Broadway Across America (BAA): Is it still surreal or is it beginning to sink in that you’ve won and you are going to be leads on Broadway?
Max Crumm (MC): It’s so hard when you are in something to focus and realize what is happening. I’ve been so busy. I went to New York right after winning and flew back to LA. I’ve been busy making sure my best friend has a roomie when I leave. I just went home to Phoenix and got to see my family. It’s been super.
Laura Osnes (LO): Yes, it’s definitely sunk in, but it’s been so wonderful to be back with my family and fiancé in Minnesota. I haven’t been doing much with GREASE right now except some press and media interviews.

BAA: Have people been recognizing you?
LO: Well, not really. I haven’t really been recognized or mobbed anywhere, but I was noticed once at the Mall of America.
MC: It’s really weird because it’s a combination of being caught off guard and thankfulness. I’ll go somewhere and I’ll get recognized and the coolest thing is that it’s not just one type of person, although there are a lot of young girls.

BAA: You had both been in regional theatre productions of GREASE. Do you think that either helped or hurt you for the show?
MC: I think it really helped me. I got to look at the character of Danny from many different perspectives based on the roles I had already played. I really think Danny is in between being idolized and playing it cool and I got to bring all of that to the role. Being in GREASE is like a party and I had already been invited to that party in a sense.
LO: I went into the reality show wanting to grow, expand and learn more about the role of Sandy, not just play it like I had been in Minnesota. It was really interesting to get direction from Kathleen Marshall, and to work off of the chemistry of other Dannys – each one was different than the Danny I worked with in Minnesota.

BAA: How was the auditioning going before this opportunity?
MC: I only auditioned in L.A. I didn’t go on any theatre or Broadway auditions. I was auditioning for a whole lot of “best friend” roles. I can’t tell you how many Dude 1 or Dude 2 roles I auditioned for.

BAA: What do you think you learned, and what were you surprised to learn about “the business”?
LO: I’ve never been on TV before, so it was a totally new experience to work with cameras and have to know to follow one or look into a certain one. It was a whole new adventure! I’m surprised at how well I coped with the stress of the situation – I got through everything with support from my family, spirituality and friends at the house. We all lived together on the show, and it was really interesting to live with strangers that would soon be my friends, but were also my competition. We lived in this reality TV bubble. When I auditioned, I thought I had a chance in the competition because I had played the role before, but I hadn’t really thought that I would win – I’m so honored that America chose me!

BAA: How is the chemistry between you and Max and what’s it like having gone through this whole process with him?
LO: Well, I met Max at the L.A. auditions and we were friends from the beginning – we called and texted each other throughout the whole thing. He has been one of my best friends the whole show, and I’m very excited he is “my” Danny. I can’t wait to start working with him on the show in New York.

BAA: Are you in rehearsals for the show yet and how is that going?
LO: Rehearsals don’t start until June 11 in New York. Before that, I’m getting married and honeymooning in May. My fiancé, Nathan, has done some acting too and is hungering to perform again. He also has his own photography business and is looking forward to getting into the New York art scene. We’re moving to New York together when we get back from our honeymoon.

BAA: Did you read the message boards? What is it like to know your fans were picking up the phone and casting their vote for you?
LO: I didn’t really grasp the fan support system until I went home. The word was really spread that I was on the show. I even found out that my uncle who is a flight attendant had put up signs all over the country. My family and friends had a sort of publicity campaign for me. They really got the word out, and it worked! Now my MySpace is just flooded with messages! I never thought it would be me! People who voted for me on the show have been asking questions about the show and performances – they want to come to New York to see me, even with the cost of a hotel in New York City and Broadway ticket prices!

BAA: Anything you’d like to say to your fans? What are your words of wisdom for folks trying to land their big break?
MC: Oh my goodness, thank you so much to all of my fans. I would not be here without them. I really consider this a privilege. Thank you! Never stop believing in yourself, once you find something you are passionate about, never stop believing in yourself.
LO: Thank you for believing in a small town girl from Minnesota! Thank you so much! I heard that some people would even get on different phones and vote 200 times after a show. Keep soaring and believing in yourself – you need to have confidence in yourself so that others can have confidence in you. Be open to opportunities: I was in the right place at the right time, and look what happened.

Break a leg Max and Laura and we look forward to seeing you soon on Broadway!

By: Allison Thomas