Rachel Britton Hart is showcasing versatility and poise as a swing in the national tour of Some Like It Hot, a high-energy reimagining of the classic musical comedy. Covering multiple tracks, Hart plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role, stepping into different characters at a moment’s notice. In this interview, she shares what it takes to thrive as a swing on a national tour and how this experience is shaping her as an artist.
[Forrest Theatre, 1114 Walnut Street] May 20-June 1, 2025; forrest-theatre.com
Debra Danese: You’re serving as a swing in this production. Can you walk us through what it’s like preparing to cover multiple roles, and how you stay performance-ready at a moment’s notice?
Rachel Britton Hart: I have many friends and mentors of #swingnation to thank who walked me through their processes, which helped me discover and create a learning system that worked for me and for the demands of Some Like It Hot. I began with the goal of absorbing as much of the choreography in my body as possible. Committing the steps, style, and physicality of the show to muscle memory allows me to rely on my body so that my brain can focus on the details of each specific track. The same method applied to learning the music, as we are responsible for all of the harmonies of each track we cover. I then studied each track one by one in detail, using an archival video and shadowing each track backstage to create what’s called a “tracking sheet” for all 7 ensemble members and the one principal track I cover. Tracking sheets include detailed instructions for each moment both onstage and backstage. I keep these in a notebook on my computer that syncs to all of my devices and can be pulled up at a moment’s notice on my phone, tablet or laptop! When I am not in the show, I watch the show from the wings or the house, and study how the show is evolving so that I know how to adjust when I go in. It is a role that requires a lot of self-study, motivation, and discipline, but I am grateful for the challenge and everything it’s teaching me about how a show operates, the business, and myself.
DD: The choreography in Some Like It Hot is fast and athletic. How do you physically and mentally prepare for such a high-energy performance?
RBH: I have been a Steele Pilates instructor for 11 years, and am religious about doing this physically challenging maintenance every day. I also rehearse the choreography with my fellow swings regularly, particularly the intense partnering in the opening number “What Are You Thirsty For?” to make sure I am maintaining my stamina when not on stage. I also like to join the cast in warming up at half-hour on stage, regardless of whether or not I am on, and make that my ballet-barre time. I’ve been supporting the mental and emotional challenges of swinging on the road with therapy, journaling, exercise and leaning on the support of my fellow swings, family and boyfriend, Jay.
DD: As a dance teacher, how does your teaching philosophy influence the way you perform on stage—and vice versa?
RBH: Regardless of whatever the day’s challenge brings, my goal is always to focus on my love of what I do and gratitude for getting to share it, whether that is on stage in front of an audience or with young minds in the studio. My late mentor, Chet Walker, always reminded his students that the purpose of what we do is to “pass it on.” Our love and lessons are meant to be shared with the next generation. I aim to always be a representative on stage of the passion and love for this art form that was cultivated in me by the teachers who believed in me, and a desire to be that light for my students in the studio.
DD: Being a native of Reading, PA, how does it feel to return to this region as part of a major national tour?
RBH: It is an honor. I love Reading and Philly and the people in them, so I am thrilled to be on my way home after 9 months on the road! Both areas were a training ground for me filled with memories of the people who shaped me, from a student to a professional- particularly time spent at Genesius Theatre, Berks Ballet Theatre, Temple University, and with Kun-Yang Lin/Dancers. Coming home feels like a way to say “Thank You.”