Isn’t She Marvelous?

Two time Drama Desk Award nominated actress Christina Bianco has become a YouTube sensation with her diva impression videos. Gaining over 21 million views worldwide, Bianco’s parodies have landed her on major television programs such as The Ellen Degeneres Show and The Queen Latifah Show. Now, Bianco prepares to star in the off-Broadway revival of The Marvelous Wonderettes that will premiere at The Kirk Theatre on April 28. We chatted with the comedic songstress on the show, her role in it, and her favorite diva to satirize.

Tell me a little about the show The Marvelous Wonderettes?

Well, to put it simply, it’s a feel-good musical filled with hits from the 50s and 60s, starring four quirky and adorable girls. The show starts in 1958 at the girl’s senior prom. The boy’s glee club was supposed to be the entertainment for the prom, but the lead singer got caught suspended and so the Marvelous Wonderettes were enlisted for the job. They’re very excited and nervous – not only about performing but about who’s going to be chosen for Prom Queen. It’s a teenage girl’s prom fantasy and nightmare at the same time. The lovely part is that each character is so different. We get to know them individually – their style, their loves, their fights – and they’re all so lovable in their own way.

You play Missy. Who is Missy and what are some songs she gets to sing?

Missy is an adorable, tightly wound mess! She’s definitely a control freak and a bit of a nerd who just wants to make sure everything goes perfectly at the prom. She made the refreshments, she made their dresses, she did the choreography – but she’s still an awkward growing girl with insecurities. Throughout the show we watch her unravel, grow and come out of her shell. I love all her quirks and contradictions. Combine that with a vocal track where I get to sing high soaring soprano on songs like ‘Dream Lover’, touching ballads like ‘Secret Love’ and 60’s high belting like in ‘With This Ring’ and ‘You Don’t Own Me’… she’s truly a blast to play!

Your impersonations are epic and have gone viral. What diva is the hardest to impersonate and why?

I still can’t quite believe that so many people enjoy my impressions and videos. I really love doing them – even the tough ones! For me, the hardest women to impersonate, singing or speaking, are those with raspy or deep voices. I always joke that I can do a great Tina Turner…when I have a cold! My natural vocal timber is quite clear so it’s frustrating for me to admit that I’ll probably never be able to so a good Joan Rivers or Elaine Stritch, but on the other side of that, I wouldn’t be able to do people like Kristin Chenoweth or Dolly Parton if I had a more husky voice. So, ultimately, I wouldn’t change a thing.

Who is your favorite caricature?

I think it’s obvious that my favorite is Celine Dion. She is so fabulous on so many levels. As a singer, she’s possibly the greatest vocalist of all time so it’s a challenge to try to sing her material. All of her facial expressions and mannerisms are unique, the pattern of her speech, her specific vocal inflections and gestures … It all just adds to the fun.

Have any divas reached out to you after seeing you slay an impersonation of them?

I’m sad to say not really! But, Kristin Chenoweth once tweeted that she thought one of my videos with my impression of her was “incredible.” I’m taking that one to the bank. I just hope that all of the people I impersonate know when they see it, that I always do it with love. I’m determined to impersonate Celine for Celine though. I think it’ll happen one day.