Exit Interview! Sierra Boggess Bids Adieu to It Shoulda Been You & Gears Up For School of Rock

In the corporate world, employees leaving a job are often asked to sit through an exit interview with HR about their time at the company. That concept doesn’t exist for Broadway performers, but we love checking in with stars as they finish up a successful run. The madcap matrimonial musical It Shoulda Been You will close on August 9, so we asked Sierra Boggess to take Broadway.com’s Exit Interview to tell us all about her time in the show before she begins rehearsals for School of Rock. Below, Boggess reflects on her “joyous and inspirational” experience in It Shoulda Been You.

How did you feel when you first got this job?
Ahhh so thrilled! Knowing I was getting to be a part of a brand new musical not based on a movie or a book was such a dream come true, and knowing it was directed by David Hyde Pierce was icing on the cake.

How do you feel now that you’re leaving?
I'm feeling sentimental, honestly. I love this company so much and I keep saying I want them to do every show with me. I can’t imagine not going to work every day and seeing all of them.

What are three words you would use to describe your experience?
Joyous, inspirational, honored.

What was the easiest thing about this job?
Having Lisa Howard as my dressing roommate and sister in the show. She is one of the best people on earth. She is the leader of our company AND she has two kids under the age of five at home and is an AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING mother. I watched how she handled everything with such grace and it kept me in check when I was feeling tired. I love her forever.

What was the hardest thing?
Not being able to watch the show so I could just enjoy what everyone was doing onstage!

What was the highlight of your time at this job?
Performing the night that the Supreme Court made gay marriage legal! Our book writer Brian Hargrove wrote a special line for my character to say just for that one night and it stopped the show because EVERYONE was jumping for joy in the audience! It was such an incredible moment. To be a part of this kind of show, to be representing for the community at THIS time in our world, it’s just awesome.

What skills do you think are required for future job applicants?
Pure honesty. This show requires that you find your truth and don’t be afraid to step into that power.

What advice would you give to future employees in your job position?
Be fearless. Be loving. Be giving. Be accepting. Play with each other. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy.

How do you think you’ve grown?
I have become a much more honest actress. I soaked up everything I could from the gurus of our business: Harriet Harris, Tyne Daly, Chip Zien, Edward Hibbert, Michael X. Martin… These people have paved the way for us! And it would be silly for me not to take away everything I can from the brilliant-ness.

Why are you leaving?
Well, our little play is closing. But August 9... Nine is my life path number, so there must be an awesome energy in that.

What will you miss the most?
I think I’ve said it a billion times now. This group of people. What am I gonna do without Chip Zien and his antics? Or Josh Grisetti’s unmotivated winking skills? Or singing "Green Socks" in the dressing room with Lisa Howard and Harriet Harris and Chip Zien? Or recording Dubsmash videos with Edward Hibbert at the five-minute call? I feel so lucky! And I can’t forget to give a shout-out to our lead producer Daryl Roth. Hands down one of the most incredible women in this industry and if you get to work with her, you are one of the luckiest people on this planet. It starts from the top, and she and Scott Landis are truly the best. But the great thing about working with all these awesome people? We will definitely be seeing each other again and there are reunions galore in our future. Lisa Howard and I are already planning a pool party.