Crystal Lucas-Perry brings new meaning to a two-show day. For the past three weeks, the performer has been in rehearsals the upcoming Broadway production of Ain't No Mo' while starring in the Broadway revival of 1776 as John Adams.
Playbill got a chance to peek into Lucas-Perry's double-duty daily routine before she exits 1776 on October 23 to dive fully into the final two weeks of rehearsal for Jordan E. Cooper's Ain't No Mo', which begins Broadway previews November 3 at the Belasco Theatre. Read on as Lucas-Perry takes us through her day from the morning alarm to the moment her head hits the pillow again at night.
6:30 AM
"Feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day after a good night’s rest. Sleep means more to me these days so I’m getting as much of it as I can. Join me for a few highlights of my day. In the words of my character John Adams, 'The time is now, it may never come again.' Here we go!"
7:00 AM
"Before a kickboxing session with my favorite trainer, Rodney Carter at Hurricane Fitness, I squeeze in some much needed 'tea time' with a certain founding father. Love this John Adams glass gifted to me by Allison Guinn during the very first reading of 1776 back in August of 2019."
10:00 AM
"Then it's off to rehearsals for Jordan E. Cooper’s Ain't No Mo', where I get to create and collaborate with these insanely talented artists! Our fearless leader, director and, in this case, photographer, Stevie Walker Webb, leads with and welcomes joy, play, and curiosity into the creative space. Translation: An actor's dream room! Can’t believe we’ll be on the Belasco Theatre stage in less than a week!"
5:00 PM
"Time for another fabulous fitting with a very familiar face. The phenomenal Emilio Sosa is the costume designer for Ain't No Mo' and 1776. But wait, there’s more! Scott Pask (set design), Mia M. Neal (hair & wigs), Jonathan Deans (sound design) and Bethany Joy (costumes) are also apart of this Broadway crossover. Delighted to be doing double duty alongside these brilliant designers!"
5:45 PM
"After a full day of rehearsals for Ain't No Mo', I finally arrive at my second home: Roundabout Theatre Company’s American Airlines Theatre for 1776. This is the sweet spot of the day where the theatre is often empty—the perfect time to reflect and enjoy the beautiful view. Fun fact: My very first Off-Broadway show was at Roundabout (Little Children Dream of God by Jeff Augustin, directed by Giovanna Sardelli). So to have my Broadway debut here as well brings everything full circle in a very special way.
6:00 PM
"My private sanctuary! Design inspired by the bold and beautiful artwork of Ashley Pinklomein Price. It may be hard to see but the words ’Self Love’ are printed across the painting—a sentiment I continue to practice and live by. I first came across this canvas in April during our pre-broadway run of 1776 at the American Repertory Theatre—and it will soon grace the walls of my Ain't No Mo' dressing room as well. 6 PM is around the time where I relax, eat, sleep, email, connect with cast, friends & family, etc. Whatever needs doing happens now and happens here. I savor this ‘Me Time’ because before I know it, it will be time for fight call!"
7:15 PM
"Here’s a #BTS look at our fight call (onstage rehearsal for intense physical moments choreographed by the imaginative Thomas Schall) captured by our wonderful Stage Manager Alfredo Macias. The entire SM team and backstage crews take such great care of us. They make sure we’re all ready and safe to take on the action of this musical. This show doesn't happen without them and their incredible efforts. After a quick check in with our incredible music director Ryan Cantwell who conducts our beautiful orchestra beneath the stage—it's off to hair, makeup and costumes!"
8:00 PM
"PLACES! So much love and respect for every single one of these artists (onstage and off) for giving their all to this show eight times a week. Not to mention, 38 Broadway debuts being made with this spectacular company. A special shoutout to our fierce standbys, Imani Pearl Williams, Grace Stockdale, Ariella Serur, Dawn L. Troupe, Shelby Acosta, and Rose Van Dyne ,who stay ready at the drop of a hat and keep this show afloat. Teamwork makes the dream work!"
11:15 PM
"My favorite part of the day is connecting with all of you! Most nights you can find me under Roundabout’s 1776 marquee after the show for a quick hello. As someone who STILL waits at the stage door to share my post-show love with performers—I know just how special those moments can be."
11:55 PM
"Finally home and back in bed—ready to do it all again tomorrow!
Thanks Playbill and all of YOU for joining me on my 'TWO SHOW' day. Be sure to catch me as John Adams in 1776 at Roundabout through October 23—and then a few blocks over at the Belasco Theatre in Ain't No Mo', previews starting November 3. Thank you all for supporting the arts. See you at the theatre!"
