Behind the Title: Monette McKay

BEHIND THE TITLE: Monette McKay

Hometown:
New York, NEW YORK born. Raised in Flanders, NJ, but you said “home” and this is it.

What’s your role in MEMPHIS?
I play “Ethel”, which is a featured ensemble part including Bobby’s girlfriend and Felicia Farrell fanatic.

When did you debut in MEMPHIS?
January 28, 2011.

Favorite costume piece:
ooooo! On Me- the green dress I wear for “Ain’t Nothin’ but a Kiss”. My hips swish in that dress so fiercely.
On others- I think “Huey’s” alligator green suit he was planning on wearing (in ACT 2) is hilarious. I’m not sure where they even found a fabric it’s so abrasive.

Must-haves in the dressing room:
Snacks and pictures of family and friends. In that order.

Question you are most frequently asked at the Stage Door:
Not so much a question, but people are constantly surprised by how little I am in size. It’s usually a positive thing, or at least I take it to mean I dance bigger than I am. Small but mighty.

Who are you still so excited you’ve gotten to meet because of your job?
OPRAH. I really have never been so starstruck; it was a blur. I think I stuttered! Maybe I was speechless, who knows?!

What’s your favorite thing to do on your day off?
Sleeping in and then breakfast in bed with my man* while catching up on TV shows
*Her man is fellow Memphian Preston Dugger III, pictured here at the MEMPHIS 1000th performance party

First professional “theatre-related” job:
I was a headliner for “This Joint is Jumpin” at The Supper Club. I was 16 years old, and it was a late night friday and saturday gig. Tap dancing to swing music in front of a live jazz band with an “Ella Fitzgerald” type blues singer and a guy who embodied Cab Calloway. It was the coolest thing ever. The most money I had ever made at that time, and gave me my first peek at “the business.” I felt glamorous and exhausted, juggling that and high school.

First Broadway Show you saw:
It was either BEAUTY AND THE BEAST or ANNIE; my mom has the playbills saved somewhere but I don’t remember which came first. :/

What is your favorite piece of MEMPHIS swag?
Getting to be on the TONY broadcast last year gave me street swag. Since I am not an original company member, it’s kind of badass. The hoodies are cool, too.

What’s your subway line?
Good ol’ A train. “Broadway Express” some people call it, because you WILL run into other castmates, crew, musicians, directors, writers, choreographers, and audience members reading your bio in the playbill and staring at you.

Any Pets?
Not in my tiny apartment! Maybe one day though I’d love to have a dog. But I also like not having to go home in between shows to walk one. Although I see it come in handy as an excuse for some of my friends!

Current Restaurant delivery obsession:
Kodama sushi

Current beverage obsession:
Tea. Any kind, any time of day, any kind of weather. I’m an old British grandma and always have been. I get it from my mom. It cures everything!

Are you OCD about anything?
Succeeding and inspiring others while doing it. Sometimes I put too much pressure on myself, but then take a deep breath in and look around and am reminded that life is about the journey not the destination.

Last movie you saw or “Netflixed”?
Contagion, next up- the last Harry Potter. I know I know.

Phone or Blackberry?
iphone. Yes, my life changed.

Starbucks or Diet Coke?
I guess Starbucks because they have tea.

What’s your favorite part about working on MEMPHIS on Broadway?
Besides the talent, the story, and the killer movement and vocals we are giving each night…I have met the most handsome and wonderful man in my world. AND I get to dance with him every night, and share our love with everyone else onstage and off. So cheesy but true!