what a blast it was shooting and getting to know the supremely talented, gorgeous, generous, open and wise Elizabeth Gillies. she popped by our brooklyn studio between her busy show schedule starring as Audrey in the fabulous Little Shop of Horrors, completing press gigs and rehearsing for her performances at the legendary Cafe Carlyle which are happening this week, May 6-10. so scroll on down for our photo diary of this naturally curly haired luminous beauty chatting playing her character Audrey, dressing up as a man, musical inspirations, wish lists/goals and her bare essentials. thank you LG for being such an absolute dream to spend time with.

the bare magazine: what drew you to this project? what do you love about the story?

Elizabeth Gillies: This has been my favorite musical since I saw the Broadway production when I was a kid. I grew up singing and knowing every line in the show. I always hoped and prayed I’d get the opportunity to play Audrey (or the dentist) and I’m so glad it ended up happening with this production.

I came in with all of these ideas about how I felt I needed to play her and what I was “supposed” to do and this creative team really encouraged me to throw all of that out the window and start from scratch with her. I play her in a way that feels very honest and truthful to me and I’m thankful that they gave me the freedom to do so.

I got to see Sherie Rene Scott’s Audrey before I started rehearsals and I’m so glad I did because seeing how she made it her own gave me the courage to do the same. I just love this show so much. I think it might be a perfect musical, if such a thing exists.

lip: whipped matte lip mousse in almond creme eye: creme to powder eyeshadow stick in beachy matte pencil met gel eyeler in bronze shimmer. mascara: length matters in black cheek: 2-in-1 color stick for cheeks and lips in golden guava. by julep beauty

bare: the run has been extended. what keeps it fresh for you night after night? the audiences, your castmates, the music...?

EG: I was actually talking about this yesterday- to keep it fresh, sometimes I play Audrey so differently from night to night that I feel like I’m gaslighting the audiences. Like, if they were to compare notes on their respective shows they wouldn’t know what the other was talking about. I’m sort of exaggerating but I do feel a big part of live theatre is playing and trying new things. I don’t want it to get stale. Some nights I play her much darker and more hopeless and other nights I play her lighter and more ridiculous. I’m lucky to have a character that allows me the flexibility to do that. The audience can also dictate the tone of the show, that happens a lot. I love live theatre. You’re never getting the exact same show, that’s what makes it special.

bare: do you find some time for indulgences or self care? what's your favorite thing to do on your day off?

EG: I really try and do everything on my day off. I probably do too much but the things I do bring me a lot of peace and comfort. I love checking things off a literal to do list. I’m big on making lists. Doing laundry and washing and making my bed have always been big ones for me. I love the idea of making things clean and perfect. I’m a big nester. I’ll also do face masks and hair masks and whiten my teeth, etc. Actually, the first thing I do when I wake up on a Monday off is remove my red Audrey nail polish and give myself a clean manicure. That’s essential.

bare: you have been performing and acting for quite sometime - is there something you've never done that you'd love to explore? someone you'd love to work with?

EG: I’d love a good old fashioned rom com. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I’d also love to play a creature or a really disturbing, demonic character like Longlegs or something in a horror or thriller. That could be fun.

As far as people I’d love to work with, the list is too long to name but I’m a huge David O. Russell fan. That’s a lifelong goal of mine, to work with him.

bare: you showed us some photos of you as a bearded man looking completely real! is that a fun transformation? do you like to explore different sides of yourself and stepping into many characters.

EG: If I had a dollar for every time someone said, “You showed us some photos of you as a bearded man…” I’d have way more dollars than you’d think I’d have! Yes, I love dressing up as men. And creatures. And characters in general. Always have. The less I look like myself the more I can get lost in the sauce and the more fun I have. I hope I get to play someone or something completely unrecognizable and unlike me someday. I feel most alive and free when I’m completely lost inside of a character or a bit. That’s always brought me the most joy.

bare: you went more bare with your hair and makeup for us...did you enjoy embracing your natural hair texture?

EG: If I’m being honest, I had a very late night before our shoot which was a bit out of character for me and when I woke up I couldn’t imagine blow drying my hair, so that’s why I texted you before I showed up asking if you’d mind if I let my hair air dry instead! Having said that, I have been embracing my curls much more lately. I also think this is my first time wearing it like this for a photo shoot. So between that AND the lack of winged liner, I’m really going bare for you!

bare: you've got some upcoming shows at cafe carlyle. did you enjoy it last year? describe what that experience is like....and what can the audience expect?

EG:I love performing there. I could happily just live there and come down the elevator and do a show every night and have that be my life. It’s so perfectly my taste and style…so classic New York. The room is small and intimate. It’s my favorite type of performance venue. As far as what to expect, it’s mostly jazz standards with a bit of Broadway, a little Joni, maybe a few special guests … it’s always a really special evening.

bare: fill in the blanks....

my biggest musical influences are….. Joni Mitchell & Peggy Lee

a dream meal would consist of…… some kind of pasta and then tons of dessert

i feel happiest…… when I’m with my dogs and the people I love….or onstage.

in 10 years i picture myself……. doing exactly what I’m doing right now but hopefully 10 times better.

my go-to fragrance is…… usually Maison Louise Marie No. 4 because I have it as a roller ball in my bag and it’s always readily available.

bare: what are your top 6 bare essentials?

EG:

My dogs & loved ones (I grouped them together so the list doesn’t get boring)

Bagels (I could easily live on bagels alone)

AirPods (and I guess my phone- but only to play music on the AirPods!)

Perfume & gum (Sorry, I grouped again. I need to smell good, always!)

My Chilipad (it’s a cooling system for your bed, I got it during the pandemic and now I literally can’t sleep or live without it. I need to be freezing when I sleep.)

My probiotics (only because I literally can’t live without them which makes them essential)