Ana Gasteyer stars as Queen Aggravain in the legendary musical Once Upon a Mattress on Broadway. It’s a classic fantasy piece of music and comedy brought to life by a stellar cast that will take you on a joyful ride. Ana plays the entitled and Queen bish who is constantly yelling and looking awesome in her grey streaked wig. Speaking of hair in real life, Ana recently cut bangs and then scored the Broadway gig so never underestimate the power of change. Scroll on down and escape into Ana’s behind the stage scenes, routines, beauty go-to’s, subway rides, vintage finds and her Once Upon a Mattress Bare essentials.

The Bare Magazine: Catch us up on what you were up to when the play came into your life? Was it great timing?

Ana Gasteyer: I’d spent the first half of the year focusing on family - lots of moves and transitions across three generations - and when things settled, I was just really yearning for a creative kick. So in the time-honored tradition of a new start, I went to my hairdresser and demanded bangs. Almost immediately, I got the offer for Once Upon A Mattress. The moral of the story is: sometimes you gotta get a new hairdo.

Bare: Describe a bit about your character Queen Aggravain. What are some highlights of stepping into her shoes and what are some challenges?

AG: She is the ultimate snooty Queen bitch and I love her. She’s all standards, protocol and outrage. It requires projecting blind entitlement in every scene which at first was intimidating because it’s so ... well, entitled. It can also be a vocal challenge because she yells a lot. But it’s mostly just an insane amount of bossy, deluded fun.

Bare: What do you think people should be most excited about experiencing and seeing when they step into the world of Once Upon a Mattress?

AG: This is a storybook world unto itself. A fairy tale that we are all taking very seriously, which is what makes it so fun. It’s a truly splendid old-fashioned musical that is very arch and ridiculous and joyful. There is nothing cynical whatsoever about it. Also, this cast is absurdly stacked - every single performer is a star and the performance caliber is bonkers. Also worth noting the show comes from show business royalty Mary Rodgers, a person I wish I’d known. A model of joy-driven creativity. And Mattress just glows as a golden age of entertainment piece - it’s funny and warm and the music is so great.

Bare: How has your schedule been during rehearsals? What’s your routine like? Is it helpful that your kids are a bit older and doing their own thing while you balance a heavy workload/schedule?

AG: Yes, I’d wanted to get back to work and Lord, was I knocked on my ass fast. Broadway is a grind - long six-day weeks, so fast, so much focus. Our rehearsal period was lightning-fast too because the show was transferring from City Center Encores - it had been done there last year. However, most of the principals and the ensemble were brand new and we had to learn, stage and tech the show in just over two weeks. Insane. I could feel my neural pathways growing. So, to answer your question, my poor 16 year old ate a lot of take-out. We open this week and I’m so looking forward to being in the run, and will enjoy the relative ease of 8 shows a week! I’ll be able to meal prep on Mondays and take out the recycling again!

Bare: Do you feel your incredible talent to make people laugh has always a driving force for you?

AG: I wouldn’t say I feel it as a force but the older I get, the more I appreciate what laughter does for every human. I love doing this show because I truly feel people have escaped their worries for 2 and half hours when they’ve finished. That’s a gift. Also, this cast is hilarious. I laugh so hard backstage it’s physically painful sometimes. Best feeling ever.

Bare: So glad we met up to shoot before you jumped into the play! Did you enjoy thrifting/shooting at our beloved Cure Thrift? I hear they might redecorate your dressing room?!

AG: YES, oh my God, I could live at Cure Thrift!! It is so beautifully done and soooo up my alley. I am a Taurus, and basically I just love beautiful things and spaces. We were able to find such epic vintage looks. Too hard to pick a favorite but I had to take the Butter-colored vintage Chanel pants home, as well as the animal print kaftan. I’m going to wear both forever. And YES they transformed my dressing room, which was this tiny little cell, into a room fit for a Queen. We had the BEST time brainstorming on a shared Pinterest board and then the room was outfitted with so many treasures from Cure. I have room to nap, a bar to entertain friends post-show, the works. Everything will go back to the shop and be available to purchase after we close November 30. Look for the before and afters on my socials in the coming weeks!

Bare: We wanted to capture the new bangs ... Have you enjoyed the new cut? Do you have certain hair products/stylist you love for color/cut?

AG: I LOVE MY BANGS. Why did it take so long?? I am deeply devoted to Rachel Bodt for color - she’s an actual genius - and Blaire Ludwig for cuts at Homecoming Salon in Union Square.

Bare: You mentioned a few skin treatments you enjoy ... Have you had time for any self care between rehearsals? When you do have time what are your favorite indulgences/treats?

AG: No time, though I desperately need a facial!! Stage makeup beats up my skin. I love beauty products but again, I’m very practical and thrifty (Taurus). This is so old school but I use Albolene to break up the makeup and then I remove it with a micellar wipe. After that I use serums from The Ordinary - I really like their products - the Buffet and the B5 are great, and then I slather on Embryolisse cream. My skin loves that stuff and Weleda Skin Food. I also use an Omnilux red light mask, which makes me look like a psychopath but is so relaxing and I think my skin likes it. During the day, I swear by Trader Joe’s facial sunscreen, it’s not greasy, it never stings my eyes and it’s cheap so I don’t worry about applying it like crazy.

Bare: Please list your top 5 Once Upon a Mattress bare essentials (what do you need most on a daily basis).

AG:

- Sleep. The number one essential for live performers. The Queen demands it.

- Coffee (See, sleep. Because it doesn’t always happen.)

- An efficient subway ride cause I don’t need that late-for-work cortisol! No delays please and thanks.

- Dressing room dinners with my husband & my sweet 16 year old son on matinee days, and daily check-ins with my newly adult daughter and my mom

- Happy Joyful Musical Theater Audiences! The Best!

Photos/Makeup: Tina Turnbow

Hair: Matthew Monzon

Styling: Liz Wolff

Vintage clothing/jewels: Cure Thrift

Shot in NYC and Cure Thrift