Interview-Johanna Weller-Fahy (Hazel)
Johanna Weller-Fahy plays the part of Hazel in Love! That 4-Letter Word.
This curly haired lady traveled through many countries and most of the United States before
she finally settled in New York. Let her know if you’re making a cross-country car trip;
she’ll jump right in. She’s from the small, corn-filled town of Freeport, IL.
What bought you to NYC?
I’d given up theater and was doing social justice work
in San Francisco. I was learning about grassroots organizing at a reproductive rights
organization and taking a course to counsel sexual assault survivors. Finally, I realized
I wasn’t happy staying away from theater, and I joined the workshop of a local mime and commedia
group that performed in parks around the Bay Area.
Then I just decided that I wanted to go where there
would be more theater opportunities, so I packed up and drove out to NYC. My first audition I did,
a physical comedy piece, I got the part. I did a lot of shows the first two years here, and then
I started to focus my energies.
I started to do projects with friends, which got
me into cabarets. I did my own evening of songs and decided to focus on my musical career. I’m
enjoying musical theater. I feel the musical world is where I belong, and what I want to be doing.
Is it a career for you? How do you feel about that?
I hope so. It’s still a bit of a negotiation.
Ultimately, even if I'm not able to make a living at it, I would need to have it as part of my
life, because it makes me happy. As a character actor, you only get better and more employable
as you get a bit older. My hope is that if you are really happy with what you are doing and you
are sharing it, that connects with people.
What do you like most about your character in Love!?
She has no game. I love that she tries so hard.
Your favorite personal love story
My mother, at the age of 52, fell in love with my stepfather
over the internet. She wasn’t very technology savvy, but being in a rural area, she started using the
internet and connected with this pastor in Iowa who looked like Jerry Garcia. They fell in love and
were married two months later, and after eight years they’re still married.
Your favorite old love song?
I like old standards. Maybe "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered."
Favorite place for a date in NY and why
West Way Diner on 43rd where my partner and I had our
first date, and our third anniversary. Why? Well, they have pancakes and beer, and they’re open
all night.
Is romance alive today? How do you know?
I think romance means listening to your partner and being
attentive to your needs. Walks on the beach are fine and all, but I thought it was more romantic when,
for example, my friend’s husband bought her a teapot because she’s a writer and obsessive tea drinker.
My partner leaves me little notes here and there.
One day she wrote me a note on a post-it and stuck it in my wallet on my Metrocard because she
knew I’d have to use it to get to work. I caused a bottleneck at the turnstyle because I was reading
it and thinking about how thoughtful and romantic it was to leave me a hidden mash note!
I love to see couples care for one another. That’s romance.
Any stories from rehearsals we should hear?
Nothing particular. I think our cast is fantastic – working with them is a pleasure.
Do you know what you’ll wear for the production?
Not yet, but I’m very curious to see.
What is your shoe size?
9.5. 40 in European.
What's the best NY Love story you know?
Ooo, I wish I knew some good love stories that involve the Brooklyn Bridge, but alas…I don’t.
What is love, and how does it work?
It’s a mystery to me! I’m glad that it does, though – it makes my life better.
| 
