This January, a magical experience is awaiting audiences at the Oriental Theatre. “Ghost The Musical” presents a rich theatrical adaptation of the renowned film. The DePaulia had the opportunity to speak with cast member Carla R. Stewart to learn more about the show, its adaptation from the screen and its movement from city to city.

The DePaulia: Can you tell me a little bit about the show in general and what it is like to perform in a production that is derived specifically from a film?

Carla R. Stewart: First of all, I really enjoyed the movie; I thought it was great, and when I saw it on Broadway, I thought it was phenomenal. I always tell people the night I saw it, I wrote a status on Facebook saying, “This is an incredible show, it’s money well spent, if you have time, go see it. I would love to be in it.” After I booked it, I saw this picture of that night I posted it on Facebook, and now that I’m in it, it’s just full-circle, mind-blowing, amazing and I’m just so excited. Because there are so many elements to the show, it never gets old. I’m always singing along backstage. I probably shouldn’t be singing, I probably should be saving my voice, but I can’t help it. I enjoy the music, and that is just the cherry on top of a good piece already. It was a great film, and now that it’s a theater piece, it’s incredible. And the music, Dave Stewart and Glen Ballard, they wrote some really pretty cool music that added to the story and gives you new moments to enjoy. If you are one of those people who love the movie, now you have some new elements to pull from.

DP: Can you tell me about the character that you portray within the show and if there are any ways in which you can relate with her? Is she different than other roles you have taken on in the past?

CS: Oda Mae Brown, the psychic. She is very “larger than life,” and she is her own person; she runs her own one-woman show. Of course, she has her sisters who help her, but she is in control doing her own thing. She is different than other characters that I’ve played. She is very comical, and she’s loud, she’s animated. She is what people would be like, “Oh my God, she is not a normal person.” She’s extraordinary. She is just different. Oda Mae is just a character. To know her is to love her.

DP: If you could pick one aspect that is your favorite about being a part of this production, what would it be?

CS: I think that it broadened me as a performer because she is the comic relief, so that adds to who I am as a performer. The comedic timing and all of that, it broadened me. When you play comedy, you can’t play to the funny so that taught me a lesson as a performer and just about being a part of the production. I enjoy my cast a whole lot, and we are very supportive of each other. And playing Oda Mae, she is just like the glue between the serious and the comedy; she strings it all together.

DP: What is it like to be a part of a show that travels from place to place rather than a show that is stationary? Does the audience response vary widely?

CS: Every city is different. You have to feel out the audience. I am very excited to come to Chicago because that’s my home, so I am very happy to be there, but I don’t know what the crowd will be like. I’ve never been to the Oriental. I have performed at the Goodman, but that’s a whole different kind of crowd, so I don’t know what this particular crowd is going to be like when we get there. Traveling is different. I don’t know if the audience knows how much they play a part in the show. We need your energy. We may play a house where it’s people who may not laugh out loud. That’s different and it can make the show slower but if you’re in it and you give us energy as we give it back to you guys, it makes it a little bit more lively and more enjoyable for both the players as well as the audience.

DP: If you could tell your audience one thing before they see this show, what would it be?

CS: Be prepared to go on an emotional roller coaster. Be open to the fantasy. Be open to going to a place of hope because I think that’s ultimately what it is. Go into the show wanting to go on this journey with Molly and Sam and just be open to believing.