BEBE WOOD UNPLUGGED: ON MUSIC, MOMENTS, AND MEAN GIRLS

BY IRVIN RIVERA

PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, FASHION DIRECTOR: ANDREW PHILIP NGUYEN, MAKE-UP AND HAIR: AARON BARRY, DIGITAL TECH: PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG

Bebe Wood- an accomplished actress who is redefining the beloved character of Gretchen Wieners in the 2024 rendition of "Mean Girls" graced A BOOK OF in this exclusive interview on her meticulous approach to portraying her character Gretchen emphasizing the delicate balance of infusing vulnerability while remaining faithful to the brilliance of Tina Fey's script. As we journey through the behind-the-scenes anecdotes, Bebe fondly recounts off-set camaraderie, from lively arcade sessions to impromptu serenades with her fellow cast members.

In the midst of the intricate challenges posed by a musical production, Bebe attributes the success to an exceptional team – both visible on screen and the unsung heroes working behind the scenes. Drawing from the wisdom imparted by the venerable Tim Meadows, Bebe sheds light on her approach to managing stress by embracing the present moment and finding solace in the inherent joy of the creative process. Don't miss her insightful reflections on her culinary preferences, dream dinner party guests, and whimsical musings as the Doctor in Doctor Who. As we delve into her diverse career aspirations, Bebe's unwavering passion for storytelling in its myriad forms becomes apparent, offering readers a captivating glimpse into the mind and life of a rising luminary. Read on, and join us for this exclusive dialogue that unfolds with the elegance and complexity befitting Bebe Wood's multifaceted persona.

Bebe! How are you? What's keeping you busy and creative recently?

Hi there! I'm good, thanks! All the fun Mean Girls press we've been doing has certainly kept me busy over the last month or so. Writing music or playing my instruments always keeps me creative. I've been feeling especially inspired by the idea of visiting museums during my upcoming trip to Paris. I can't wait to be surrounded by beautiful, old things!

Congrats on Mean Girls! Tell us about your version of Gretchen Wieners in the film. What sets this Gretchen character apart from the 2004 film?

Thank you! Gretchen is such a beloved, iconic character. The movie has been an integral part of my life, so it was a huge honor to take her on. I think the essence of Gretchen will always be the same due to the brilliant writing of Tina Fey. These characters live so deeply within the dialogue, so I used that as my blueprint. I think in our 2024 film, we explore Gretchen's vulnerable side more openly. I think it's very much present in the original film, but the music of our movie gives the audience such a personal look into the inner world of these characters. I was eager to bring that to screen.

**LEFT** Coat: FRANCESCA COTTONE, Boots: JONAK **RIGHT** Coat: EDIKTED, Skirt: IAMGIA, Boots: UNITED NUDE

Tell us about your favorite moments in filming. Any special moment that stands out from memory? What do you think is something valuable that the audience can pick up from the film?

There are so many special memories I have from filming. I think one of my favorites actually took place off set. We used to frequent the local arcade and rock out playing GarageBand together. We would serenade the entire place. I'm sure we drove folks crazy, but we had the best time.

What are the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming?

Filming a movie-musical is SO exciting and very challenging! There's lots of moving parts that require an incredible amount of planning and rehearsal. There were lots of long, difficult days, but the high of completing a scene or dance number-- to see it come together right before your very eyes?! It's so utterly gratifying. Ultimately, the hard work is nothing when you're passionate about what you're creating and the people you're creating with.

How did you manage to rise above the challenges?

Truly, the people. We had such a talented group of hard-working individuals working on this film-- some of them you see on camera, but MANY of them you don't! Our crew was such an incredible support system, along with our cast. Everyone was constantly looking out for each other. Every moment was such a joy, and even on those challenging days, we had buckets of fun.

Tim Meadows gave you some valuable advice on the set of Mean Girls. How do you apply that wisdom in your daily life, especially when faced with stress or pressure?

Haha! Tim Meadows is the best-- talk about a pro! His advice came through a great conversation we had while filming a scene at Spring Fling. Ultimately, it boils down to "what's the worst that can happen?" It's so easy to get caught up and stressed over the little things. His advice was a reminder to just let go and enjoy the moment as it is.

