I spent the last 5 days back in NYC! It was a vacation, for the most part. I planned a trip with my good friend who also has family in the city. We got to hang out with our respective siblings and do some fun things that I normally
don't have time to do while I am in New York. I got to see 3 shows. 
  
First, we saw A Little Night Music. The new leads (Bernadette Peters and Elaine Stritch) had just joined the cast, and I was so excited to see it. I was not disappointed. While some of the tempos were slower than I expected, the music is so intoxicating that I was in gloomy waltz heaven. It was also fun to see Hunter Herdlicka in the role of Henrik. (He was my scene parter when I was called back for the role of Anne last year. I think I remember him telling me it was his first Broadway audition. Figures.) ALNM is one of my favorite musicals. Hands down. 
   
Then we got some last minute cheap seats to see Next To Normal. Woah. I knew it would be good, but holy smokes. It was intense. Each song was more heart-wrenching than the next. We were in the third row, and seeing the tears and the emotion on the actors' faces was amazing. It would be so hard to do that 8 times a week. We saw the lovely Marin Mazzie in the lead role. 
   
Our last show was Fela! So much booty shaking was involved. They even have the audience get up and attempt some hip action. (I attempted half-heartedly.) But I leaned a lot about Fela Kuti's music and political ideals and aspirations. I wanted a bit more of the music and dance, and a bit less banter, but I guess the dancers had to rest at some point. There were some FIERCE dancers in that show. 


I also was able to attend a couple of auditions while I was in town. I hit up the Sister Act EPA and the ELF EPA. Of course I had forgotten to order a new Equity card after my wallet was stolen a few weeks ago, so I had to go to the Equity building and get a day pass before signing up for the auditions. AND it was about 100 degrees outside. I walked from Pearl Studios to AEA to Telsey back to Pearl and then back to Telsey again. Sheesh. Luckily both auditions were sparse and I was able to get time slots with no problems. (I think both shows are pretty much cast already.) But both auditions went well and I am finally getting to know some of the Telsey associates a bit better.


And finally, I got the Gowalla iPhone app and I am officially addicted. I spent my whole trip collecting new places and re-visiting old places. If you don't know what Gowalla is, check it out. If you are on it already, add me as a friend! 


Now I'm back in Chicagoland! Time to catch up with work and get ready for some new classes and coachings! I feel like I have been gone for a month.




   

I am diving into a genre that I haven't visited much since college... Shakespeare! While I have read and enjoyed many of the plays, studied scansion, and taken Folio workshops, I must admit that actually getting up and performing Shakespeare is a new adventure for me. But I am determined to do it. I will be starting a new set of Folio classes with Susan Hart, who has done some amazing work with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. It will be thrilling. It will be terrifying. It will be worth it. I can't wait to take the plunge. 

     It has been a busy week! I love it when my agent calls and her first question is, "What state are you in?" And since I am always up for traveling, my usual answer is, "Whichever one you want me in!" I had a great opportunity to head to NYC for a couple days to audition for Justin Huff at Telsey + Company for the pre-Broadway production of Bonnie and Clyde by Frank Wildhorn. It was just a pre-screen, but it was great meeting Justin and hanging out at Telsey again. (Thank goodness for the air conditioning there... It was over 100 degrees in the city.) I spent the rest of my trip standing in front of the window air conditioning unit at my sister's apartment in New Jersey! 
     So now I am back in Chicagoland. I made it back just in time to see the opening of AIDA at Bailiwick Chicago, which was an amazing show. I was lucky enough to be asked to participate in the "Strongest Suit" number by contributing a handmade Egyptian-inspired gown. It was so much fun seeing one of my designs on the Chicago stage. I don't often participate in costume design projects within in the city limits, since I am focused on acting, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity. The reviews are rolling in and they are all fantastic. Go see AIDA!

Welcome to my website! I will be updating you with news about upcoming performances, auditions, and other fun tidbits. Check back soon!