Frankie Shaw – Mixology

Q) We got a small amount of Fab’s backstory earlier, what can you tease we’ll get to see from her in the future?

A) There is a very specific reason why Fab has such an issue with Jessica. She’s not mean for the sake of being mean. She may have special feelings for Jess…

Q) What is it about a bar setting that you think makes people feel like they are on an even social playing field?

A) The whole point of singles going to a bar is to look for love, to look for a connection. There’s no façade as to why people are there (for the most part). So, they can be as forthright as they deem appropriate.

Q) Have you been enjoying the instant feedback from fans that social media provides?

A) I absolutely love talking to the fans on Twitter. It’s why we do what we do, right? It is to tell stories that will have an effect on your audience, whether that be emotionally or comedically. We are providing entertainment and social media allows us direct access to the people who we are effecting.  It makes me feel useful.

Q) Fab and Bruce have a kind of awkward love to hate relationship, do you think for them it’s true that opposites attract?

A) I’m not so sure Fab and Bruce are such opposites. They both say the horrible thing other people will only think. They have pretty strong opinions on everything and when they want something, nothing can stand in their way. I always saw them as serving the same purpose in each friend group, male and female versions of each other. Yes Bruce is an unshaven slob and Fab is a couture clad designer, but their insides are equally insecure.

Q) We heard the cast gets a little but of room to improv, what are some of the moments that you’ve improvised that have made it in?

A) Oh yes! I can’t remember everything that made it in, but there’s a bunch. In the first episode that Fab is introduced (102) the line about Jess’s dress looking like a tomato was a line I made up in my audition. Also, saying that she needed to save money to buy her kids bread because she is a welfare mom was all improv. What else…All those phallic shaped items when teaching Liv how to flirt was improvised. Also, the lipstick line when I get into the car accident in 107 and telling the Molly Ringwald look-alike that “I’m a really big fan.” That’s all I can remember off the top of my head!

Q) What is your favorite aspect of Fab?

A) Fab is the most fun character I’ve ever had to play because she says whatever smart ass thing she is thinking and does it with no awareness whatsoever.

Q) Since the show takes place over one night, do you think that’s what sets it apart from other singles themed shows?

A) What sets it apart is the large cast who loves each other. I think you can feel the love and chemistry we have for each other on screen. And yes, the premise is certainly a draw because it’s true to life. The audience gets to track the nuances of one night in a bar that usually are skipped over for the sake of time. We really get to know the characters. We have time to get into the dynamics of being out all night and the possibility we all can feel and how the potential of one relationship can change in an instant.

Q) Jessica and Fab have this great frenemey relationship, what is it that still makes their friendship work?

A) History has a lot to do with it. They grew up together. Sharing their childhood will always bond them.

Q) What cans fans do to help support BMS movie?

A) Spread the word about the Kickstarter campaign!

Q) Is there anything else you’d like to share about the season or say to fans about their support?

A) I just want to thank the fans for giving “Mixology” a chance. There is so much content out there. Everyone on the show, from the writers to the crew, to the cast, work so hard and are committed to making a funny, relatable show. Please watch this Wednesday at 9:30pm on ABC! And Tweet at me, I’ll be waiting to hear from you. @frankieshawisG