Ashley Blanchet Returns to the Stage in 'The Bedwetter'

The Bedwetter
Feb. 4-March 16
Arena Stage
1101 6th St., S.W.
$69-$119
arenastage.org

Renowned for her versatility across comedy and drama, Broadway veteran Ashley Blanchet discusses the distinct challenges of each genre. "Comedy is binary," she notes. "You either hit the mark, or you don't. Drama, on the other hand, offers room for interpretation. As someone who began as a dancer, the precise rhythm of comedy resonates with me."

Currently, Blanchet is captivating audiences with her comedic prowess as Miss New Hampshire in The Bedwetter at Arena Stage. This musical, inspired by comedian Sarah Silverman's acclaimed memoir, humorously and touchingly explores a young girl's battle with depression and bedwetting.

In the show, Blanchet portrays Miss New Hampshire, a character akin to a fairy godmother. "I'm mostly present in Sarah's mind. She initially encounters me on TV during a Miss America pageant, and soon enough, I'm a voice in her head," Blanchet explains.

Through the course of the narrative, Sarah discovers that Miss New Hampshire shares her struggles with bedwetting. This revelation transforms Sarah's vulnerabilities into sources of strength, fueling her creativity and paving the way for her future success as a comedian.

This isn't Blanchet's first time embodying Miss New Hampshire. She first brought the character to life in a 2022 off-Broadway production at the Atlantic Theater Company, after auditioning with scant information in 2019.

Her audition—drawing inspiration from Kristin Chenoweth's whimsical Glinda in Wicked—left an impression on Silverman and director Anne Kauffman, who wholeheartedly appreciated Blanchet's approach. "I thought their laughter was just courtesy, but it turns out they genuinely liked my take on the character," Blanchet recalls.

While Blanchet, now 37, does not have a personal connection to bedwetting, she resonates with the show's depiction of depression. Like Sarah, she faced challenges in her teenage years, crediting theater with having a profound, life-saving impact.

At just 14, Blanchet left for the Walnut Hill School, a private performing arts institution in Massachusetts. Her journey continued at the University of Michigan, renowned for its theater program, where she earned a BFA before debuting on Broadway in Memphis. From ensemble roles, she steadily progressed to more prominent parts involving both dialogue and music.

Blanchet believes her bisexuality enriches her artistic expression. "I've often felt like an outsider, so themes of acceptance and self-love in The Bedwetter resonate deeply with me—from both queer and racial perspectives. With age comes an increasing appreciation for my identity," she shares.

Initially assuming she was straight, Blanchet's romantic feelings for a female friend in college illuminated her bisexuality. They shared a relationship for three years, marking a significant period of self-discovery. "Bisexuality didn't offer me an immediate community, unlike what some of my gay friends experienced. For me, attraction centers around energy rather than physical attributes. Embracing and taking pride in this realization has been a journey, and it's relevant to many facets of my life, including acting."

Blanchet has performed as Elsa in Broadway's Frozen and was the groundbreaking first Black actor to portray the title role in Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse. She also starred as Maria in The Sound of Music at the same venue, roles she once never imagined would be within her reach. "Being Black in this business can mean unexpected opportunities," she reflects.

Currently, as The Bedwetter prepares for a Broadway run, Blanchet relishes the challenge of revisiting her role. "Sometimes I wonder, 'What worked last time? How did I make that joke land?' It's a delightful puzzle," she laughs. "Returning to the show offers the chance to refine and enhance my performance."

Set to perform in Washington D.C. during a tumultuous political climate, Blanchet finds solace in her work and the companionship of her beloved mixed-breed dog Cosmo. The journey back to The Bedwetter is an exciting opportunity to reconnect with a character and production that hold personal significance.

With the show poised for Broadway, Blanchet is prepared to continue evolving her performance, embracing each opportunity for growth and improvement.