Rachel Bay Jones
This is an exciting week for Rachel Bay Jones. After earning rave reviews as “ordinary” (we disagree) Catherine in Pippin and loving her hippie life in Hair, this Broadway vet is up for her first (and we’re betting not her last) Tony nomination this weekend. Between breaking hearts eight times a week as Heidi Hansen, mother to Evan (maybe you’ve heard of him?) at the Music Box and preparing for Sunday’s ceremony, she took a breather On the Couch with us in this week’s Season Weekly.
What do you consider to be your best asset?
My hair. My big strong hands.
What was your proudest moment?
Every time my daughter does something genuinely kind.
What is your favorite drink?
Chocolate malted milkshake. But I never drink that anymore.
So. Really tasty water.
What is your favorite food?
Cheeseburgers.
What is your favorite condiment?
Mint chip ice cream. I know it’s not a condiment but I had to get in there and I’m not much of a mayo gal.
What is your current obsession?
Gargoyles.
If you could give up one of your vices, what would it be?
Late night snacking.
What is the one professional accomplishment you long for most?
To be Michael John LaChiusa’s muse. To star in a Wes Anderson film. Maybe both at once would be interesting.
What is the one thing you waste too much money on?
Denim.
What is the one activity you waste too much time doing?
“Window”-shopping for unusual antique furniture on eBay.
What do you consider to be the single greatest threat to your health?
My darling cheeseburgers.
What is the single best trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Kindness.
What is the single worst trait you inherited or learned from your parents?
Smallish nail beds.
What in the world most thrills you?
Holding an audience in shimmering, tension-filled silence on stage.
Also snorkeling.
What current trend in popular culture most irritates you?
Exploitative “reality” television and video content. Yuk.
Also, I wrestle with the selfie thing.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Mountains of western North Carolina.
And
Maui.
It’s a tie.
What is the most important trait you seek in a romantic partner?
Kindness and beautiful lips.
Do you prefer the company of dogs or cats?
Dogs. Big ones.
What would have to happen to make today the best day of your life?
I sign the contract on my long dreamed of country house. On a nice lake. In the mountains. There are ripe tomatoes in the garden and baby goats in the barn. And there’s a sweet little sailboat outside with a big ribbon on it. A big fat blue ribbon this feels important. And the doggies are on the boat ready to go. Somehow sitting patiently and not rambunctiously tipping it over. And I know how to sail a sailboat.
What is your personal motto?
If it’s scary or uncomfortable (and not mortally dangerous or morally wrong), you should probably do that thing.