Molly Ringwald is scarlet fire

The production premiered at San Diego's Civic Theatre Sept. 12 to a packed house. Ringwald received a standing ovation when she hit the stage and another boisterous response afterwards. The musical masterpiece features Broadway standards "Hey, Big Spender" and "If My Friends Could See Me Now." Sweet Charity leaves San Diego Sept. 17 and dances across 30 American cities over the next nine months.

Ringwald sat down with SheKnows for a chat about her new challenge as well as a look back at where the redhead has come from and where she is going.

SheKnows: What made you want to tackle this show which Christina Applegate revived on Broadway, received a Tony nomination for and said was the most demanding performing she's ever done?

Molly Ringwald: I was in 'Cabaret' which is another big dance marathon. 'Charity' was the one part that I wanted to do when people ask me what's next. It's a great challenge for me and I am drawn to things that are a challenge. And I have red hair. (laughs.)

SK: I'd see why this production would appeal to you with choreographer Wayne Cilantro's Fosse-inspired moves.

MR: It's great working with Wayne. Dancing is really not the number one thing that I do. I am really more of an actress and singer. The dancing is challenging but fun, and the dancers in the show are incredible. Nobody is going to go away disappointed by the dancing.

SK: How did you wrap yourself around the character of Charity Hope?

MR: I really started with the film [on] which it is based. It is one of my favorites of all time. I have always loved the Fellini movie.

SK: As an actress, who can appreciate the lineage of the theater, you must pinch yourself that you are a part of a production which includes Neil Simon's words, based on Fellini's original prose and Wayne's choreography.

MR: I know, it is pretty amazing. Not to mention Cy Coleman music and Dorothy Fields lyrics.

SK: You started acting at 13 in John Cassavetes' Tempest. What drew you to the art in the first place?

MR: My father is a jazz musician. I was always around music and I started singing at a young age with him. Theater was something that my family introduced me to and I think a lot of kids are drawn to theater. I just happened to stick with it.

SK: What are your thoughts about serving as the face of John Hughes in his works during the '80s and how has it sat with you over the years? It seems his work is always identified with you.

MR: I really liked the movies I did with him and I enjoyed working with him. So in that regard I'm grateful. I'm glad that he picked me to be in those movies rather than somebody else.

SK: Have you heard the rumors of a USA television reunion of 'Sixteen Candles'?

MR: No, nothing like that.

SK: Has growing up in the public eye ever been an issue for you?

MR: I have also been a private person so the public has only seen one part of me. I have an important family, so I always been fairly self-protective of that.

SK: You have done an incredible job versus those who seem to be on the pages of magazines every week.

MR: It's not difficult to get in magazines if that is the way you chose to go. I certainly know how to get in a magazine if I want to and how to stay out of them if I want to as well. For me and my family, privacy is something that I value too much.

SK: What it was like working with Alan Alda?

MR: Alan Alda, that's funny you asked that. I usually get John-Luc Goddard or John Cassavetes. Alan is an icon and a nice guy. What makes you a big fan of Alan Alda's?

SK: My mom, actually. She thinks the world of him. I grew up on his early film work like Same Time Next Year.

MR: That is so great. He really had his hands full on 'Betsy's Wedding.' He was writer, director, producer, actor -- it was a lot work for him. It was a good experience.

SK: I saw you on Medium recently -- any chance you would return to series television?

MR: I keep joking with my co-stars that after this it's going to be sitcom. And I'm going to play a mom of a teenage kid who just comes in every day and says 'you'll figure it out honey.'

SK: It will all be O.K.

MR: It'll all be O.K.

Both of us laugh.