by Mark Schulte

The SNL alum chats about singing, dancing and learning from the best as she prepares for her musical-theater debut in the world premiere of Minksy’s.

When some of Broadway’s top guns got together to create the splashy new Prohibition-era musical, Minsky’s, they made the unconventional choice of inviting quirky former Saturday Night Live star Rachel Dratch to the party. With a book by Bob Martin (the Tony-winning creator and star of The Drowsy Chaperone), music by Charles Strouse (Annie, Applause), lyrics by Susan Birkenhead (Jelly’s Last Jam) and direction by Tony-nominated director/choreographer Casey Nicholaw (Chaperone, Spamalot), Minsky’s is a major-league world premiere with Broadway ambitions. While Dratch’s New York experience was decidedly off Broadway—seven seasons at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, to be exact—Debbie Downer heads downtown this month, playing a comic supporting role to some of Broadway’s best. She spoke to us about her new part and what it’s like to be a part of such a powerhouse new production.

We all know your great work on SNL, 30 Rock and King of Queens. But how much live theater have you done?

I’ve done a lot of improv—Second City, Upright Citizens Brigade—but I’ve never done this type of theater before. The last musical I was in was in high school. But don’t confuse that with High School Musical. [Laughs] I don’t want to get that rumor started.

So what’s it like in rehearsals?

It’s like I’m going to Broadway Camp. When I’m not in a scene, I’m in the audience watching. It’s fascinating to see these people, to watch the dancing and hear the singing. Even the ensemble—they have such amazing voices and work so perfectly together.

What’s the story?

It’s this racy musical comedy about Billy Minsky, who’s the king of burlesque entertainment. But then the cops try to shut him down because they think his shows are too racy. It’s a Moral Majority-type group trying to close him down. Their leader is played by George Wendt [Norm from Cheers].

And how do you fit into all this?

I play Beula, who is put into the show just because her father is the producer, even though she can’t really sing or dance.

Can you sing or dance?

Yes. [Pauses] Well, I’m OK. I can do great karaoke and that’s the level of talent Beula has.

What type of songs are we talking about here?

Burlesque is a very interesting style. It’s sexy, but funny. And the play really captures that. The music feels like it could have been from that era, but Charles Strouse actually wrote it all. And the jokes feel like real vaudeville jokes, but fresh.

The creators’ last work, The Drowsy Chaperone, won the Tony in 2006. Did you see it?

Yes, I did. I think I laughed more during that play than I had during anything else on Broadway. It was goofy and playful, but smart. That’s what I liked about it, and Minsky’s is the same way. It’s just a lot of fun.

Considering you’re such a newbie to this type of theater, how did you get involved?

Casey Nicholaw was considering me for a role in Spamalot on Broadway when they were thinking of letting a female take over one of the characters. But they decided against that. Then, when casting came up for Minsky’s, he remembered me and called. We spoke and the next day I had the part.

So what’s next for the play once it finishes its L.A. run?

Well there’s always the possibility that it will make it to Broadway. I hope it does, because I would love to do Broadway. But either way, I never take anything for granted in showbiz. I just live for the day and enjoy being a part of this. I think the audience will enjoy it, too.

The Details

Minsky’s runs Jan. 21 - March 1 (official opening Feb. 6) at the Ahmanson Theatre, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. For tickets and more information, visit centertheatregroup.org.