From The Crier Report (January 19, 1998)

(interviewer asks her about her quote, "Today you hope people hear your music before they hear your name")

• "Radio stations are very into perception and image, and they have this 'hip-meter,' level of hipness, and, you know, people associate my name with one thing, and it's not what I'm all about anymore. 'Shake Your Love' was a song I wrote when I was 14 years old. I'm 27. If anyone thinks of the changes they've gone through from 14 to 27, it's enormous. And the work I'm doing now is quite different, and I always feel like, I even felt like when I used to submit songs to other artists, which I have done quite often, if my name was on that tape, they'd come back and the comment was always, 'It's too young sounding.' But I think of, you know, pop songs that 50 year olds write to make it sound like a 20 year old wrote it, and I was genuinely 20 years old and writing it, so there's like a bit, you know, there's a bit of a prejudice that goes with having a very strong image as a young performer."

(interviewer mentions the quote about the Spice Girls: "If these guys will write things that sound like something you wrote when I was 2")

• "Actually I said 12. I don't know why they put 2. I read that and they wanted to make it more harsh!"

(interviewer comments on the sexy image from "Anything Is Possible"/"Body Mind Soul" era)

• "Everyone was in a hurry for me to grow up from the very, from the second I started recording, and I was like, you know, I really think, just as Emme was saying, there's a market out there. I think that young people want to see a young person they can relate to, not someone with haircut by Orabay and clothes by Versace, but you know, I think that they want to see someone that they could have been walking down the hall at school, and that's what I really was all about. I was that kid walking down the hall at school who also had a passion for music. You know, from the very beginning everyone was, 'You have to have an image, you have to wear black, you have to be sexy, the guys have to want you.' And it's like, come on, and you look at what's going on now, and I, I see musician first/female second with people like Paula Cole and Jewel. You know, they're very strong women and they're not all about their sexuality."

(asked if this is why she started her own record company)

• "Absolutely. I mean, for that reason and the music. there were so many chefs at one point in my career, putting their two cents in, that the music came out sounding muddled. And it WAS a little muddled. I mean, first of all, I was going through a transition in my life so your music goes through a transition, but add to that, people saying, 'I want you to be THIS, I want you to be THAT and we're paying to make this album.' Well, now I go, 'Hey, I'm paying to make this album, so. I have no one to answer to but me.'"

(interviewer asks, "If people are trying to give you a label...")

• "Oh it's so hard! I make, I've always been a fan of melodies. I've never been into that whole 'groove thing' with someone singing something over it that wasn't memorable. So I'm very into traditional pop melodies and I'd say, being 27 and being a music lover there are influences also in there. You know, very current things, so you might hear like a little groove under something, but it's going to be something melodic. And I in a way try to tie in, I don't even try, it just kind of happens, I kind of tie in my love of theatre with my love of pop. You know, I love Celine Dion's music. People like that, you know, and it's also got, there are also a lot of songs that have a lot of personality to them. I think people also think back 10 years and they think 'Oh, it's kind of that stale, middle of the road, pop music.' And, you know, I don't, I don't use cliches now. I really don't because I can think deeper than that. And at that age, you know, you did go with cliches because you didn't have enough experience to write about."

(interviewer asks about recognition and fans)

• "Yeah, I mean the fans, I have this great core group of fans who have watched my every move, but I think even they feel more validated in being a fan of mine when a company like Disney says, 'We want you to star in our show.' It is, it is good revenge. People keep waiting for me to go away, but guess what, I'm not going anywhere because I love this. And I love that, I was watching something on the Golden Globes, and Burt Reynolds said, 'Everyone's calling this a comeback,' you know, I never went away, they did, the fans did, but he was constantly working. And that's how you stay, you know, because trends go like this, and it's cool to like someone one month and not cool the next month. Theatre's great, cuz it's based on talent, determination, stamina. To be on that stage 8 times a week, you've had to have done your work."

