Day Off Diary: CLYDE’S Kara Young

For many actors, after a long 8-show week, their one day off is time to rest and recharge. This week, we caught up with Kara Young, who plays Letitia in Clyde’s on Broadway, near her childhood home in Harlem. Get to know a bit more about Kara in her #DayOffDiary: 

Hometown? Harlem, NY.

‍If someone is visiting Harlem for the first time, where is one place they must go? Just Walk down Lenox Ave, you'll feel what's left of Harlem. 

We stopped by “K” Beauty Supply - what is one beauty item you can’t live without? Nature’s blessings hair pomade. 

Where might we find you on your day off? If I'm not working, you'd catch me with my family. 

What does it mean to you that you are making your Broadway debut with Clyde’s? There are many feelings attached to all of it. The story we are telling is deeply profound and there are never-ending discoveries, much like life itself. The people we are honoring, where the story takes place... I'm very grateful to be working with Lynn Nottage and to be working again with Kate Whoriskey. As well as this cast, the legendary Ron Cephas Jones, magical and fierce Uzo Aduba, and my powerful brothers for life, the cosmic Reza Salazar and dynamic Edmund Donovan. I'm grateful for this moment because of this company of people, and I can't forget all the other theater makers: Stage management, costume, lighting, sound, set design, our dressers, our stagehands, even our covid compliance officer. I mean, That's the real spirit of the theater. It’s all of us together. Its community.

If you could describe your experience in Clyde’s so far in just one word, what would it be? Grateful. Grateful to be telling a story about people who are overlooked and often forgotten.

Who are you jamming to on Spotify right now? Kendrick Lamar, Prince, Beyoncé, Rick James, Doja Cat.

What are you binging on TV right now? “Call My Agent” and always binging “Frasier.” 

Your character in Clyde’s is in search of the perfect sandwich so we have to know, what would be in your ideal sandwich? I like an old school warm ham sandwich on a roll with mayo from a Dominican bodega.

Where is the best sandwich in New York City? Chopped cheese hoagie's sandwich on 110th and 1st Ave deli.

Favorite coffee joint in Midtown? What’s your order? I used to be a snob, now I kinda like a regular corner store coffee, I take it black. 

Pickles on your burgers? Always.

Pineapple on your pizza? Hell to the nah.

What flavor of cream cheese on your bagel? Scallion cream cheese and lox.

Favorite musical? Sweeney Todd.

Dream Role? Tinkerbell.

When you think about opening night this week, what emotions come to mind? Not so much emotions but more so the Communal vibrations!!! Our church. Our spirit. All the love.

You can catch Kara in Clyde’s which is now in performance at the Hayes Theatre on Broadway. For tickets and more information, visit here. For more photos, visit Theatrely on Instagram. All photos by Rebecca J Michelson/Theatrely.