the opportunities I’ve had. And I’m excited about what the future holds.
Carole King made her mark in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Were you familiar with her music—or her story—when you first auditioned for the role?
I was somewhat familiar, but it was really in preparing and researching for the show that I became—let’s just say it—a bit obsessed. I’m such a fan now. I have the greatest respect for her as an artist and how she’s lived her life. And I knew very little about her personal story before becoming involved with the show. I was surprised by what I learned, and I think our audiences feel the same way.
How did you prepare to tackle the role? What was your biggest challenge?
I did a LOT of research. I felt a great responsibility taking on the role of someone so iconic and so well loved. And I grew to love her. I loved doing the research—listening, finding interviews, pictures, reading her memoir (“A Natural Woman”). She became a great inspiration to me in my life as I learned more and more about her. Sometimes (often, I find), a role comes to you (or you to it) at the right time. There’s a synergy there. Something works; something clicks. I am so grateful for this role and being exposed to Miss King in the way that I have been.
What was it like having your parents at the Tonys?
It was wonderful. I only got to sit with them and my boyfriend for about 10 minutes the whole night, but when I finally got to them it made it all real! That day was crazy. And everyone we knew, including us, got such a kick out of the fact that Roger (my dad) was sitting right behind Neil Patrick Harris. So every time they panned to Neil, there was my dad!
Will the show ever make it to Chicago? Would you ever consider touring with it?
Yes, I believe the show has plans to tour soon, and Chicago will most likely be one of the top stops. I’m not sure what my involvement will be at this point. I’m taking it one day at a time!