(interviewer comments about a critic wondering if Deborah playing Belle was "too cutesy")

• "You know what's funny? I see Belle as being a real ingenue. She's not like, you know she's supposed to be about 18 years old, and yes I'm playing younger, but you know it's about a character more importantly than the age. It's a character I can relate too. She's a dreamer, she's constantly saying I want more out of life, and she goes and she seeks it and she's brave and she's bold and she's spunky. There have been people who have played more naïve and maybe a little sappier, whatever, and I go for the spunkier side. I really love it and by the end she's an adult and she's gonna get married. She's found love and you know, I'm on stage pretty much the whole show, it's just an incredible role to play. I love it."

(interviewer asks why Deborah thinks the gay community has been more welcoming over the years through the ups and downs)

• "Yes, because, maybe because they've had to go through hardships in life, to you know, kind of, to stand up for who they are. They're more open minded, and I find you know, I used to play Gay Clubs a lot, and the audience is there to have fun and to dance and they aren't there to judge and criticize and say this is hip for me or not hip for me, and they are loyal to people that they like musically, and I don't know?"

(interviewer asks she maintains het enthusiasm and sense of self and purpose with all of her pressures)

• "That's a great question. You know, I'm at an age, I'm at a point in my life where I really don't care what people think. I do what I do for me and for the people who are going to benefit from it, and I've always been a very positive person. I come from a great family and all that, and I've really learned to just stay focussed and stay positive, and the bottom line is I love what I do. I could be on stage for 2 people or 2000 and I'd have just as much fun."

From People (January 19, 1998)

(about the image altering Atlantic tried to do with her last two albums on their label)

• "I literally cried when that happened."

(about how her career has gone so far)

• "I've never had this huge, traumatic, 'Oh my God, my pop career is over' feeling. I've always looked to artists like Bette Midler and Cher, who have made pop music a part of their overall careers. That's where pop music fits into my life right now."

From In Theater (February 1998)

• "Two years ago on Valentine's Day, I was on tour with Grease!, staying in a cheesy hotel in Arizona. My Kenickie, two other guys, and I ordered up from the International House of Pancakes and rented An Affair to Remember. Then I fell asleep."
• "This year, I have a cute guy flying in to see me, so things are looking up. It's Todd Newton, a host on E!, and I met him at the premiere of The Lion King. He lives in Los Angeles; we've had this long-distance fax and phone romance going, which is fun. I'm hoping that he makes the plans, because it's very romantic when a guy takes control and surprises you."
• "I love flowers...love candy...a romantic dinner...whatever. A movie would be great because I really don't get to see many of those anymore . He told me he was shopping for Valentine's Day at the jewelry store, and I said, 'Well, I don't have an ankle bracelet.' My dad gave my mom one when they were dating in high school, and I just think that's a great, old-fashioned, romantic thing to have. Hers had two hearts and their initials on it. I think that's so sweet. So I dropped a big hint."

From the "Ask Deborah" section of DGIF 9.2/9.3

Where is the line drawn for fanship and when is it considered crossed?

• "I feel that most fans know where the line is and I most respect those fans who have respect for my time, energy and private life. I often get requests for dinner or 'getaways' to fans' homes. This is quite flattering. But, as is the case for most people, the way I like to relax most is with lifelong friends or family. Being that I barely have time for that, I hope people can respect the fact that I must decline such offers. Also, I feel I put a lot of energy into my performances and meeting with fans at the stage door. Going behind my back to try to get more time or doing things like following me home is definitely not cool! I feel a kinship with my fans that is so unique and basically I never want to see that abused in any way or it can potentially ruin it for those who respect it. If I ever seem distant or ill at ease, please know it is due to a security problem or a potential problem caused by someone who has 'crossed the line'."

From a chat on Disney.com (August 5, 1998)

(How did you get started singing?)

• "I started singing in my living room to entertain my family and moved on to community theater... talent shows and later on took lessons and ventured on into more professional things. And both my dad and the radio were inspirations."

(When did you decide you wanted to act?)

• "I was always a ham and I always loved musical theater... so my interest in all areas of performing started at the same time really."

(Where did you begin your acting career?)

• "The Elves and the Shoemaker, playing the littlest elf on a snowmobile that drove around from town to town... in Long Island. And my first professional show was a Christmas Carol at age 11."

(Which do you like better, acting or singing?)

• "They go hand in hand. When you sing you ARE acting out the lyrics so I could never choose just one."

(What singers did you listen to growing up?)

