Jane Levy stars in the titular role in Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, a heartwarming musical dramedy. The setting for the show is in a startup company, where Zoey has the ability to read people’s thoughts through musical numbers. Levy first became known to viewers from her recurring role in Shameless, in 2011.  This led to starring roles in Suburgatory (2012 – 2014), Evil Dead (2013), and Don’t Breathe (2016).  The latter two films, which were directed by Fede Alvarez, earned Levy the unofficial title of ‘scream queen.’  She’s also starred in acclaimed projects like Nobody Walks (2011), Fun Size (2012), Office Uprising (2018) Castle Rock (2018),  and last year’s Netflix hit, What/If.

What went through your mind when you first read the script for this crazy concept?

I read the script during pilot season, in 2019, and I remember thinking it was cute.  I liked that the musical numbers came from Zoey’s superpower (of reading people’s thoughts) and that the characters felt so deeply that they were compelled to break into song.  It was something I hadn’t seen before.  Every step of the process has been really fulfilling and I get to work with incredible artists, a choreographer, a writer, a music supervisor, my cast, the editor, our directors, everyone who contributed so much. 

It’s the perfect feel-good show to watch, especially during lockdown.

Yes.  It’s very surreal that we are all locked inside and the show is on air but I’m happy that I’m able to engage with audiences in ways that I never have before.  It’s been really gratifying that the show has offered some escape for people who are living through such anxious, uncertain times.  It’s so heartwarming to know that this work I did for six months, work that I really put my heart into, is offering some solace for people.  I could not ask for anything more.

How does it feel to be carrying a show?   What pressure does that bring?  You’re in every scene.

Well, I am generally the type of person who in every circumstance puts the pressure on myself, whether it’s in relationships or professionally. I hold myself to a very high standard. So when the job asks for this much, I have to learn to take care of myself because of the scale of the job.  It was really hard at times and then ultimately really fulfilling.  When I finished this project, I was really proud of myself. 

What do you like about Zoey?

I have a lot of compassion for Zoey.  I’ve spent so much of my time thinking about her experience and I think that she has a really big heart. I like that she tries, even though she fails, but I actually like her more when she does fail. And you can always tell that she wants to do a good job and I like that about her.  Some of the things that you want to scream at the screen about concerning Zoey, is because she is constantly avoiding her deepest feelings.  It’s very transparent for the audience, and you want to just say ‘Zoey, we know what you’re running away from, just admit it and you’ll feel better!’  In that way, playing someone who is so neurotic and continuously trying to problem solve when it’s an emotional problem that can’t be solved with a code, proves itself to be challenging. But that’s also what’s fun about being an actor – thinking about what the character is actually feeling and then what they do about that. And a lot of times human behavior contrasts with what we feel inside.

How important is music in your life?

I love music. I don’t spend so much time singing in my personal life, but I dance. And whenever I feel down, dancing always lifts my spirits and makes me incredibly happy.

What is the song that lifts you up?

I love Prince, I love ‘70s funk and I love hip hop.  And I also really like Zumba, so I am really into Pitbull Radio.

What else do you like doing in your downtime?

Well right now it’s a little different, as we all know, so I’ve been spending my time at home. I’ve been gardening, I’ve relaxing to the point where it’s almost meditative.  And I’ve still been dancing at home, I have been taking online dance classes.  I’ve been reading, cooking a lot.

Do you like the other side of your job?  Having to get dressed up and attend premieres etc.  Does it feel like work or is it fun?

Most of the time it just really feels like work.  It’s a strange job to have to be glamorized, putting on hair and makeup.  I guess I have complicated feelings about it, being a woman, and a lot of times it feels that your value is how good you look which I find to be vapid and shallow.  To me, I don’t relate to that as being the work of an actor, but I understand human nature and we are attracted to beauty and there’s nothing wrong with that.  So I have a couple of feelings about it.  Basically, as long as I can view it as work, then I can get through it pretty well. But I wouldn’t say it is fun, it doesn’t feel like a party or anything, that’s for sure!