Actress, comic, author and vocalist Christina Anthony stars as Miss Scarlett within the nationwide tour of Clue. After making her mark in TV and comedy, she returns to theater after a decade away, bringing new life to this iconic function at Chicago’s CIBC Theatre.
What drew you to the function of Miss Scarlett?
I grew up, I performed the sport once I was little, after which I used to be reintroduced to the sport by my youngest niece […] I bought a name, you understand, a buddy of Sandy Rustin is the author of the play, tailored it from the film […] I used to be very curious as a result of it’s a interval piece. It’s set in 1954. You realize, Black of us, we’re not massive on time touring [laughs]. However then I sat down and I considered it […] I did some analysis and actually learn up about Black girls enterprise house owners. Miss Scarlett is a enterprise proprietor. It’s an grownup enterprise, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a enterprise […] what would deliver this Black girl, in all probability from the South, to Washington, D.C., within the ’50s and turn into an actual energy participant?
How do you stability working throughout TV, theater and comedy?
You realize what, transferring from style to style, platform to platform, I’ll say it’s not simple […] It’s important to continually reintroduce your self. However in the event you actually find it irresistible — you understand, as an illustration, I like doing stand-up. After which I step away from it for some time, and I do tv […] my time on the Black Ensemble, my time at ETA, my time at Second Metropolis, you understand, I put my time in.
What was it like returning to theater after 10 years?
Look, I’ll share this along with your viewers as a result of I do know that they’re going to be light and understanding. However your lady was drained. I had been spoiled on TV […] This play, let me let you know one thing, it’s 75 minutes and I by no means depart the stage. By no means depart the stage. I’m speaking about sweating. I’m speaking about working. It’s loads. However I’m glad to be again.
How has it been navigating this world as a Black girl?
I might say I wouldn’t wanna be anyone else. It’s a ravishing expertise […] I do know issues received’t essentially be handed to me […] One factor that I used to be taught was when you kinda get your foot within the door and also you get the dream that you really want, depart the door open […] I admire the Black girls which have come earlier than me, particularly Chicagoans like Claudia Wallace, Deanna Griffin […] Jackie Taylor on the Black Ensemble — simply maintain the door open and be like, “Come on, come by means of, sister, you are able to do this.”
What do you hope audiences take away out of your function in Clue?
I don’t know if Miss Scarlett was all the time Black of their [minds]. So, I’m excited for them to see my tackle it. And once more, [consider] the attitude of what [it takes] to be a Black girl in 1954 in a homicide thriller. After which additionally, I like that she is a businesswoman — all the time calculating, all the time considering. And it’s one thing we have to keep in mind. All the time be considering a few steps forward. That’s [something] we are able to all take that into our personal lives.
While you replicate on the evolution of your profession from The Jackie Wilson Story to now starring in Clue, what excites you in regards to the path your profession is headed?
I imagine that it’s simply headed to extra […] It’s no secret; I bought on tv and I used to be in all probability older than what I anticipated. However I hope that different individuals, no matter profession, know it’s OK to be a late bloomer. It’s OK to percolate[,] as they are saying. And I’m so excited that I do know the most effective tasks and the most effective years are forward of me […] It doesn’t matter once you begin, simply get began. And so, I’m excited for what’s to come back. I don’t know what these issues are, however I’m excited for them.
Clue is enjoying at CIBC Theatre from Feb. 18 – March 2, 2025.