• "Billy Joel and Elton John were my favourites because I was also a classically trained pianist. And I lived on Broadway music also. Like Barbra Streisand."

(Which of your albums is your favorite?)

• "You know, I'd have to say my second album, which was Electric Youth... and my most recent, which is called Deborah. But hopefully the best is yet to come. I'm working on new music now. I always try to top myself."

(Are you really releasing your next album through Jellybean Records? Any tentative release date set yet?)

• "No, that's not true. I did work with Jellybean in the past, however. And I'm still in the beginning stages set yet, but it will be sometime next year."

(Will you be putting out an album of Broadway hits?)

• "Yes, that is another project that is in the works."

(What are the two upcoming productions that you are in?)

• "Well, one is Gypsy at the Papermill Playhouse in New Jersey. I'll be playing Gypsy Rose Lee and Betty Buckley will be playing Mama Rose, my mother. There's something that I'm in talks about, in fact I just officially auditioned for something today, that I'm dying to do. I can't say what it is yet, but it was a really great audition with a great response."

(What do you think of starring opposite Betty Buckley in gypsy?)

• "I've actually met Betty several times... We shared the same voice teacher... and I've always gotten along with her very well..."

(What does it feel like to be in a Broadway show?)

• "Woooh! Feels superhuman. You feel like you're Superwoman. Plus there's the grualling schedule. But to wake up each day and realize you're going to perform in front of thousands of people is a thrill."

(How'd you get the role as Belle?/Did you like performing as Belle?)

• "Disney expressed interest after seeing my perform in concert. I then had a work session with the musical director. And they offered me the role. I loved being in a timeless fairy tale. And being part of what I consider to be one of the classiest musicals on Broadway."

(Did the cartoon of Beauty and the Beast influence you at all?)

• "I feel like a cartoon in real life sometimes. I think all performers do to a certain extent. So I didn't rely on watching the cartoon to develop my character."

(Did it take a long time to memorize your songs and lines.. I had to do that for a christmas pageant I was in and it was hard!)

• "It does take a long time but through the rehearsal process it becomes second nature without even trying."

(Which was your favorite song in Beauty?)

• "My favorite song to sing is Home. And I love the dancing in Be Our Guest."

(I'm not sure if this question got through earlier, but I was curious if you plan to come to Canade in the future, at all?)

• "Not for pop concerts, but for the project I was talking about earlier that's in the works... could potentially go to Canada."

(Are you going to tour or hold a convention soon?)

• "My staff is still recovering from the convention a few years ago... but yes, we would like to hold another. There will be a DGIF day at Gypsy. if you're in the fan club, check the Hotline for further details."

(What kind of music do you listen to?)

• "Lately I've been listening to Vonda Sheppard. But basically I like all kinds of music. From Usher to Trisha Yearwood to Broadway cast albums."

(What do you do on your days off from Broadway work?)

• "Oh boy. Well, when you're on Broadway you basically have one day to take care of your whole life. So, usually I try to catch up on phone calls, appointments and if I have the energy at night to catch a movie. And that's about all you can fit in. Oh, and sleep."

(Do you browse the web pages dedicated to you?)

• "I do, when I'm at my office, but I actually don't have a computer at home. I haven't even had the time to begin to master it."

(What actresses do you look to for inspiration?)

• "Barbra Streisand's a big one because she's an al-around entertainer. Ans as far as newer actresses go, I'm a big fan of Miss Paltrow... Claire Danes, and Cameron Diaz. I like watching actresses that make it look really easy to act so real."

(which production has been your favorite to be in (you were GREAT in Grease by the way!))

• "It's very hard to decide because I've been in everything from Darkerst Show on Earth, which is Les Mis... to the brightest, which is Grease... but one of my favorites was definitely Grease in London because it was the first time I got to be a part of an original cast."

(What one fact about you would most surprise your fans?)

• "Hmmm. let me think about that. it's not really a fact as much as it is a side of me. That is a lot sassier than people may think. I have no skeletons in the closet or strange fetishes. So I don't really have that one that fact you're looking for."

(Are there any plans for you to do voiceover work for Disney... you'd be great in an animated movie? and doing a theme song..)

• "I will get a printout of this comment and bring it with me to a meeting I have with Disney next week... on that very topic. it's definately something that has always interested me."

