‘Steel’ing a moment with Billie McBride

By Michael Mulhern

Since Billie McBride’s early roots in New York on ABC’s All My Children and on Broadway with Torch Song Trilogy, through touring with Angela Lansbury Gypsy, she has proven to be a fierce talent. Denver was blessed when she decided to put her roots down here. Since moving to the Rocky Mountains, she has gone on to give memorable performances in The Giver, Trip to Bountiful, and Noises Off at the Denver Center; The Importance of Being Earnest, The Full Monty, and The Women and especially as Frau Schneider in Cabaret at the Arvada Center. McBride brings a gay icon to life as Ouiser (or Weezer) in Steel Magnolias with one of her favorite causes – Senior Housing Options.

Michael Mulhern: You just closed a highly praised production of Collected Stories how was that experience for you?

Billie McBride: It was an amazing experience! It is so glorious to do a well–written play and do it with such a wonderful actress as Devon James. I played some pretty phenomenal characters in my career but I have to say Ruth Steiner is on the top of the list.

MM: We’re excited about Steel Magnolias, what do you hope audiences take from this production?

BM: Mostly I hope they enjoy it. It’s a glorious cast to work with. It’s funny, different from the movie as it takes place only in the beauty shop. I think it will make people laugh and make people cry but the most important thing is that we are doing it for a very good cause, Senior Housing Options. The staffs at these hotels are angels. Without these homes many people would be on the street. This is my third year doing a play for them and it is always been a wonderful experience

MM: Why do you think Steel Magnolias is such a treasured classic, especially in the gay community?

BM: I think the author is a very funny writer. He knows how to write a joke. And he also knows how to capture the heart.

MM: Tell us more about Senior Housing Options and how this production benefits the organization?

BM: SHO is an amazing organization. They have approximately 500 forms of housing around Colorado. These are people who would not have a home, not have care, don’t have family or money or insurance. And they are wonderful people that I’ve had the privilege of spending the last three years with. Doing these productions helps by providing some money to buy them medications, one year some air conditioning units and one year a television.

MM: When you are not performing, what do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?

BB: I love to read, see theatre and spend time with friends. Also, I go East to be with my daughter and grandchildren.

MM: What does Pride mean to you?

BB: That’s difficult to answer. Pride means many things to me. Being happy with who you are, proud of who you are. Bravery! The ability to stand up and say this is who I am, but it’s not all that I am.

MM: What are your thoughts about the gay community here in Denver?

BM: My first thought is I wish the community would go to see theatre more often. But of course that can be said about the theater community as well.

MM: Is there a play or musical that you absolutely adore and would star in over and over again?

BM: I would play Fraulein Snyder in Cabaret until the day I died. I also loved being Joanne in Company.

MM: As someone who witnessed your performance as Fraulein Snyder at the Arvada Center, I agree. What’s next for you after Steel Magnolias?

BM: I am directing the play Vigil for the Cherry Creek Theater. It stars Lawrence Hecht and Patty Figel and opens Oct. 4. It’s a wonderful play and I highly recommend it for every community.