Just a few years ago, Saycon Sengbloh made her Broadway debut in the production of Aida and has since performed on Broadway in Wicked, The Color Purple, Hair, and soon FELA! which begins previews at the Eugene O’Neill Theater on October 19th, opening on November 23, 2009. Earlier in the week, I spoke with Saycon about FELA! and much more…

How are rehearsals for the upcoming Broadway production of FELA! going?
Rehearsals are going very well! It’s a very exciting show to be part of! We moved into the theater a few days ago and the transition has been great!

Can you tell me about your audition for this production?
I think I auditioned 4 or 5 times. I went in front of casting directors and sang songs from the show, which I was familiar with since I was a fan of FELA! already. I came back a week later and then again a few days after that. Then I auditioned for Bill (T. Jones) when it came down to me and another performer. We were in a room singing and dancing together and I wanted this part so much, I was so hungry for this part. I feel like everything I’ve done has brought me to this show.

What is it like working with the director, by Tony Award winner Bill T. Jones?
Bill is a genius! He thinks very quickly and can envision everything in one piece. He knows what’s happening with every character at every given moment.

What about you attracted you to this show and this role?
I play Sandra who is a very powerful woman and very passionate about life and people. I am a very passionate and compassionate person. That and also I love the music and that there are real human beings…it is all presented so well!

With rehearsals do you have time to go on auditions for television appearances?
Right now, my focus is on FELA! but once the show begins, I will have more time to audition for other projects.

What was it like when Hair appeared in Vogue magazine earlier this year for Hair?
It was very exciting. The editor and photographer took a liking to me and called me a few months later for my own photo shoot. So I was in Vogue August of 08 and again in February 09. It was amazing.

What was Tony Award night like?
Tony night was crazy! The whole day was crazy actually. Even more exciting than the actual ceremony was the rehearsal, seeing Dolly Parton and Shrek walking around…I can’t wait for FELA! to have its time at the Tony Awards.

Many celebrities come to see Broadway shows so who was your favorite celebrity visit for Hair?
When Judd Apatow came, that was great. I had recently seen him on The Actor’s Studio and seen Funny People and then he came to the show the next day!

You played Ellen in the Tyler Perry play, I KNOW I’VE BEEN CHANGED but would you like to work with Tyler Perry again?
I would love to work with Tyler Perry again. When I worked with him, it was the first play he had ever done. He was awesome then so to work with him now that he has become the phenomenon that he has, I would love to work with him again. He came to me when I was in The Color Purple so that was nice.

What are your remedies for your voice?
Sleep, sleep, sleep! Also I like to gargle with salt.

Would you reprise any of your past Broadway roles?
I could but I am looking to do new things so I am excited about new work.