(Deborah, you've been able to perform with some of your idols, such as Billy Joel and Elton John, who else would you love to perform with?)

• "Hmmm. I would love to do a bilingual duet with Luis Miguel."

(Considering your fame at such a young age, how did you stay on track?)

• "I had a a family that didn't let me get away with anything and didn't give me any star treatment at home. And life in the fast lane simply never iterested me. I'm in this business to do great work, have a great time and entertain people. Anything that distracts me from that goal is not welcome in my life."

(How did you like wearing the gorgeous dresses that Belle wore?)

• "That was an incredible feeling. Something all little girls dream of. Although the yellow gown was quite heavy. I think about 15 pounds."

(I am 9 and am a good singer and dancer do you have any advice for me)

• "Yes I do. Definately get involved in local shows. Try to find a voice teacher if possible. And the most important thing is not to give up because you think you have talent... then you're half way there. I hope to see you on Broadway someday."

(any plans to come to australia for a holiday?)

• "I toured there many years ago. And would love to do another tour there as soon an my next album comes out. This time I'll come in the winter. I was there in summer and it was really really hot."

(What role would you most like to play?)

• "Velma Kelly in Chicago. And I'd love to play Sandy Price."

(if you could only cover one song that's already been recorded, what would it be and why would you choose it?)

• "Oh boy. I'd love to answer that question but I'm actually working on a remake right now... and I don't want anybody to beat me to the punch. But I will say that it's a BeeGees song. The reason I would love to record it is because it's timeless, soulful, and really gives my voice a chance to shine."

(I heard you had a brief role in Ghostbusters. Did you?)

• "Yes, I did. You could see me for about 5 seconds. in the Tavern on the Green scene."

(which of your Broadway characters do you identify the most with?)

• "Fanny Brice, without a doubt."

(What's your favorite Disney movie?)

• "I would say, not just because I did the show, but Beauty and the Beast. And Mulan. I love Disney's powerful women."

( Some people have said some of the songs on "Deborah" sound sort of country. I like that, what do you think of country music?)

• "I'm a big country fan and I actually wrote 2 of the songs on Deborah with a country writer. I would never claim to be a country artist because I don't have roots in that style... but I'm sure that all of my influences show up when I sing... country being one of them."

(are you going to continue on your current path? Releasing cd's, performing in theatre, and movies? Or will you focus on one area.)

• "I'm enjoying focusing on theater right now, but I feel very ready to make my Grammy Award winning pop album in the future. but basically, I will continue on this path of being an all around entertainer."

(Any plans for a Christmas CD?)

• "No, because it actually would have to have been recording while I was doing Beauty and the Beast... which would have been too difficult. Maybe next season. I actually have a lot of Christmas songs in my catalog, just waiting to be recorded."

(Since you like country music, any chance of you performing with my "other" favorite singer, Jimmy Buffett?)

• "It's more likely that I'd record with one of my two favorites... Trishia Yearwood or Garth Brooks."

(When will your musical Skirts be hitting the boards?)

• "I'm actually taking a trip to work on it with my co-writers this week... so progres is being made. and several producers are interested. but getting a new musical off the ground is a very long process. I'm hoping that 1999 will be the year."

(What's the weirdest thing that's happened during a performance?)

• "Hmmm. During Les Mis, on a nightly basis, during my death scene I would hear Taxi drivers on their radios in the monitors on stage. it was quite amusing the first 20 times."

(do you get enough time for yourself? You seem like a real workaholic!)

• "somwhow I manage to have a very active social life. it's taken me a long time to find the balance between work and play. but I think I've finally got it down to a science."

(do you have a boyfriend right now?)

• "I am kinda sorta seeing someone. But you know, it's that grey area."

(Do you have any immediate (say next 5 years) profesional goals?)

• "Yes. They would be to play Velma, to play Skirts on Broadway... to release a great album... and to do another tour."

(can you tell us how to get a hold of your fan club?)

• "www.deborah-gibson.com. we have a wonderful, very personalized fan club... with the best fans in the world as members."

From CNN (September 3, 1998)

(about playing Gypsy Rose Lee in "Gypsy")

• "You definitely will see more than you've ever seen of me before. I'll actually be wearing a skimpy little bodysuit with strategically placed jewels."

