Q&A With Asabi Goodman Star Of Chicago The Musical Australia
Matron Morton is a complex character, How do you balance
these aspects in your performance?
For me, it's all about subtext and dialogue. I try to create an existing scenario in my head to create a full backstory of each scene that then allows me to play whatever emotions are required.
The musical features iconic songs like "When You're Good to Mama." What is your favourite moment or song to perform as Matron Morton, and why?
As Matron, I sing two songs in the show, "When You're Good To Mama" and "Class." I love both these songs equally, but my favourite moment is when Mama says, "Jesus Christ" in "Class." It's so unexpected and "big.
What challenges have you faced in bringing Matron Morton to life, & how have you overcome them?
I tend to have a more kind/ friendly disposition, which Matron Morton does not have; she's harder/ more "tough love." It's hard to keep that aspect of myself out of the character so I really have to focus on the things that are truly important to her, i.e. making cash on the side by getting her inmates to "play the prison game" and staying impartial.
If you had to choose another role to play in Chicago The Musical who would it be and why?
If I could choose another role to play it would be Billy Flynn. I love his songs and I love the strength in his character; he's very schmaltzy.
And finally, have you ever had any mishaps on stage? If so, what and when was it?
I've had a few minor mishaps before but the biggest one happened early in my career where I was playing a barmaid. I had a dance partner who had to dip me at the end of our tango - and then the lights go out. This one particular performance, everything was going as planned and when my partner dipped me at the end, my wig came off. It was good that the lights went out.