Vanessa Lengies – Mixology

Q) “Mixology” is set in a bar. What do you think it is about that setting that makes people think they are on an equal playing field?

A) I think when people go to a bar they get the feeling they can be who they want to be. Obviously, alcohol helps you have a sense of confidence and makes you more of an extrovert than an introvert. It makes you more social. I think a bar environment gives you the opportunity to be the person that you want to put forward if you were going to meet people. When you’re in a bar, you’re dressed your best and you’ve made the effort. It’s kind of a sexy place. It’s the time to be your sexiest.

Q) The show released a couple episodes ahead of airing. Do you think it will help more people tune in when it begins to air?

A) I think they wanted to release them early because there are ten cast members. It allows people to get to know these characters and it is a big commitment for the viewers. I don’t think it is a time commitment to watch the whole series since it takes place in one night, but you want to follow along with what relationships are developing and falling apart or those that don’t have a chance to begin with. There are thirteen episodes of fun and they are airing the episodes early so you can get a sense of who these characters are. I am so lucky to get to do this right after “Glee” because people were so supportive when I was playing Sugar and they have been so supportive that I am on “Mixology.” These nine other boys and girls that I am working with on the show are some of the funniest, most talented people I have met in my entire career. It gives people a chance to fall in love with these characters right away in the first two episodes and, hopefully, it will spark people to watch the premiere and continue watching throughout the series.

Q) Do you think Kacey’s relationship with the bartender is self-sabotaging? He forgets her name and seems not as invested in the relationship as Kacey.

A) Absolutely! I think Kacey is crazy and we all accept the love we think we deserve. It’s kind of a sad way to put it and I know the show is a comedy, but Kacey is young, naive and in New York. I feel she’s not that confident, even though she has to put that image out there. I think a lot of people can identify with that. You want to fake it until you make it. I think that she hopes for the best. It’s almost like half of her world is made up in her head and half of it is real. She wants to push for what she hopes her reality is. In this case, with the bartender, this is the love of her life, they are going to get married and have babies. Of course, he doesn’t even know her name. Comedy comes sometimes from sad topics or things that are closed off. With acting, people think they know who you are from something they see on TV and you have a little bit of insecurities that, “What if they knew who I am and I wasn’t what they expected?” I think that I got to use some of that emotion in my life through this character because I’m a cocktail waitress, but I’m really a nerdy girl whose parents were super overprotective. I really want to make it in the city and I still believe in true love. She’s just all over the place, but that’s why I call her “Crazy Kacey.” She’s all over the place. I think that delusion plays a factor in their relationship. I feel like Kacey represents a lot of girls who are using their sexuality, but haven’t really found out what they want or their own power. They are kind of a little lost, but addicted to fun. I feel like I know Kacey in many people that I have met.

Q) In the first couple episodes of “Mixology,” we see some bro bar code. What are some of your female bar code tips when you and your friends go out?

A) I feel like when I go out with my friends that dancing is a huge priority for me. If I can be at a bar and be dancing, the whole energy of the night changes. It takes on a very Moulin Rouge party scene where they are having the best night ever. Rule number one is if I’m going to a bar I hope there is dancing because that will bring the night up three to four notches. I’m not a big bar flirt in real life because I think I get kind of awkward because I apologize a lot. When I start apologizing, it continues to spiral out of control. Brittany Snow knows this about me because whenever we are together at a bar setting it is her wheelhouse. She’s beautiful, funny, charismatic and confident. When we’re in a bar setting together I end up rambling, I laugh so much and then I end up apologizing. It’s this ongoing saga where I’m just being this embarrassing mess. It’s talking, apologizing, going on rants and her laughing because she finds it hilarious. If there is a flirtatious setting, I giggle at the thought of talking to a boy at a bar.

Q) You have this wonderful, great chemistry with Adam Canto and our first encounter with Kacey and the bartender is the two of you hooking up. Was that one of the first scenes you filmed?

A) It was! That’s never fair and I wish it was something that was just accepted in our industry. “We’re filming a TV show or movie and people have to be intimate with each other so let’s let them get to know each other first!” That rarely happens. It’s almost like the opposite of that happens. I’m blessed and very lucky because Adan Canto is a true gentleman and is also quite nice to look at. He’s beautiful, kind and gentle. He played a big role in making that situation comfortable for me and him. We go on in the series to continue taking our clothes off so there is a lot to look forward to! But I couldn’t have asked for a better costar to have those vulnerable moments with.

Q) Is there anything else you would like to tease about Kacey?

A) Because she is a waitress, I get to dabble in each person’s storylines, but the drawback is that it is always a flighty conversation. I have to be continuing to move around and working. It’s an ensemble cast and it’s great because when you watch the show you’ll fall in love with these ten people. They are the must talented and funny people. I think that the world will fall in love with them. I don’t really mind that it’s not a show about Kacey. It’s about ten people and she is on the show with them. There are a couple episodes about her and a couple other characters, but you won’t see a whole lot of me throughout the season. I think it’s a really great show and it is really funny. It’s really goofy and there is always a lot of fun. The cast is really great and they are just really talented. One of my favorites is Liv who is played by Kate Simses. And you’ll fall in love with her and want to see her on everything on TV. I think she has the best arc in the show because she is so lovely and funny. It’s hard to find really funny girls.

Q) What do you think about the upcoming “Glee” 100th episode?

A) I’m very excited! I can’t lie and say that I wasn’t disappointed that I didn’t get to be involved and I don’t know why. So, I was sad. I would have liked to have seen Heather [Morris] and work with the gang. I see them all the time. I’ve seen them twice in January and I miss them! It’s like a real family. It’s like if your family has a reunion and you don’t get to go. It’s a little sad, but I’m excited the show exists. I miss them and they miss me. Dianna [Agron] is back and everyone is together. I’m happy for everybody! I don’t understand the business aspect behind it because I’m sure it is not personal. Also, I think Sugar exists in the fandom. I think her character lives and survives there. People who worked on the show didn’t know to what extent that the story continued on beyond “Glee.” The story continues beyond there.

Q) Through fan fiction and the Brittana fandom, Sugar still lives on!

A) “Sugar From The Future,” I don’t think any of the writers knew anything about that. It was created just by people who love “Glee” and obviously Britanna fans. I still think about it. I’m a geek. I’m a Gleek and a geek. I think, “Maybe I’ll tweet something about Sugar going back to the future because she’ll go back in time to effect her moms’ relationship and back to her real life.” I think about that stuff. It’s not like “Glee” is a far away past of mine. I was just working on it in July! With Heather’s baby and Sugar being the baby, it’s all a fun ride for me to make a connection with that and read what it has meant to others. It’s like having friends that you have never met online and creating a world with them. It’s exciting!