From Playbill Online (September 4, 1998)

(about the short amount of rehearsal time for "Gypsy")

• "It's really quick, but Gypsy is one of the best-written shows, so it's kind of like, 'just add water,' and the show will come together. And Betty and I are so into our characters, I think it will come together."

(about times Deborah has met Betty Buckley)

• "I've bumped into Betty going in and out of lessons and I had a really lengthy conversation with her at the High Society opening party. We happened to sit next to each other, and we just hit it off so well. We're both excited to be working with each other."

(about going from Belle to Gypsy Rose Lee)

• "First I go from Belle to Louise, which isn't that bad. And then I go from Louise to Gypsy Rose Lee in the course of the show, so it's kind of all connected. I definitely get to show my sassy side!"

(asked if she is worried about performing the striptease in the second act)

• "Betty keeps saying to me, 'I'm worried about you because you're too into this striptease!' It's my chance to do what I do, in the sense that I get to work an audience, which you never get to do in a Broadway show unless your Fanny Brice or Gypsy Rose Lee. I really enjoy it, and at 28 I'm more than comfortable with my sensual or sexual side."

(asked about her favorite song from "Gypsy")

• "Little Lamb, because it's like the only real quiet moment in the show."

From the Asbury Park Press (September 6, 1998)

• "I am just going about my life and my business. If people want to catch on, fine; if they don't, fine, too. I make choices I feel strongly about and I'm happy with that. I have no regrets about my career and that's not something everyone can say."

(about wanting to someday be a "Broadway diva," like her "Gypsy" co-star Betty Buckley)

• "I know what it takes to get there and although I've put in a lot of time and work already, I have a long way to go. I look at Betty and when I'm her age I'd love to be where she is -- a well-rounded entertainer."

(a quote in connection to her charity work for St. Mary's)

• "I look at 12-year-old kids with no role models and no idea what a family unit is all about and it's heartbreaking to me."

(being in a "dating mode")

• "Once you get into your late 20s you don't really want to waste time. I don't want to get into a regular pattern with any one person unless I can envision marrying them."

(about playing Louise in "Gypsy")

• "I have always been able to relate to this character, not in the sense I was forced on stage or was shy in any way, but as someone who pushed her own limits and challenged herself. It's nice to show a piece of real life to an audience for no matter how great an actress is, if there is something in the character she can relate to strongly it makes for a more honest performance."

(about the striptease, how she gets to interact with the audience, just like when she is in concert)

• "That is my forte. I grew up singing to audiences looking directly into their eyes and it's wonderful to be able to play this musical theater role that lets me incorporate all that."

From DGIF 10.1 (September 1998)

• "Hey all you 'beauties'! Whew! Free at last! The spell is broken and I am preparing for my new venture...Burlesque Queen (not "pop princess")! Gypsy Rose Lee...I played Baby June and Baby Louise as a pre-teen at the Bellmore Jewish Center and at Hofstra University so what a thrill it will be to do this in my adult life! How much fun was D.G.I.F. day?! I always marvel at how you guys pal around together. I feel like the spoke of a wheel and I love it! If any of you have been concerned about my safety due to certain recent activities...fear not. My team of experts is amazing and safety/health are number one priorities. I did a recent interview with Cosmopolitan Magazine and the story reads as if I'm frightened...I am not. My life is wonderful. No need to break out the violins! 'Weep for me in days gone by' (are those even the correct lyrics?!?) Also, my closing night was such a celebration of a time that was perfect and full of growth personally and professionally. And - how 'bout that Mayor taking time out for little ol' me! He even called my Grandma in the hospital to cheer her up! I love kind souls like Rudy! Probably the highlight of my year, however, was the St. Mary's Dinner/Dance in my honor. It's not until I was in the room reading the gorgeous commemorative book with messages addressed to me from people I care about that I realized how special the evening would be. Graham Rowat, Jonathon Bleicher, Joey DiConcetto, Catherine Hickland, Brent Alan Huffman, Bobby Randall and Steve Geyer performed a 'memory lane' show for me and the St. Mary's Boys Choir sang 'Beauty and the Beast' surrounding me on bended knee while accidentally handing me a center piece instead of the bouquet of flowers...how sweet it was! Well - that's it for now. See ya at Papermill Playhouse in September and October. I'm currently working out, singing and coaching so that I can bring you the most FABULOUS Gypsy Rose Lee you've ever laid eyes on! 'Til then..."

