Interview: Actress Lauren Ward on new musical BEAUTIFUL LITTLE FOOL at Southwark Playhouse
Musical theatre’s love affair with F. Scott Fitzgerald continues this winter with the premiere of brand new musical Beautiful Little Fool at Southwark Playhouse Borough. With music and lyrics by Hannah Corneau and a book by Mona Mansour, the show tells the story of Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald through the eyes of their daughter Scottie, as she rediscovers the lives and writings of her brilliant and tempestuous parents. We spoke to Lauren Ward, who stars as Scottie, to find out more.
Can you tell us a bit about what to expect from Beautiful Little Fool?
You are going to hear a stand out new score along with a strong book/script about these historical icons. We have an exceptional cast and band.
How did you become involved in this new musical?
[Director] Michael Greif asked me. That was a very easy yes. I love working with him.
What drew you to the character of Scottie?
She and I have a lot of similarities.
How have you been developing her?
I’ve been re-reading all of F. Scott Fitzgeralds books. I’ve read several biographies on her parents as well as one about her written by her daughter, which was excellent. Equally, Princeton has the archives that you can access as a researcher. I flip between the real and Mona’s [Mansour] very good script which is one part of the story.
Were you very familiar with Fitzgerald's work before joining the cast?
Yes, but it had been a long time since I read them. I’ve enjoyed revisiting his work with my research.
What do you think makes his legacy so enduring?
He explored the American Dream of wealth and social class. You can read his work and it resonates just as much today, 100 years later. Also, his writing had a style that other writers have tried to emulate ever since.
Which of the songs in Beautiful Little Fool do you most enjoy performing?
We’re still in the early stages and things are always changing in a new show. So, the answer is I don’t know yet because we’re only in our first part of rehearsal and I’m just learning it. It’s a beautiful score.
How do you hope audiences will feel after watching the show?
Love. Love, in its many complex forms and forgiveness. In my research, I learned that Scottie went on to have four children. Her son Tim committed suicide, which was devastating. She was devastated beyond belief, but when Peter Bernhart, a former classmate of her son Tim asked her “how she was feeling—was she feeling despair?” Scottie answered, “Absolutely not! There is too much to live for. I want to see my grandchildren someday…I want to see this country elect a democrat, and I want to watch the next Space Shot!” We have to keep going in this life. She was a great example of the steely resolve it sometimes takes to live a life full of love in spite of the despair.
