RAZZLE DAZZLE: 10 Things You May Not Know About Me: Brandy Norwood of ‘Chicago’
Broadway has been a blessing for Brandy Norwood. “This experience has truly reawakened the fearless Brandy that I once was as a child,” says Norwood.
The former Moesha star and pop music chart-topper, now 36, is now making her Broadway debut as Roxie Hart in musical smash Chicago. “I saw the show when Usher played Billy Flynn [in 2006] and I remember being completely blown away and feeling inspired at that time to do Broadway,” Norwood says. “Usher and I are from the same world, so I was inspired by him to do Broadway. I also saw the movie and fell in love with Renee Zellweger as Roxie. I thought the movie was awesome and I have seen it a gazillion times.”
Norwood said she received a call from her agent about interest in the show after preparing herself to be “ready for something life changing.” And she was ready. “When Chicago presented itself, I knew that this was the ‘something’ that God was preparing me for,” the entertainment veteran explained. “I was very nervous because it was an unknown territory but I kept hearing in my spirit, ‘God wouldn’t put something in front of you that you couldn’t do.’”
The long-running hit show has seen many Roxies in the almost 20-year run, and Norwood was only supposed to razzle dazzle audiences for eight weeks. The collaboration has been so successful that she extended her stay to August 2, 2015. It helps that Norwood has built a dedicated fan base over the past 21 years via successful music and television projects, and her performance has attracted notables like including Lee Daniels, Aretha Franklin, Rev. Al Sharpton, Amber Riley and Jennifer Hudson to the Ambassador Theater.
Below, Norwood reveals details of her depression, how technology keeps her alive, her favorite part of her body and being inducted into a historic sorority.
I was ready, able and willing for Chicago
Adjusting to the rigorous regimen of working in Chicago was quite easy for me, to be honest. I was already in a deep focus and discipline before I got to New York. I was ready for the work and up for all the challenges that came with it. I would say the challenging part of the “experience” is truly trusting the moment and staying as present as possible. My focus and discipline definitely has gone to the next level. This experience has made me a better everything.
I had to pick up the pieces after it all fell apart
People would never guess the dark space that I was in about a year ago and how long I was sad and depressed. It showed in my physical frame and in my eyes. Long story short: I cried out for help and the decision followed to be “the best version of myself” I then did the “work” spiritually, mentally and physically and saw my old life disappear. Chicago presented itself to me and I then stepped into my dream. I’m wide-awake now. Thank you, God.
I’m truly in a New York State of Mind
My favorite thing to do in New York City is be as free as possible, like riding bikes in Central Park, taking the subway, and just simply walking around enjoying the culture and the movement of the city.
The Lion still roars for me
I saw The Lion King years ago, shortly after it opened. But I saw it again with my daughter (Sy’rai Iman) and to experience that with her was truly magical. We both were blown away, singing in harmony together during the intermission and everything. The Lion King truly inspired us that night.
My phone and I are besties
My entire life is on my phone. I have songs, messages, pictures, and of course my books all here. It is the way I connect with those that I love. I FaceTime my daughter and my family and friends. My phone is also a way to stay connected to my fans — who I call my extended family — through social media.
I can’t get enough of London
My favorite place to travel is London — it is such a magical place. I love to perform in London. It reminds me of New York with a bit more of an edge. I absolutely love the fashion there and the people and all of their accents. It’s so much freedom and life there.
No more carbohydrates for me
I love key lime pie, French fries, peach cobbler, and cheesecake but all of those are a no no right now. And for a very long time come to think of it. There is no regimen for me; this is my life now. So all my faves will be a very sometimes experience.
Angela Bassett is a physical inspiration
My arms are my favorite part of my body. I love that they look like Angela Bassett’s when she played Tina Turner… that’s what people are saying. What a compliment. I’m obsessed with them staying cut. On my day off, I work out and play tennis. My favorite restaurant is Hillstone and my favorite meal there is the kale salad and the salmon. It’s so yummy.
My faith has been restored after much disappointment
There are so many career upsets and disappointments I can’t really count. At the end of the day, I stopped believing in myself and I started to lose faith in God and what he blessed me with. I stopped believing. Now, I’m dreaming again and I believe that any and everything is possible. It took a while for me to get to this place, but I’m here now and I’m never going to stop believing ever again. I know who I am and what I am here to do and I know that God is always with me, for me, and rooting for me. That’s enough to inspire the world.
I’m a proud member of the first black sorority
Becoming an honorary Alpha Kappa Alpha made my mom (Sonia Bates Norwood) so happy. That’s all I would hear growing up was about her being an AKA and their sisterhood. I was honored to be embraced by such beautiful women and now to be a part of a sisterhood is really sweet.
Source: article by Karu F. Daniels in newyork.com
