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Five-time Tony winner Audra McDonald at Dominican
Audra McDonald
Updated: March 19, 2013 6:16PM
Broadway star Audra McDonald had a very good year in 2012, including winning a record-tying fifth Tony award for her performance in “Porgy and Bess” and being named the new host of the PBS show “Live at Lincoln Center.”
McDonald also racked up a multi-episode guest-spot this season on the CBS series “The Good Wife,” which means she’s spending time in Chicago. And she recently took time off, on one of those occasions, to headline Dominican University’s 33rd annual Trustee Benefit Concert and Gala.
Pioneer caught up with her for a few quick questions about the concert, her busy stage, film, TV and recording career and where the heck she finds the energy to do all that she does.
Q: Having you as a headliner for its annual fundraiser is quite a coup for Dominican. How did you wind up doing this show?
A: Dominican University invited me to perform, and thankfully I was available. Of course, I am honored that they chose me to be a part of this special evening.
Q: What role will you be playing on “The Good Wife”? What attracted you to that series?
A: What attracted me to the show is that it’s a great show. It’s extremely well written and features a stellar cast, and I’m honored to be a part of it. I will be playing the role of Liz, who is the rival of Alicia (Julianna Marguilies) from her Georgetown Law School days and now goes up against her in court.
Q: You had quite a big year in 2012, winning your fifth Tony award and being named the new host of “Live from Lincoln Center.” What’s the source of your energy? And are you trying to make the rest of us look bad?
A: Ha. No no no. I just like to continue to challenge myself. As for my energy, it comes from my amazing family and the incredible colleagues I have the privilege of working with.
Q: How do you feel about performing in films and TV versus live theater? Are you planning to focus on one or the other for the near future? Or will you try to make room for both?
A: I actually really like the variety, which is why I don’t limit myself to one particular genre. All of us have multiple interests; it’s what brings us fulfillment on a human level.
One nourishes and feeds into the other, when you’re singing, you’re also making acting choices, and when you’re filming a scene for television, for example, you find an almost musical rhythm to your interactions with the other actors. Singing makes me a better actor, and vice versa.
