Broadway Star Ashley Blanchet Shines in "The Bedwetter" at Arena Stage

Broadway veteran Ashley Blanchet is bringing her comedic and dramatic talents to the stage in "The Bedwetter" at Arena Stage. Running from February 4 through March 16, this production showcases Blanchet's ability to navigate the nuanced world of comedy and drama. "Comedy is all about precision," Blanchet explains, "You either hit the mark or you don't. But with drama, there's more room for interpretation. As a dancer, I understand the rhythm that's essential to comedy."

In "The Bedwetter," Blanchet takes on the role of Miss New Hampshire, a whimsical figure who serves as a fairy godmother to the main character, Sarah. The musical, based on comedian Sarah Silverman's bestselling memoir, is a humorous yet touching portrayal of a young girl's struggles with depression and bedwetting. Blanchet's character appears to Sarah as a real-life pageant queen and later becomes a part of Sarah's imagination, guiding her through her journey.

Blanchet comments on her role, saying, "Most of the time, I am inside Sarah's mind. She first encounters me on TV during a Miss America pageant, but soon I start speaking to her directly." This unique approach allows Blanchet to explore the comedic and empathetic aspects of her character. As the narrative unfolds, Sarah discovers that Miss New Hampshire shares her struggles with bedwetting, which empowers Sarah to transform her perceived weaknesses into sources of strength and creativity.

"The Bedwetter" marks Blanchet’s return to the role of Miss New Hampshire, which she originated off-Broadway at the Atlantic Theater Company in 2022. Reflecting on her initial audition, she recalls going in with limited knowledge of the character. "I knew Miss New Hampshire was a pageant girl who unintentionally said funny things," she shares. "I drew inspiration from Kristin Chenoweth's portrayal of Glinda in 'Wicked,' and luckily, Sarah [Silverman] and director Anne Kauffman enjoyed my interpretation."

Although Blanchet, now 37, doesn't have personal experience with bedwetting, she empathizes with the story's depiction of depression. Like Sarah, Blanchet faced challenges during her teenage years, finding solace and purpose in theater. At 14, she left home to attend the Walnut Hill School for the Arts, a prestigious performing arts high school in Massachusetts. From there, she continued her education at the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree before debuting on Broadway in "Memphis."

Blanchet believes her experiences with bisexuality have enriched her performances. "Feeling like an outsider helped me relate to themes of acceptance and self-love in 'The Bedwetter,'" she explains. Growing up, Blanchet assumed she was straight, but the realization of her romantic feelings for a female friend led her to embrace her bisexuality. "For me, attraction is more about energy than physical attributes," she says. "Owning my identity has been a journey, and it informs my work as an actor."

Blanchet’s impressive resume includes playing Elsa in "Frozen" on Broadway and being the first Black actor to portray the title role in "Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella" at the Paper Mill Playhouse. She also delighted audiences as Maria in "The Sound of Music" at the same venue. Reflecting on her career, Blanchet acknowledges the unique challenges she faces as a Black performer in the industry. "I never imagined I'd play these roles," she admits, "but I've learned to embrace the unexpected."

As Blanchet prepares for the future, she is excited to return to "The Bedwetter," which is set to make its Broadway debut. "It's thrilling to revisit the show," she says. "I'm constantly finding ways to improve my performance, asking myself what made certain jokes land before and how I can enhance them now." Despite the uncertainties of the upcoming political climate, Blanchet remains focused and dedicated, sharing her Washington, D.C. apartment with her beloved dog, Cosmo.

Through Blanchet’s portrayal, "The Bedwetter" offers audiences a poignant exploration of embracing one's identity, overcoming adversity, and finding humor in life's challenges. Her performance at Arena Stage is a testament to her versatility and passion for storytelling, making "The Bedwetter" a must-see production this season.