Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

Mary Mossberg Interview by Jen Bush

Donna Moore’s wild and riotous musical roars into the Triad Theater on June 15-18, 2023 and June 24-26, 2023 7pm-8:15pm

158 W. 72^nd St., New York, NY 10023

Presented by RIPPLE EFFECTS ARTISTS

 After a long and successful run in 2012, Cougar the Musical is on the prowl again!         Cougar the Musical unleashes three divine but disillusioned women who develop a taste for hot, young men. They let their inner cougar roar and purr, finding self-love and empowerment in the process. The sexy, ferocious cast of three fabulous-over-forty women and one multi-talented boy toy sing and dance their way through a satiating range of original songs…from grinding blues to doo-wop to pop to “Julio” and even a romantic ballad sung to a vibrator! Hilarious, soulful and heartwarming, Cougar the Musical is a madcap ride from Cougar Bar to nail salon, to boudoir, and back as the women learn to say “yes” to getting older, “yes” to trust and friendship and “yes” to proving that love is ageless. In light of the recent SCOTUS decision, now is a time more than ever to honor feminine wisdom, autonomy, and power.  Original cast member Mary Mossberg gave us a purrfect interview talking about this show and her work as an artist.

The fierce competition for acting jobs in New York City forces talented artists to strike a balance between working to pay the bills and engaging in their passion in the arts.  Mary Mossberg is no exception.  “I’m probably like the majority of actors in the city – committed to the process but am only lucky enough to work once in a while, which means I’m always doing a balancing act of survival jobs with acting jobs. I’m inspired by every actor out there who makes it work.”

Cougar the Musical held so many positives for Ms. Mossberg the first time around, she was thrilled to revisit it this time.  “When I first auditioned for Cougar there wasn’t anything NOT to like. It was being produced in the city, actually near where I lived at the time, I was already good friends with Babs Winn who was already cast and it was a job. Then when we did it we had so much fun and became such good friends that getting the opportunity to do it again was a no-brainer. My character will only change in as much as I am older and hopefully wiser. I don’t know what that will look like on stage but I’m sure there will be some small changes.”

 Cougar the Musical is a fun show.  We wondered how similar or different Ms. Mossberg was from her character.  “It IS a hoot! I’m like my character Lily in that I have fundamental insecurities – everyone has them somewhere – and like Lily I’ve learned to overcome some of them. I’m always learning and trying to grow.”

Ms. Mossberg’s creative process is simple, straightforward and tried and true.  “Memorize, digest, rehearse A LOT, then let it all go and just feel.”

Ms. Mossberg would like the audience to have a blast and walk away uplifted and inspired.  “Say YES to life! Be open to love however it comes to you, and maybe a small stitch in their side from laughing.”

Ms. Mossberg is not sure of what her next project will be but she’s sure that when you come see her and the rest of the talented cast in Cougar the Musical, you will have a wild time!