Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre with Carly Mercedes Dyer

Episode Title: Carly Mercedes Dyer (Anything Goes, A Chorus Line, The View Upstairs, The Beautiful World Cabaret) - INTERVIEW
Release Date: May 25, 2025
Host: MickeyJoTheatre
Guest: Carly Mercedes Dyer

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the MickeyJoTheatre podcast, host Mickey-Jo Theater sits down with the illustrious Carly Mercedes Dyer, a powerhouse in the theatre world known for her performances in productions such as Anything Goes, A Chorus Line, The View Upstairs, and The Beautiful World Cabaret. With a following of over 60,000 subscribers on YouTube, Mickey-Jo brings his expertise in theatre criticism to the forefront, delving deep into Carly's experiences, insights, and upcoming projects.

Early Career and Initial Impressions

Mickey-Jo opens the conversation by expressing his long-standing admiration for Carly, reminiscing about the first time he saw her perform in Ain't Misbehavin' at the Southwark Playhouse.

Mickey Jo Theater [00:00]: "The wonderfully talented Carly Mercedes Dyer, everybody. Honored because I've enjoyed you on stage many, many times. First time I ever saw you on stage, we decided was Ain't Misbehavin'."

Carly responds with enthusiasm, highlighting the energy she brings to the stage versus her more subdued persona offstage.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [00:12]: "If you're in my mind, you would know because it's, it's all over the place."

Sustaining High-Energy Performances

The discussion shifts to Carly's remarkable onstage energy and how she manages it outside of performances.

Mickey Jo Theater [00:26]: "Is it in those moments after a performance, are you just drained or are you a Duracell Bunny throughout the day?"

Carly Mercedes Dyer [00:37]: "Duracell Bunny. And that's really hard for me to get up in the morning because I'm horizontal, I'm comatose."

Carly humorously contrasts her dynamic stage presence with her restful offstage life, emphasizing the dichotomy between her public and private selves.

Challenging Roles and Resilience in 'A Chorus Line'

Mickey-Jo brings up Carly's role as Cassie in Leicester Curve's production of A Chorus Line, acknowledging the demanding nature of the role.

Mickey Jo Theater [01:02]: "To play Cassie, one of the most like demanding triple threat roles in musical theatre history."

Carly delves into the challenges she faced, especially during the pandemic, describing the physical and emotional toll of auditioning and performing such an intense role.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [01:18]: "I was dry heaving. There was nothing in my body but my body was still like, because I was exhausted. ... but somehow I managed to get there the second time round being all sensational."

Her resilience and dedication shine through as she recounts overcoming exhaustion to deliver a performance she proudly describes as "sensational."

Impact of 'A Chorus Line' During the Pandemic

Mickey-Jo reflects on the significance of A Chorus Line returning during the pandemic, sharing his emotional response to the production.

Mickey Jo Theater [02:39]: "I was in floods of tears... Chorus Line just like flying at me."

Carly underscores the importance of such performances, not just for artists but also for audiences seeking normalcy and inspiration during challenging times.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [02:39]: "It means so much... to watch these people on stage really trying and making themselves vulnerable and putting yourself out there is something so beautiful and so just like heartbreaking."

Navigating Ensemble and Lead Roles

The conversation transitions to the dynamics of moving between ensemble and lead roles, a journey Carly herself has navigated.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [04:46]: "Sometimes it can be a bit lonely being a lead. And also if you want to stay there, the jobs are far and few between."

Carly shares her experiences from starting in the ensemble in High School Musical at age 12 to aspiring for lead roles, highlighting the challenges of maintaining a sustainable career in theater.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [04:46]: "There's no sort of fallback. So if you want to Kind of like step back. ... it's just like, we all want to be creative."

She emphasizes that transitioning between different roles is a natural and respectable part of an artist's journey, advocating for flexibility and resilience.

Absence of a Definitive Breakthrough Moment

Mickey-Jo probes into whether Carly has experienced a definitive breakthrough moment in her career.

Mickey Jo Theater [04:39]: "Was there a moment where you felt like you had a role where you'd really broken through?"

Carly candidly responds that such moments are often fleeting and that the industry demands constant reinvention.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [05:57]: "No breakthrough moments, just always trying to survive."

She recounts her time in West Side Story in 2019, right before the pandemic hit, highlighting how unforeseen events can shift one's career trajectory.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [05:16]: "I was like, I think this is it. I'm a star. ... Covid said, star where? Get in your house and stay at home."

