Hello, dear! We caught up with cast member Se’Lah Jackson from the national tour of MRS. DOUBTFIRE. Between quick changes, high-energy dance numbers, and plenty of laughs, Se’Lah shared what life on tour is really like, her favorite moments in the show, and what it means to be part of a story that’s all about love, family, and finding yourself.

MRS. DOUBTFIRE is such a beloved story — what was your first connection to it (the movie, the musical, or both)?

Mrs. Doubtfire is one of the movies that was in rotation with my sister and I when we were younger. We would repeat all of the lines that we had memorized, and we never stopped laughing! As far as the musical, I saw the video of “What The Hell,” and I was so interested to see how they transferred this nostalgic film into a musical. I absolutely fell in love with it!

What excites you most about performing in this show every night?

The laughter and smiles that we see and hear from the audience every night are so infectious! With that, you can’t help but be excited to be a part of something that brings so much joy to people. I also get so excited to do my scenes as Janet Lundy with Craig (who plays Daniel Hillard/Mrs. Doubtfire)! Working with him is so fun, and watching him work is so inspiring.

What’s the most challenging part of performing in MRS. DOUBTFIRE?

The most challenging part is definitely being away from family and friends. I miss them all so much, but I’m in such good company on this tour. Everyone makes it so much easier, and our dance captain, Naja Bates, is one of my closest friends! So grateful to have her with me!

Touring means lots of hotels and travel days — what’s your go-to way to make a new city feel like home?

That is a really good question! I try to call and facetime my family/friends as much as I can, trying to find restaurants or activities that remind me of home, and I haven’t done it yet, but I’m going to print out some pictures of the people I love and put them in my dressing room!

Do you have any backstage rituals or pre-show routines that help you get into character and ready for the performance?

I drink lots of water and tea, nebulize, and I love to listen to music while I do my makeup to get out of my head!

If you could swap roles with another character in the show for a night, who would it be and why?

I would definitely love to swap roles with Lydia because I’m an older sister of two younger siblings, too, and I feel that there are parts of her story that I can relate to. Her songs have a pop quality that I really love to live in. If I can say one more, it would be Mr. Jolly for sure—and you have to come see the show to know why!

What has surprised you most about audiences’ reactions to MRS. DOUBTFIRE?

It is really cool to hear audiences’ different reactions to the show. There are obviously parts that every audience finds funny, but there are also small moments of our show that we as a cast laugh, cry, and/or cheer at, and it’s so exciting to hear the audience appreciate those moments too!

If you weren’t an actor, what profession would you pursue?

In high school, I was thrilled by the idea of being a psychologist or a therapist because I love learning about ways to help others stay mentally healthy. I even took a psychology class in my second year of college, and I still want to look into getting my masters in it after I receive my BFA in Musical Theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory (STING ‘EM!).

If you could give advice to young performers dreaming of being on a Broadway national tour, what would you tell them?

I would tell them that when they get into that audition, just be yourself! I know it can be scary and the room can seem intimidating, but I feel so much more successful leaving the audition knowing that I was myself no matter the outcome! Also, I would say to just go for it! Make big choices that feel authentic to you, and whoever you’re auditioning for will remember that.

What is your dream role?

I have a few! Younger Allie in The Notebook, Betty Boop in Boop! The Musical, Jenna in Waitress, Eurydice in Hadestown, and Frankie in Jagged Little Pill. I love all of these roles because I feel that I can relate to them in one way or another!