“I think a lot of people feel like they are also somewhere in between, no matter what their identity.” “I think something that the book explains well, with humor and heart, is the feeling of being an outsider, while also being an insider,” she said. Soo said that while the biracial angle was particularly meaningful to her, she believes most people find themselves in similar identity crossroads. I think what the story does brilliantly is take this classic rom-com genre but go a little deeper to explore things about identity that we're thinking about today.” “Like me, she is half-Chinese and half-white, and trying to find herself and understand who she is in this modern world. “She felt very much like me, having two different cultures be a part of her makeup,” Soo said. The actor, whose father is Chinese American, said she felt an instant connection to the story’s focus on biracial experiences. Gracie is so witty, with a really great self-deprecating sense of humor that I totally relate to.” “I love situational comedy, and this one’s mixed with a heartfelt children-of-immigrants story, as well as a story about fame and love and mental health. I spoke with Soo over the phone about the project and why Gracie hit closer to home than most other roles.

In The Stand-In, an Audible Original by Lily Chu, she narrates and performs the story of Gracie, a Chinese-Canadian woman who becomes a Chinese star’s secret body double after a series of mistaken identities. Phillipa Soo, the actor best known for her work in musical favorites like Hamilton and Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, has lent her Tony-nominated vocals to a more intimate avenue.

21 July 2021 ∙ Originally published in Theatrely

The stand in lily chu book review