Nobody knows New York City like a local. Some of the city’s notable locals are also the stars of Broadway. We talked with Jasmine Forsberg who stars as Jane Seymour in the production SIX, about her favorite places in New York City.
Jasmine Forsberg of SIX on Her NYC Favorites
Tell us about your current Broadway role!
Forsberg- I’m currently playing Jane Seymour in SIX. Jane Seymour—“the only one he truly loved”—is the third of six wives of King Henry VIII, and her song is a stunning power ballad called “Heart of Stone.” Jane has taught me that there is strength in being soft.
How did you get your start in performing, and in what other shows have you performed?
Forsberg- I’ve always been involved in the arts for as long as I can remember. I started dance lessons when I was two, piano lessons when I was three, and voice lessons when I was six…it was only a matter of time before storytelling was added to the mix. My first show was a production of 101 Dalmatians as a little girl, and I have never looked back since. Other Broadway credits include Here Lies Love (my Broadway debut and Broadway’s first-ever all-Filipino cast), as well as the upcoming Old Friends at Manhattan Theatre Club.
How would you describe your show to someone completely unfamiliar with Broadway?
Forsberg- SIX is the story of the six wives of Henry VIII, told through the lens of a fierce pop girl group. We take the microphone to belt out the history of these queens while competing to see who had the worst marriage to the king. It’s like the Spice Girls meets Broadway!
What do you love most about the show you are performing in right now?
Forsberg- Standing alongside five other women of color every single night is such a powerful feeling. It’s not every show that you spend your big solo number basking in the spotlight while spending the rest of the show supporting all of the other queens onstage. It’s a practice of both taking up space and generously sharing space with others.
What was the one NYC lesson you learned shortly after arriving in the Big Apple?
Forsberg- Learning the subways is a necessity! Shoutout to CityMapper for all the help.
What are the best tips you can give a visitor?
Forsberg- Wear comfortable shoes—you are going to be on your feet here! Comfort over fashion is key. Also, explore more than just midtown Manhattan. Each neighborhood has its own distinct feel, and for me, it’s still fun to be a tourist in my own city.
If you’re going out for a night in the town of New York City, where would you go?
Forsberg- One of my favorite places for a post-show beverage is the Rosevale Cocktail Room at the Civilian Hotel. They have live music on weekends, and the vibes are so swanky and sophisticated. Perfect for a date night or time with friends and family.
Where are your favorite spots to send family and friends when they visit?
Forsberg- Alice’s Tea Cup on the Upper West Side for a quaint afternoon sip; Chinatown for red bean buns and dim sum; and SoHo for some much-needed retail therapy.
What is your favorite meal to enjoy in NYC, and where is it best?
Forsberg- I love Mediterranean cuisine, and one of my favorite restaurants in all of NYC is Shuka in the West Village. Their chicken kebab is divine!
What do you love best about New York City?
Forsberg- There’s something for everyone here to do. Whether you like seeing shows, moseying around museums, running in the park, listening to live music, taking a cooking class, or getting takeout at 3 am, you are never in short supply of activities in the city that never sleeps.
