It’s already been a big year for Caroline Bowman. In January, for one performance only, she appeared as Norma Desmond in the buzzy revival of Sunset Blvd., where she had been the production’s standby since performances began last September. Shortly after her debut, her scheduled departure for her next role arrived.
Now, she is originating a principal role on Broadway for the first time—in SMASH at the Imperial Theatre. Bowman is playing Karen in the long-awaited musical inspired by the beloved 2012 TV series. Fans may remember Karen as the role Katharine McPhee played on the TV show. The character, however, is much different for the stage: She’s now a Broadway veteran, much like Bowman, instead of a newcomer.
Before returning to Broadway, where she has previously been seen as Elphaba in Wicked and Nicola in Kinky Boots, Bowman spent five years on the road leading the tour of Frozen as Elsa. Celebrating her second opening night since arriving back in New York, Broadway Direct joined Bowman for the special evening on Thursday, April 10. Take a look at our opening-night questionnaire with Bowman and check out exclusive photos.
What is going through your head as you open SMASH?
Oh, so many things. I can’t believe we made it here. There is a deep knowing that I am completely where I belong and also a sense of not believing this moment at all. My mantra throughout this process was to work hard, stay in your lane, and live moment to moment. So mainly I’m just trying to put one foot in front of the other and experience every single moment fully.
Who are the people you would like to thank for being with you on this journey?
My husband, Austin Colby. The way he has taken care of me and loved me during this time has been how I could survive this crazy life we chose.
My supportive parents. My parents have always encouraged me to keep working hard and go for my dreams. I wouldn’t be here without their support.
My high school drama teacher, Sue Miller. She’s my family and believed this would be my life before I even believed it.
My manager, Jen Namoff. She became my teammate 14 years ago when I didn’t have many credits to my name, and she saw me before anyone in this business saw me.
My friends, who are my rock and reason.
What’s a funny moment you’ll always remember from this preview process?
Actually, the funniest moment that happened to me was in rehearsals. We were rehearsing the sitzprobe scene, and I was so into singing the song that [Robyn Hurder, who plays Ivy] actually scared me when she screamed, and I lost my balance and fell over onto my butt. People either thought I was making a funny choice of falling or that I really hurt my butt with how hard I fell. Robyn said I looked like a cartoon character. Anyway, no, I was just really into singing the song and forgot she was going to interrupt me. I was embarrassed and it still makes me chuckle at myself.
What do you hope audiences will take away from SMASH?
Well, people are for sure going to laugh, but I also hope people see how much heart our show has. This show is about putting on a musical, and it’s being told by people who love putting on musicals. It is a show about love and making dreams come true, and no matter how hard it gets, we still persevere.
If you could meet your younger self for coffee, what would she say about this opening night moment?
I’m proud of you. Thank you for being someone I can look up to. Thank you for continuing to pursue our dreams and not only setting the bar, but continuing to level up.
You can catch Caroline Bowman in SMASH, now playing at the Imperial Theatre.