Life Behind the Curtain: Broadway Showgirls Speak Out

So, it seems that the real showgirls in New York City have a different story to tell than what might be expected.

Taylor Swift’s new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” has sparked considerable excitement. But, it’s interesting—there are fewer genuine showgirls in the Big Apple who can share insights about the life behind the glitz and glamour.

Mikaila Renflo, known for her role in “Chicago the Musical,” expressed her curiosity about how Swift will portray stage performers. She noted that there’s a mix of charm and reality in their lives.

“When people watch from the audience, they see a lot of allure, especially in a musical like ‘Chicago,'” Renflo said. “But there’s definitely a person behind that. It’s pretty much a split between stunning and what actually goes on.”

That’s what makes it all so intriguing.

Swift described the theme of her album as capturing an “electric and vibrant” phase in her life, coinciding with her ERAS tour and her romance with fiancé Travis. Over her nearly two-year tour, she performed an impressive 149 shows.

In comparison, Renflo’s schedule at the Manhattan’s Ambassador Theatre comprises six nights a week, often featuring weekend doubles.

Interestingly, neither her vaudeville-style musical nor Swift’s pop persona aligns with the stereotypical image of showgirls who, well, might be more known for feathers and glitz, think of that 1995 film.

“If your job requires red lipstick and high heels nightly, I’d say that counts,” Renflo remarked, admitting she’s a big Swift fan—her first guitar song was “Speak Now” from 2010.

The Ohio native, who was once Jasmine in “Aladdin” and also played Nessa in “Wicked,” candidly shared that her life may not seem as glamorous as Swift might portray in her upcoming work.

Every day, she rises by 9 a.m. but, she says, it’s a rushed start as she switches into high gear almost immediately.

Renflo noted that “Chicago” usually offers more time for rehearsals than other shows, but currently, she and her colleagues are gearing up for the arrival of Oscar-winning actress Mira Sorvino this month.

When she finds a moment to unwind, Renflo mentioned, “I do my best to live like a normal person.”

“I’m out grocery shopping, grabbing coffee with friends, visiting the West Village, reading, and even eating oysters,” she shared, reflecting how the change in the clock signals it’s time to get to work.

Every night, she typically arrives two hours early to prepare for the show, ensuring she embodies her character, Liz.

This preparation is where the charm of being a showgirl really reveals itself.

“There’s something magical about the ritual of getting ready for the show,” Renflo said, recalling a scene she saw in the 2010 film “Burlesque” where Cher applies her makeup.

“It stuck with me—each night I apply my makeup, put on red lipstick, and wear those sparkling fishnets for this grand performance,” she explained.

Renflo and her fellow performers light up the 1,125-seat theatre with their songs.

She mentioned that, after each show, they tend to wind down in their own ways. For her, this often means cozying up in bed with a good book or watching television until she drifts off by 1 a.m., ready for the next day.

However, there are nights when she and her cast members hit the town, particularly on their off days.

“About 25% of our lives look like that, you know? We could be all dressed up in a little black dress and heels, ready to go,” she added.

“It’s a bit of a double life; during the day, I might read ‘War and Peace,’ but by night, I’m in full showgirl mode,” she laughed. “That’s what I love—I can be a bookworm by day and a showgirl by night.”