BroadwayRadio Special Episode: Betty Buckley on Telling Stories While Avoiding Nostalgia
In a captivating special episode released on April 21, 2025, BroadwayRadio host Matt Timminini engages in an insightful conversation with the illustrious Tony Award-winning Broadway legend, Betty Buckley. Known for her unforgettable performances as Grizabella in Cats, Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, and the titular role in The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Buckley is celebrated as one of the foremost singing storytellers in musical theater history. This episode delves deep into her artistic journey, her approach to storytelling, and her perspectives on avoiding nostalgia while maintaining cultural relevance.
Revisiting Iconic Roles: The Grizabella Experience
The episode opens with Matt Timminini inquiring about Buckley's recent experience of donning the Grizabella makeup once again after decades. Buckley expresses profound honor in being part of New York Magazine's tribute to Broadway legends. She details the collaborative process with renowned professionals:
Betty Buckley [01:53]:
"I was really grateful to be in the hands of these amazing people, and I just let them do what they were inspired to do."
She highlights the efforts of makeup artist James Caliardos, hairstylist Peter Gray, and stylist Daniel Edley in modernizing her iconic look for a contemporary audience, emphasizing the fun and creative atmosphere of the photoshoot.
The Quintessential Musical Theatre Storyteller
Matt commends Buckley on her seamless blend of exceptional vocal talent and profound acting skills, labeling her the quintessential musical theater storyteller. Buckley elaborates on her philosophy of selecting songs that resonate with her present experiences rather than adhering to predetermined themes:
Betty Buckley [05:22]:
"I'm always interested in trying finding what's meaningful in the present moment."
She describes her collaborative process with her pianist and music director, Christian Jacob, where they meticulously curate a setlist that reflects her current emotional and artistic state, ensuring each song contributes to the overarching narrative of the concert.
Innovative Projects and Artistic Growth
Buckley shares her adventurous spirit in exploring new mediums, particularly highlighting her recent project during the COVID-19 pandemic—a seven-minute animated short film titled The Mayfly. She narrates the journey from conception to execution, showcasing her versatility and dedication to storytelling beyond the stage:
Betty Buckley [10:37]:
"It's my most recent take or experience of life and what I'm trying to learn in the moment."
This project not only underscores her creative expansion but also her ability to adapt and innovate in challenging times, blending her musical talents with narrative animation to convey meaningful stories.
Maintaining Physical and Vocal Prowess
Addressing the physical demands of live performances, Buckley discusses the rigorous preparation required for her upcoming six-show engagement at Joe's Pub. She candidly talks about the challenges of maintaining vocal strength and physical stamina as she ages:
Betty Buckley [16:39]:
"It's like, I've always been a hard worker when I had a goal. It gets harder and harder as time goes by."
Her commitment to rigorous voice lessons, physical workouts, and overall wellness ensures that she continues to deliver powerful performances, embodying both resilience and dedication.
Navigating Nostalgia vs. Cultural Relevance
A significant portion of the conversation delves into Buckley's nuanced stance on nostalgia. While she draws inspiration from classic songwriters like Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, she emphasizes their timeless relevance rather than a yearning for the past:
Betty Buckley [21:24]:
"I feel like the values of these particular poet songwriters... is the far-reaching universality of their work and the application of it to this day."
She differentiates her approach by selecting songs that speak to contemporary societal issues and personal growth, avoiding sentimental longing for bygone eras. This approach ensures her performances remain fresh, impactful, and resonant with modern audiences.
Reflections on Iconic Broadway Roles
Buckley offers a heartfelt reflection on her role as Grizabella in Cats, describing the character as a "soulmate" and "teacher" who profoundly influenced her development as a storyteller:
Betty Buckley [03:57]:
"Grizabella is like one of my dearest friends, my soulmate, my teacher."
She recounts the emotional depth and responsibility of portraying Grizabella, a character emblematic of themes like aging, societal rejection, and redemption. This introspection underscores her ability to infuse roles with genuine emotion and complexity.
Upcoming Performances and Artistic Mission
Concluding the episode, Buckley shares details about her imminent performances at Joe's Pub, Fire Island, and Bay Street in June. She articulates her mission as an artist to foster community, compassion, and healing through her storytelling:
Betty Buckley [31:25]:
"Our job is to help lift [stress] off their hearts and minds so they can have a moment of reconnection with who they really are."
Buckley emphasizes the role of artists as healers and community consciousness-raisers, especially during tumultuous times. Her performances aim to offer solace, reflection, and a sense of unity to her audience.
Conclusion
This special episode of BroadwayRadio offers an intimate glimpse into the multifaceted career of Betty Buckley. From revisiting iconic roles and exploring innovative projects to her thoughtful approach to song selection and storytelling, Buckley exemplifies the enduring power of musical theater to reflect and shape human experiences. Her commitment to avoiding nostalgia in favor of cultural relevance ensures that her art remains vital, meaningful, and inspiring to both longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Upcoming Shows:
- Joe's Pub: May 15, 16, & 17 | Shows at 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM
- Fire Island: June 28
- Bay Street: June 30
Each performance will feature Buckley alongside her Grammy-nominated pianist and music director, Christian Jacob, and a talented quartet of musicians, promising evenings filled with poignant storytelling and exceptional music.