New Cinderella Star Carly Rae Jepsen on Sighing for Laura Osnes & Getting the Giggles for Broadway

Being a pop star is fun and all, but Carly Rae Jepsen has always had dreams of being a Broadway princess. Well, dreams come true! The singer/songwriter, whose insanely addictive and flirty tune “Call Me Maybe” sold more than 10 million copies in 2012, making it the bestselling song in the whole world, will slip into the glass slippers of Cinderella on February 4 for a three-month run. Broadway.com got a special chance to chat with Jepsen about the iconic princess role, the beauty of Laura Osnes and her problem with giggle fits.

How does it feel when you see yourself in full Cinderella princess drag?
It’s kind of surreal. But it’s weird how quickly I’m getting used to it, actually!

You've conquered the Billboard charts. What made you want to do Broadway at this point in your career?
Oh, I’ve wanted to do Broadway since I was about seven years old. I always pictured that I’d be like Maid #3 or something like that if it ever happened so I feel very honored to take on such a huge role. When I was asked to audition, I couldn’t believe my good fortune and I gave it everything I got!

Of course, we all know you from “Call Me Maybe,” but you’ve actually performed musicals back in Canada. Are you excited to show people this other side to your talents?
I have a great passion for musicals. I always have and yes, I’m looking forward to testing the waters in places I don’t have as much experience and doing my best at it. Luckily, I’m surrounded with so many people who are on my side and just extremely talented at what they do and help me do my job better, too.

What did you think when you first saw the show from the audience? Did it turn you into a little girl?
Every time Laura [Osnes] speaks, I sigh. She’s just absolutely beautiful. I have some huge shoes to fill. But yeah, the story is very charming. It’s every woman’s fantasy, every girl’s fantasy and actually, I have a lot of guy friends as well and they all swoon, too, despite themselves!

Broadway favorite Laura Osnes is finishing a great run in the show. What’s it been like getting to know her?
She’s just as lovely as you would imagine her to be. She’s been very warm to me—very supportive of this new adventure—and she has offered all the help that she can give.

You’re joining the show with two other new cast members, Fran Drescher as Madame and Joe Carroll as Prince Topher. It must be nice to be learning the show alongside them.
It is. We’ve got a group name. We’re the new kids on the block. We’re adding our own little facelift and spin to this classic and I think we’re all equally terrified and excited! I’m a huge fan of Fran. I watched The Nanny of course and have followed her career so it’s incredible that she’s agreed to do this. She’s going to be the wickedest of wicked stepmothers. I can’t wait.

You’re doing scenes with Fran Drescher! Does she crack you up?
I can’t keep a straight face. It’s terrible, my biggest flaw! Every time Joe and me have a romantic scene, I giggle and every time Fran is trying to be terrible, I giggle. I’m trying to keep that in check.

What do you want to tell your music fans about the show?
I just want everyone to come and take on this musical. It’s a beautiful story. It’s very inspiring. Cinderella is not just a fairy tale about getting the prince. She also wants to change the world and I find that to be just a lovely message.

See Jepsen in Cinderella beginning February 4 at the Broadway Theatre.