Stellar Performance in 'Anything Goes'

The host lauds Carly’s performance in Anything Goes, noting her portrayal of Irma as both humorous and show-stopping.

Mickey Jo Theater [06:04]: "That performance in Anything Goes was remarkable and thoroughly deserved."

Carly reflects on her experience, describing the joy and camaraderie of performing alongside a talented cast.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [06:39]: "Sorry to your sister. She's fine."

Their light-hearted banter underscores the supportive relationships within the theater community.

Upcoming Cabaret Show at Crazy Cox

A significant portion of the interview focuses on Carly’s upcoming cabaret debut at Crazy Cox at Graceroos, aptly named Beautiful World Cabaret.

Micky Jo Theater [09:24]: "You're doing a cabaret show at the Crazy Cox at Graceroos."

Carly shares her motivations, drawing inspiration from Janie Dee’s work and emphasizing themes of community and environmental consciousness without being preachy.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [09:24]: "Let's just take a look around. Let's look up from our phones and really embrace, you know, climate change without it being like doom and gloom."

She outlines the diverse musical repertoire, blending jazz influences with selections from beloved musicals, ensuring a captivating and varied performance.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [12:40]: "There's a bit of Color Purple in there ... maybe something from Dirty Rotten Scoundrels."

Collaborations and Event Details

Mickey-Jo highlights other notable performers participating in the cabaret festival, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Mickey Jo Theater [13:36]: "We've got Em Hoggett who's doing her show and she is phenomenal."

Carly enthusiastically promotes the event, encouraging listeners to attend and support fellow artists.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [08:41]: "And Cedric Neal, Tyrone Huntley, just. It was a stellar company."

She details the event schedule, including special mentions of performances and the diverse talent lineup.

Mickey Jo Theater [15:07]: "Davie Gigana and Janie Dee's niece, who's Jo, she's tomorrow, I think, and she's phenomenal."

Commitment to Sustainability and Personal Values

The conversation touches upon the broader impact of theater beyond performance, with Carly highlighting Janie Dee’s commitment to sustainability and personal values.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [12:08]: "She's just embracing her morals and the standards that I've set now. And my children have been so inspiring."

She narrates Janie Dee’s decision to forego Broadway opportunities in favor of environmental sustainability, painting a picture of dedication and integrity.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [12:36]: "She's still going. Yeah."

Their discussion underscores the importance of aligning personal values with professional choices, inspiring listeners to consider the broader implications of their work.

Closing Remarks and Event Promotion

As the interview wraps up, Mickey-Jo and Carly reiterate the details of the upcoming cabaret show and express their excitement for the event.

Mickey Jo Theater [15:37]: "It's been so nice. Amazing. Carly Mercedes Dyer."

Carly extends an invitation, passionately encouraging the audience to join the festivities and celebrate the vibrant theater community.

Carly Mercedes Dyer [15:42]: "If you want to see more of that, Tuesday the 27th, come to the Cabaret."

The episode concludes on a high note, with mutual appreciation and anticipation for the vibrant performances scheduled.

Notable Quotes

• Carly on Stage vs. Offstage Energy:

  “So much energy. So much energy. If you're in my mind, you would know because it's, it's all over the place.” [00:21]

• Carly on Overcoming Exhaustion in 'A Chorus Line':

  “There was nothing in my body but my body was still like, because I was exhausted. ... but somehow I managed to get there the second time round being all sensational.” [01:18]

• Carly on the Reality of Breakthrough Moments:

  “No breakthrough moments, just always trying to survive.” [05:57]

• Carly on the Importance of Representation:

  “It means so much because anyone has a dream that they want to do something and then to see these people living it out every day.” [03:37]

• Carly on Her Upcoming Cabaret:

  “Let's just take a look around. Let's look up from our phones and really embrace, you know, climate change without it being like doom and gloom.” [09:24]

Conclusion

This episode of MickeyJoTheatre offers a profound glimpse into Carly Mercedes Dyer’s journey in the theatrical landscape. From her early days in ensemble roles to her standout performances in iconic productions, Carly embodies the passion and resilience necessary for sustained success in the arts. Her upcoming Beautiful World Cabaret promises to be a testament to her commitment to community, sustainability, and artistic excellence. Listeners are left inspired by Carly’s dedication and are encouraged to support her endeavors, further enriching the vibrant world of theatre.