Every day is opening night.

Jessica Phillips

Jessica Phillips

This week we have Dear Evan Hansen’s own Jessica Phillips, who plays the strong-yet-sensitive “Heidi Hansen” in the smash-hit musical, on the couch. However, before taking to the intimate Music Box Theatre on the beloved 45th street block, she traveled the country with the show playing the role for a year on the First National Touring production. A mother to teenagers herself, Jessica knows a thing or two about the impact of social media today (spoiler alert… she isn’t buying this whole TikTok craze) and holding onto the simple pleasures in life for her and her family. Read on to learn more!

What do you consider to be your best asset?
Empathy.

What was your proudest moment?
Giving birth (x2) with no drugs.

What is your favorite drink?
Coffee in the AM, hot toddy in the PM.

What is your favorite food?
Cheese! Bread! Wine! (I may be French.)

What is your favorite condiment?
Mayo. The real stuff.

What is your current obsession?
The New York Times Crossword Puzzle app.

If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Procrastinating.

What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
Longevity.

What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Car services.

What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
Scrolling through real estate listings.

What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
Worry.

What’s the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
The love of reading.

What’s the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Perfectionism.

What in the world most thrills you?
Sleeping in.

What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
TikTok.

What was the most embarrassing moment you’ve ever experienced on the job? 
NSFW!

What is your favorite place in the world?
My Grandma’s screen porch.

What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Emotional intelligence.

Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs, then cats.

What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
Time travel (back to my Grandma’s screen porch).

What is your personal motto? 
What can I learn from this?