In an excerpt of the interview -- which was done to promote Allison's Broadway appearance in Love, Loss and What I Wore -- she discusses Smallville.
PW: Does preparing to play her for the final time feel different?
Allison: Yea. I think that I have a much deeper appreciation for what I have with that character and that show. Just the privilege it’s been to play her. It’s like the Joni Mitchell song, “you don’t know what you have till it’s gone.” Because ["Smallville' is] winding down, I’m able to really evaluate the life she has led, which has been a real honor.
PW: What's important to you in the way Chloe's story is wrapped up?
Allison: Just that she maintains her integrity. That she really upholds what is important to her and doesn’t sacrifice anyone. I spent a lot of time playing a character who gives up a lot of the things that are most important to her, for the sake of other people. I think she’s finally reached a point in her own maturation process where she doesn’t do that anymore. I hope the writers maintain that standard as we end her run.
PW: Do you know how many episodes you'll be back for?
Allison: I’ll be back for five total episodes.
PW: I heard that the incredibly loyal fans were one of the reasons you decided to return. True?
Allison: Definitely. They were the reason I decided to come back. I was very much ready to move on, and not because I was unhappy with the show or that anything bad happened, I was just very much ready to enter a new phase of my life. But I realized as we came towards the end of the season that my character wasn’t getting a completion. I didn’t feel comfortable walking away from the show, and my character, without a completion. So I committed to doing five episodes to giving her the ending I think she deserves. I do think there’s a relationship between my character and the people who’ve watched the show for so many years. I want to honor them, her and myself.
PW: So it would be safe to say that once "Smallville" ends we'll be seeing a lot more of you on the stage?
Allison: Yes, [doing theater is] fantastic, are you kidding me? I’m used to 16 hour days – this is an hour and a half day! Even though you’re doing eight shows a week, which can be quite taxing, there’s no comparison. Imagine the endurance you have to have in film/TV versus theater. It’s like a sprinter versus a marathon runner. So yes, more theater for sure -- spread the word so people hire me [laughs].
Allison Mack will be in the NYC production of Love, Loss & What I Wore through August 29, buy your tickets here.