Marla Mindelle – Special

By starrymag | May 20, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How was Olivia on “Special” originally described to you?  

 

A) This is from the character description from my initial audition: “Olivia is Ryan’s boss at Eggwoke and is…how can we say this? She’s f*ing insane.” So, I was going off of that. I often think of Olivia as Miranda Priestly but younger, poorer and less famous. (Olivia might point out that she’s skinnier…even though she’s not.)

 

Q) What made you initially want to be a part of this series? 

 

A) I literally GLANCED at audition sides and thought to myself, “Holy shit! This script is so funny!” You don’t come across writing like this and you certainly don’t have many opportunities to play these kind of rich characters. Also, Ryan [O’Connell] is a dear friend of mine, and not only was I humbled by his personal story, I saw his many attempts to sell this show (which in Hollywood, honey….literally good luck with your projects). So, it is truly kismet that it has finally translated to screen and I’ve managed to attach myself to Ryan’s coattails- lol.

 

Q) What can you tease is new this season on “Special?” 

 

A) Well, first of all, the episodes are thirty minutes long! I think viewers will see a real shift in storytelling and character arcs. It’s like “Saved By the Bell: The College Years.” I would say that there are many more dramatic, touching moments this season and apparently…there’s more sex. Can I say that? Viewer discretion advised.

 

Q) Olivia is the HBIC of Eggwoke. Where do we pick up with Olivia in Season 2?

 

A) Oh, you know, Olivia has been on a juice cleanse since Season 1, so she’s still her horrible self. Season 2 reveals that Olivia has a paramour. But is she in the relationship for love or is she Christine Quinn from “Selling Sunset” and just wants a zebra at her wedding…you’ll just have to watch to find out.

 

Q) Going into this new season were you looking forward to working with someone(s) more in particular? 

 

A) I was hoping to work with Jessica Hecht, who I had zero scenes with in Season 1! I have been a longtime fan of hers and though we only had a tiny scene together this season, I felt truly starstruck.

 

Q) What does she see in Ryan that makes her want to offer him so much tough love?

 

A) I think Olivia has zero friends in real life and underneath her cold-hearted snake vibes, she’s desperate for connection in the same way Ryan is. I also think Olivia sees that Ryan is genuinely talented and has a genuine point of view in his writing, though she may be unwilling to admit it to his face.

 

Q) Is there much room to improv when it comes to scene work? 

 

A) Ryan was incredibly gracious in letting us play, but truthfully his writing is so good, I never wanted to mess with it. I think I got in a few ad libs in there and I managed to break Ryan and Punam [Patel] in one scene, which I’m very proud of. Nothing like taking your friends down through comedy.

 

Q) What are some episodes that you are super excited for fans to see this season?

 

A) All of them! Our show was delayed by the pandemic and it’s felt like eighty years has gone by, so I hope people binge watch and love it. Also, I’m not going to say that Olivia tries to sing any chance she gets but…[laughs]

 

Q) What do you think it is about “Special” that has made it such a fast fan favorite show?

 

A) I think “Special” is a beautiful Venn diagram of being both a show that explores queerness and disability, or rather, ability, in an incredibly moving and very funny way. I think watching the show through the lens of Ryan’s own story offers a chance for us to see a world we haven’t seen before or have been too scared to explore or ask about. And that’s what makes “Special” so…special.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan feedback have you been receiving to the series?

 

A) I always worry I will get trolled with a capital T; however, I have received nothing but positivity. (Apparently there are many people out there that can relate to having a horrible boss). Not only that, but I’ve had a chance to hear from a community of people who have felt like their life was finally being represented in a TV show. That is incredibly humbling and something I don’t take for granted.

 

Q) We loved seeing you on the Broadway stage. Any plans to return to theater post-pandemic?

 

A) Thank you so much. And, yes in fact, I will be returning to the stage soon. I have co-written a Céline Dion musical called Titanique, where I play the titular role of…Céline Dion. It’s a hilarious and irreverent musical that utilizes Céline’s iconic catalogue. We will be docking in New York once theatre fully opens up, so stay tuned.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

 

A) I would say that if there are ninety-nine people in a room….oh wait. I would say I’m incredibly touched and thankful that anyone supports any of my work. Even though I know the majority of it is from my mother.