Jessica Sherr is returning to Edinburgh with her show Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies. Donning an eyepatch and reaching for a cigarette holder, Pete Shaw just had to find out more.
I am certain Kevin and Lucy would stage a revival Vitametavegamin. At some point Kevin would break free of trying to sound like Ricky Ricardo and begin reciting every female Shakespeare monologue he can remember.
Tell us about the Edinburgh show
“My show is so much fun! It’s exciting and vibrant. If I could pick a colour to embody the spirit of the show it would be candy apple green! I just love performing the piece. This will be my second year at Edinburgh and I can’t wait to share my masterpiece with the wonderful audiences of EdFringe. My show is sassy, lively, and thought provoking. It will challenge you to learn more about the legendary Miss Davis. In my show she is young, vulnerable and so ambitious. I know you will leave the show bouncing up and down feeling motivated and inspired by this brilliant woman’s fight to compel Hollywood to see her for her true self. It Ain’t No Place for Sissies.”
Broadway Baby's favourite Bette movie is The Anniversary, what's yours?
“Now, Voyager. “Oh, Jerry, don't let's ask for the moon. We have the stars”. I could hear that line a million times and never grow weary. Now, Voyager was the first film I saw of Bette Davis. I understood Charlotte. I was Charlotte. I was this young girl with little direction who yearned to blossom and be confident. When I saw the film and Charlotte’s transformation it gave me hope that maybe I too could grow up. I am also a lover of hats and that grand sweeping hat Charlotte wears as she walks down the stairs of the ship—classy and elegant. Thank you Charlotte for your courage.”
A little birdy tells us you're about to appear in the film Annie with Jamie Foxx.
“Tweet, tweet your birdy is correct. I play reporter Mary Gillen and the film will release December 2014. It’s funny as this was my first audition back from Edinburgh 2013. I hadn’t even unpacked my suitcase when my agent called. I was still on the magical whirlwind of Scotland and I decided to wear my favorite “Bette Davis Royal Mile” outfit. I just remember thinking I wanted to take a little bit of Bette in the room with me. I suppose that worked as I got the job.”
If you could have a cocktail party with four of Hollywood's screen icons (dead or alive), who would they be?
“Christopher Walken, Kevin Spacey, Lucille Ball, and Bette Davis. Oh what a cocktail that would be!
I can imagine Christopher Walken impersonating Bette with long drags of cigarette and cunning glances to the other party guests and Bette running away from him enjoying the fact she is being impersonated. I am certain Kevin and Lucy would stage a revival Vitametavegamin. At some point Kevin would break free of trying to sound like Ricky Ricardo and begin reciting every female Shakespeare monologue he can remember. Bette would join Kevin with interpretive dance using bright colourful scarves dating back to her work with Roshanara. Lucille would follow Bette and a duet would form—after all they did study together at John Murray Anderson’s. Christopher would dramatically walk through the dancing couple as if to tease an unease finding his way to the light switch. All would go black, then lights back up and everyone would run to the centre of the room holding their cocktails to the chandelier and toast—TO A BUMPY NIGHT!”
Let the record state. Broadway Baby is a little bit in love with Jessica Sherr.
Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies
The Assembly Rooms
31st July – 24th August, 2.45pm (not 11th)
http://www.broadwaybaby.com/shows/bette-davis-aint-for-sissies/700650
