Carol Woods as Matron Mama Morton in Hit Play Chicago-Photo by Paul Kolnik

Interviewed and written by Yaminah Ahmad

On September 8, veteran Broadway actress Carol Woods gives Atlanta a taste of Mama Morton’s tough love in “Chicago,” which graces the Fabulous Fox Theatre stage through September 13.  Ms. Woods took time out of her busy schedule to talk with CONNECT about her love affair with the stage, her performance at last year’s Grammy Awards, which garnered her a standing ovation and her dream of working with Tyler Perry.

Connect Magazine: Congratulations on rejoining the Chicago tour. Did you miss being in Mama Morton’s skin?

Carol Woods: (Laughs). You know I haven’t been out of her skin too long a period of time because every time I leave, I’m asked to come back. It’s been a true blessing to me and my nine grandchildren. So there are no complaints. None whatsoever.

CM: What can the Atlanta audience expect to see from this production of Chicago?

CW: Well, you know Jerry Springer is joining us and I’ve gotten rave reviews about him from the New York cast. I think that the audience is going to be pleasantly surprised from the reviews from the cast. Those are the best people to ask. I was talking to a gentleman by the name of Albert Cohen. He was the general manager of a show I did many years ago. We were talking about Broadway shows and Off-Broadway shows. I said I wondered when there’s a problem with the show, why do the producers or the powers-that-be don’t ask the cast members what do they think can be done to correct the piece. We’re the ones close to it and we find out what works for and what doesn’t work. Our opinion is never asked. So, the cast members sent me the reviews on Jerry Springer and you can bet your bottom dollar that if he weren’t good, they would have told me.

CM: Are there any similarities between you and your character?

CW: Well, everybody’s Mama Morton is different. The lines are the same, but everybody’s portrayal is different. Everybody’s concept of what Mama Morton is about is different. My Mama Morton is a very fun-loving person but she’s a businesswoman at heart. I’m here to make the money and help people. It’s a dual-edge sword. I would say that I’m a businesswoman because it’s called show business. If we don’t understand the mechanics of that then we’re in trouble. I think Mama Morton and Carol Woods have something in common.

CM: The film version of the show made it a household name. What are your thoughts on its popularity?

CW: Well, the show was already popular before the film came along. The film just piqued people’s interest in the show because there were quite a few people, as we found out, that hadn’t seen the show but because of Rob Marshall’s ability in adapting it to the screen, it made people want to come see the show. The Broadway show has already won its Tony Awards with Best Director, Best Revival. It’s won quite a few Tony’s for its production. It was already a winner. So Rob Marshall didn’t take on a raspberry, he took on an award-winning show. He just made it better.

CM: You know Mama Morton pretty intimately. Is there something you would love her to say or do that would tickle you to death and make the audience gasp?

CW: (Laughs) ‘Cover your ass or else it’s gonna be grass.’ That’s right. If you don’t do the right thing, you’ll end up in the big house. That was the rule for the 20s and it’s the rule for today.

CM: You’ve been in several productions: “The Full Monty,” “Follies,” “Smokey Joe’s Café,” “Stepping Out,” “The Goodbye Girl,” among others. You’re a Broadway pro. How do you continue to challenge yourself and keep your performance fresh each night?

CW: I think about my paycheck. (Laughs). I was working with Tony Randall (“The Odd Couple”) and this young lady was giving the director such a hard time. She’s such a good actress. I guess she wanted more attention. Finally, she asked the director, “What is my motivation?” Tony Randall said your paycheck is your motivation, now just do what you’re told to do. Needless to say she walked out of the room crying. She was so hurt. I was so tickled under my breath because it’s true! You have to be able to listen. You have to be able to follow instructions. And you know what? I say this about parents who send their unruly children to school and expect the teachers to do their job. Your job is to discipline your child at home. The teacher’s job is to educate your child, and when you send your child to school without them being disciplined, you’re absolutely wrong. So, it’s about doing what you’re told to do. You can never go wrong. It’s simple. It’s not hard to do. And be able to take constructive criticism.

CM: You’ve done film and television as well, but it seems the stage keeps calling you back…

CW: I got to get a hold of Tyler Perry for either TV or movies. I’ve been in television and film, but, you’re right, the stage keeps calling me back. Chicago is the best job for me. I never get tired of it. It’s such a fun show and an audience pleaser.

CM: Is there anything in particular you want to say to Tyler Perry in case he reads this article?

CW: Yes. Tyler Perry, this is an outreach call for you to discover me for one of your films. (Laughs).

CM: Last year, you received a standing ovation for singing “Let It Be” at the 50^th Grammy Awards…

CW: Oh, that was one of the highlights of my career. That movie (“Across the Universe”) was very dear to my heart. I had just lost my son in a car accident in 2005 and I got a call to do that film the same year. The premise was a little boy gets killed in the Detroit Riots. The first day of rehearsal was June 29, my son’s birthday. And the day I found out I was going to sing on the Grammy’s was two days after the anniversary of my son’s death. So, that boy followed me from the audition to my performance on the Grammy’s. I felt him all the way. He was my favorite fan. He definitely wanted to see his mother make it. He was something else.

CM: You have a current single, “America,” which was inspired by President Obama’s campaign…

CW: I recorded this song with President Obama and his family in mind, along with the change we achieved, and needed and still need. I wanted to sing for him at the inauguration. I tried and tried, but I didn’t make it in town. So I sent over 400 copies to be given away at one of the inaugural balls in D.C.

CM: You’ll be here in Atlanta performing for six days. When you’re not working, are there any plans to get out and enjoy the city?

CW: Oh yes. My son’s family, his in-laws, lives in Atlanta. Unfortunately, they’re going on vacation, but my daughter-in-law will be there with my grandson. They’re going to come see me. He just turned 4 years old on August 15. He wants to race me in the park. (Laughs) He said he’s going to beat me.

CM: It seems you never rest. I read you have a number of projects you’re working on. Can you tell us about it?

CW: I’m working on a CD. It’s a work-in-progress. I started working again with the gentleman who produced the song “America” and we’re in the studio now going back and forth. And I’m working with Bishop Nathaniel Townsley Jr.. He’s a fabulous musician and artist. He has a group called Gospel Jubilee. I’m also working on my nightclub act so when I’m done with Chicago I’ll have employment, unless Tyler Perry calls me before that. (Laughs).

Connect Magazine will be posting a review of the show after it opens on September 8.