), her forthcoming ABC comedy (its notMen in Trees 2.0!
), and a possible return to Stars Hollow (keep hope alive!).
AUSIELLO: So, Broadway… Are you excited?
LAUREN GRAHAM:It is really exciting.
And honestly, theres not a day
that I go to work and dont feel it.
There are so many things you hope
willfeellike something in showbiz, especially.
Theres no big plan.
I started working on it, just as a project, and I really loved it.
And when it finally came together I was ready to do it.
It wasnt like
I was looking for a Broadway show, and this thing came along.
Hows the singing coming?
I think the only time Ive heard you sing was in an episode ofGilmore Girls.
Yes, but Lorelai wasdrunk!
That wasnt my Broadway debut.
[Laughs] Its hard to talk
about.
Ive been training as a singer for a long time.
I
did musicals in high school and college.
I did summer stock.
I got my
equity card before any of my other unions I thought I was on that
path.
But I stopped for a while.
Also, this is not a legit soprano
part; I cant singthatmusic.
But this is something Im enjoying
doing.
I really connect with this character.
I really like her.
I feel
comfortable in this medium.
I feel happy to be here.
Its been a
challenge, but Im really enjoying it.
What has been the most challenging aspect?
Its physical in a different way.
I was used to doing 14-hour days on
Gilmore Girls, but this is a different concentration.
And were
emphasizing the burlesque aspect; its less 50s supper club.
So thats
been a challenge.
[Adopting a British accent] I havent performed a
strip act in any of my work previously.
Whats it been like working with Oliver Platt?
I love him so much.
I feel like Ive got the perfect acting partner for
this job.
Hes the most loving, funny, smart man.
Were having a great
time.
And I think we have good chemistry.
[Laughs] I am.
Anything you would prefernotto sign?
Nows your chance to veto it.
Speaking ofGilmore Girls…
Mike,Gilmore Girlsis over.
[Laughs] Youve got to move on.
Lets just talk about the movie rumors…
What are youtalkingabout!
Mike,youstart those rumors.
Iwillcop to helping fuel talk that you might headlineThe Office
spin-off.
But then it became a totally different show.
I dont know what we could give the fans that would satisfy
them.
Its going to be like, Grandmother Lorelai pulls into town…
I
dont know what the story would be.
Plus, these are people who I love so much.
I also think a lot of fans…
…were disappointed with how it ended.
And a sadness, really.
When the reruns come on now
I think about the path it took, and it makes me sad.
I wish we would
have known it was the end when we shot the final episode, quite simply.
But we cant go back and change that.
And Im not sure a movie would
help.
What helpsmeis to try and do other things in my life and do
work that I like.
I dont know that going back to the show is the
answer.
But there are people who are still really devoted to it, and I
understand that, too.
You just signed a deal to star in your own ABC comedy.
How did that come about?
Everything
about it made me laugh.
You play a self-help guru who doesnt practice what she preaches.
Its already drawing comparisons toMen in Trees.
This is more comedic.
Its a totally
different tone.
And I dont live in Alaska.
How is the show darker?
Its really funny because its so
backwards.
I
loved Lorelai, but she wasntdeeplyflawed.
She was very easy to root
for.
This is a slightly more twisted central character.
Whats the timeline for it?
Im committed to [Guys & Dolls] through October.
But were trying
to figure out if I can shoot [the pilot] while Im doing the show.
Before I let you go, any other dream projects I can say youre rumored to be attached to?
[Laughs] Oooh, good question.
Ill have to think about that.