From "Ask Deb" in DGIF 10.1 (September 1998)

(It's been about a decade since your first splash onto the music scene. How do you feel you've progressed as an artist, and how have you changed as a person?)

• "How much space do I have here? No, but seriously folks...Musically I've opened up my soul more and I've dabbled in so many hybrids of style. Personally, I've developed a harder shell, a bigger sense of humor, a more open mind and a greater sense of self. I've also become an Aunt which changes things and I've gained a new perspective on what it means to be successful. It's more of a personal thing to me now and it includes being a great family member, friend, a good listener and fulfilling my career potential."

(If they were to make a movie about you life story, who would you want to play you?)

• "Mira Sorvino"

(What is your favorite childhood memory?)

• "Dragging a lounge chair across the cement along side of a beach with a big floppy hat and fruit punch on my face at age '3' with my family yelling 'please let us take that chair" and me saying "No... I can do it!"

(In the beginning, did you ever consider starting your musical career as part of a group?)

• "NO!"

(Is there any symbolic or personal significance to the four-ringed medallion worn during the Electric Youth days?)

• "I got it from an old man in Rome and he talked of all the things that are in groups of '4' like the elements, seasons, directions, etc..."

(Love your clothes! Have you ever made the best dressed celebrity lists?)

• "No! Write to People and ask why!"

(Would you ever be interested in being a music teacher or voice/piano coach?)

• "I am a natural coach which is why I love producing vocals so much. I'd love to open a performing arts school someday."

(Would you ever consider collaborating with Madonna? What do you think about her new album?)

• "Would she consider it is the real question! Sure...I'm game! I love certain songs - 'Ray Of Light' being my favorite."

(Which is your favorite album cover and why?)

• "Electric Youth for the chesse factor without a doubt! But - the best is yet to come!"

(If you could put together your 'dream band', who would be its members?)

• "On drums: Def Leppard's drummer, on sax: Billy Joel's sax player, on bass: my bass player - Conrad, on keyboards: Elton, on piano: Billy, on guitar: Eric Clapton, on back up vocals: Celine, Trisha Yearwood, and Luther Vandross."

(What have been your favorite venues to perform at?)

• "Radio City Music Hall and The Dominion Theater in London."

(Which is your favorite song to date, from your catalogue?)

• "There are a few... 'One Hand, One Heart', 'We Could Be Together' and 'Ode To A Would Be Lover'."

(What do you like to do on your days off from Beauty And The Beast?)

• "Take road trips, catch up with friends, sleep, record and play with my dogs!"

(Are you able to find time for song writing and recording while you are in Beauty & The Beast?)

• "I started work on new demos, but I won't be able to really dig in until I'm done with Beauty. Song writing is always happening."

(What do you think your life will be like in ten years?)

• "Total and utter BLISS! Marriage, kids, B'way, recording, movies, etc., etc., etc.!"

(If you were given the ability to solve any problem in this world, what would it be?)

• "I'd take away prejudice. People would be so much happier if they'd chill out and open their minds a bit more."

(Are you currently working with a nutritionist? What do you do to keep in shape?)

• "I don't work with a nutritionist. I eat in a balanced way and do yoga, dance, aerobica and the show."

(What determines a song to be a Japan-only track? Why have these extra tracks been added on your Japanese releases?)

• "It seems as if the Japanese audiences are more open to extra songs. This is not to insult American audiences, but from a marketing standpoint, that's the way it goes!"

(Out of all your music videos, which is your favorite?)

• "Probably 'We Could Be Together' because I had so many family members in it! 2nd and 3rd place would go to 'Losin' Myself' and 'Only Words'."

(What do you think about girl-groups like Spice Girls and All Saints?)

• "I say 'go on girls'! I actually prefer All Saints and adore the song 'Never Ever'. The Spice Girls are sometimes a bit too arrogant for me."

(Any exotic vacation plans after completing Beauty and the Beast?)

• "Yes! Going to...my apartment."

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