With your love for Broadway musicals, if you could magically transport yourself into any one of your favorite musicals, which character would you play, and how would you make it your own?

I wanna play Sweeney Todd! Haha! Logistically, I have no idea how that would work. Normalize gender bent productions! Lol! In reality, I'd take any part in Sweeney. I just love Stephen Sondheim and the vivid worlds he creates and evokes through melody. But I do like the idea of playing such a complicated character. He does such horrifying things, and yet the biggest thing you need to make that story work (I think) is to somehow make the audience feel sympathetic toward him. It seems like a fun challenge! Josh Groban really slays, I think. We (the cast of Mean Girls) actually went to see it on Broadway while we were filming.

Your love for Cuban food is evident. If you had to create a signature dish that represents you, what would it be, and what flavors would it encompass?

Hmm. I really don't know! I have a pretty big sweet tooth, but I don't like overly sweet things. I like when it's sort of contrasted with something. Chocolate and sea salt, or coconut and lime together... so maybe that's like me. I'm not sure about a signature dish, but maybe I'm just sweet-ish and a little zesty. Hahhaa!

Arroz Congri is your comfort meal. If you were hosting a dinner party and could invite three people, living or deceased, to share this meal and conversation, who would they be and why?

Ooooo, there's so many people I'd like to host a dinner party for. I think this time around I'll make Cuban food for Salena Godden, Sondheim, and David Bowie... ahahhaha, I can't even imagine the conversation.

Your loyalty to David Tennant in Doctor Who is admirable. If you were the Doctor for a day, which historical event or era would you visit, and what mischief might you get up to?

Hahaha! This is amazing! First things first, I am REALLY looking forward to Ncuti Gatwa's performance as the doctor. I think the Christmas special ATE. Anyways, getting drunk with Shakespeare would be fun. I'd like to meet Emily Dickinson, if she'd let me come visit-- she didn't really like company, I've heard. There's lots of people throughout history that I'm very curious about. It would be wonderful to just get to know who they really were behind the sort of pretense of what we read in history books. I'll throw John Keats on the list too-- I love him, I really grew up with his poems. Maybe we'd go on a nice walk or something.

If your life were a movie, what genre would it be, and what unexpected twist or turn would make it truly unique?

I'd like to think my life would be a film like Greta Gerwig's 'Little Women,' very quaint, real, organic, and heartfelt-- and then occasionally something kinda fucked up and fabulous would happen like in 'Saltburn.' Hahaha!

Your career goals are diverse. Which aspect are you most excited about right now, whether it's finishing your album, producing a show, filming a movie, or working on a period piece, and why?

Oh goodness! I'm truly excited about all aspects of my career goals. There's something to look forward to within all of them, and whichever comes first I'm contented with. I just love telling stories, whether that be through acting, song, or writing. There's really no better feeling than the need to create. It's sort of quenchless. When you've got something in your head you've just got to chase after it!

Coat: VEGAN TIGER, Boots: MALONE SOULIERS

Singing and playing Bad Bunny during photoshoots sounds like a fun tradition. If you had to choose a Bad Bunny song that perfectly captures your mood during photoshoots, which one would it be, and why?

It definitely changes with the vibe of each shoot! For this shoot I felt very Nadie Sabe. I think during shoots you gotta listen to music that makes you feel good and confident. I think there's a nice power to that song, and I felt it was reflected in how I was styled. A long, black, leather trench coat just screams Nadie Sabe for some reason ahhaa! Very Mafiosa vibes.

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?

Oh gosh, there's many. For some reason, lately I've been thinking a lot about when the Hot Priest in Fleabag says "It'll pass." I think it's really applicable to anything you'd like. Also, if you're searching for something, you can always find the answer (if there is an answer) in a book or a story. Look to stories!

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

I mean, in reality, I'd probably just be my journal or one of my many notebooks of random scribblings. But also, I love Anne of Green Gables, and I feel like she and I have many similarities, so perhaps I'll just say that!