Keala Settle on life after the Greatest Showman: ‘I ran from fear – I drank, took pills, all of it’ | Stage

Keala Settle is currently preparing to portray former First Lady Mary Lincoln in Mrs. President, a 75-minute stage production opening this month at London’s Charing Cross theatre. The play explores Lincoln’s internal struggles as she attempts to redefine herself following the assassination of her husband and the conclusion of the Civil War, while facing intense media scrutiny.

A New Perspective on a Historical Figure

The production, written by John Ransom Phillips and directed by Olivier-nominated Bronagh Lagan, centers on an imagined encounter between Mary Lincoln and Mathew Brady, a pioneer of photojournalism and celebrity portraiture. This meeting culminates in the creation of a historic portrait. Settle, age 50, hopes audiences will see both herself and Mary Lincoln “in a brand new light,” asserting her intention to be authentically herself, regardless of expectations.

Echoes of “This Is Me”

Settle’s portrayal of Mary Lincoln resonates with the empowering message at the heart of her breakout role in The Greatest Showman and the song “This Is Me.” Both roles, she explains, reflect her personal journey toward self-acceptance. Her father, David, was born in Oldham and was on a Mormon mission in New Zealand when he met her mother, Susanne, and Settle was born in Hawaii before the family moved to French-speaking Louisiana.

Growing up, Settle felt she existed between “two different worlds,” navigating different identities depending on her surroundings. She described learning Māori alphabet and music, and playing Tītī tōrea stick game, while simultaneously needing to adopt another identity outside the home.

A Family History of Expectations

Settle’s mother, a recording artist, encouraged her to pursue a career in music, while other family members were steered toward professions like medicine and law. This pressure to conform to predetermined paths fueled Settle’s desire to forge her own identity. This dynamic mirrors aspects of Mary Lincoln’s life, particularly the loss of her mother at age six, and Settle’s own mother’s passing a decade ago.

Settle’s upbringing was also shaped by her parents’ diverse backgrounds and the racial dynamics she observed in Louisiana, where her mother’s skin tone differed from her father’s. She also developed a British accent, despite her parents’ desire for her to retain their native accents, influenced by watching British television shows like Fawlty Towers and Are You Being Served?

A Career of Diverse Roles

Settle’s career includes performances in acclaimed musicals such as Hands on a Hardbody, Waitress, Les Misérables, and Hairspray, as well as singing backup for Gladys Knight. She recently appeared as Miss Coddle in the movie adaptations of Wicked. Her role in The Greatest Showman proved to be a turning point, though she admits she wasn’t fully prepared for the level of recognition it brought.

Following the success of The Greatest Showman, Settle experienced a mini-stroke and underwent 10-hour brain surgery just before the Oscars, where she was scheduled to perform. She was later diagnosed with Moyamoya disease, a rare cerebrovascular disorder. This experience prompted her to prioritize self-care and seek out projects that challenge her creatively.

Embracing Fear and New Challenges

Settle now actively seeks roles that evoke a sense of fear, describing it as a sign that a project will be creatively fulfilling. She welcomes the challenge of moving away from musicals and into dramatic roles, recognizing the increased demands of acting without the support of music. She believes that her past experiences were essential preparation for this role, allowing her to approach the character of Mary Lincoln with empathy and understanding.

Settle emphasizes that Mary Lincoln, like herself, ultimately reclaims her narrative, declaring, “You’re right. I hope you enjoyed the show because I survived it.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mrs. President about?

Mrs. President is a 75-minute play that explores the inner world of Mary Lincoln as she attempts to redefine herself after the assassination of her husband and the Civil War, while facing public scrutiny.

Where and when will Mrs. President be performed?

Mrs. President will be performed at the Charing Cross theatre in London, beginning this month and running for six weeks, until March 8th.

How does Keala Settle relate to the role of Mary Lincoln?

Keala Settle sees parallels between her own journey of self-acceptance and Mary Lincoln’s struggle to be seen for who she truly is, rather than how others perceive her.