It’s been quite a ride for Marissa Perry,
Hairspray’s irrepressibly upbeat Tracy Turnblad. The Connecticut native first auditioned for her current role six years ago, blowing away the casting team but ultimately being deemed too young. But when the show’s Tony-winning creators, Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, saw her in a regional production, she was tapped for Broadway. Now Perry is starring opposite the show’s original Edna, Harvey Fierstein, while living the big city life. Read on for her primo picks for everything from acupuncture to a little-known Little Italy alternative.
What is your quintessential New York meal, and where would you eat it?
I am obsessed with salads. My two favorite salad spots are the Salad Bar at Whole Foods in the Time-Warner Center (10 Columbus Circle Map it!) and the Adobe Chicken Salad at The Eatery (789 Ninth Ave. at 53rd St. Map it!).
Who is your favorite New Yorker?
Judine “Just Judine” Somerville, fellow Hairspray cast member.
If you had to recommend three must-see places for visitors to New York, what would they be and why?
The Frying Pan lightship (Pier 63 at West 26th St., off the West Side Highway) in the summertime, St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Fifth Ave. between 51st and 52nd St.), and Times Square and a Broadway show.
Do you root for a New York sports team? Which one(s)?
Born and raised with G-Men blood flowing through my veins! Go Giants!!!
What are three items that every New Yorker should own?
BlackBerry, Sunglasses, and an oversized bag/purse/backpack.
What’s the biggest misconception about New York City?
Not everyone is miserable. Lots of us smile all the time!
What stereotype about New York City is true?
We DO get frustrated at slow-walking tourists! At least I do. It’s wrong, but it’s true!
What is your favorite neighborhood and why?
The Little Italy section of the Bronx. It’s kind of the best kept secret in New York City. Everyone heads downtown to Mulberry Street to find Italian food and pastry, but I say, head uptown to Arthur Avenue. It reminds me of my family. I love the people that make up that area. I hate to admit this but, the first time I went up there, I cried. There is so much history up there. Come on! That’s where A Bronx Tale takes place! Amazing!
Is there something you’ve always wanted to do in New York, but have not yet accomplished?
I have never been in Central Park. Don’t even know what it looks like or what’s inside it. I’ve heard there are trees there!
What is the best thing you’ve bought in New York, and where did you get it?
Constantine Rousouli (a.k.a. Link Larkin) turned me on to these cool ear-muff things that go around the back of your head. We got them at one of those random little stores on Eighth Avenue, right by our theater. I pretty much have not taken them off since I bought them.
What song lyrics sum up New York for you?
I hold the song “Bright Lights” by Matchbox Twenty very close to my heart.
What do you love most about being part of the New York theater community?
I love how many young people are making their Broadway debuts. I think it’s really special to be a young person on Broadway, having the opportunity and the resources at your fingertips to learn from people who have made a long running career on Broadway. We really are a small community of special people. I feel really blessed just to be a part of it.
What’s your most cherished New York theatrical memory—of a show you saw, or one you were part of?
Hairspray has been the most incredible experience. I’ve started collecting memories during my run as Tracy, and I cherish all of it. I will never forget my Broadway debut. During the beginning of “Good Morning Baltimore,” when I took off my robe to start the second verse, my entire shirt popped open—fat suit and cleavage straight out to the audience. There was no covering it up, so I just turned my back, sang coyly over my shoulder and buttoned back up. “Oh, Oh, Oh, I’m in my underwear, what boobs can compare with mine today.” I didn’t actually sing that, but I should have.