Staying Busy

I enjoy staying busy because it’s nice to feel like I’m accomplishing as much as I possibly can…If I were plowed over by a truck tomorrow, I want to feel like I lived my life to the fullest…as morbid as that sounds. (looking for wood to knock on…surrounded by plastic counters)

So I'm usually happy if I say I'm busy, and lately I've been super busy! I will be appearing in episode 7 and 9 on this season of Gossip Girl and will hopefully continue to return for more. I love the show and I am thrilled to be a part of it in any way. It's been nice to see Jonathan's character expand a bit, too. I've been able to work on both Bye Bye Birdie and Gossip Girl rather seamlessly for the past two weeks, shooting on the day that Birdie is dark.

Bye Bye Birdie continues to take up most of my time and I’m having a blast. It’s nice to play a role that puts a smile on my face every night. I love working on such a bold character. It's been really wonderful to explore the mind of this outrageously neurotic and rather insecure teenager…Especially since I was one not too long ago.

A really great part about the experience has been getting to know the teen ensemble members. They are all very young. Some of them are completely new to the scene and some have several Broadway shows under their belts already. What's truly wonderful is that all of these kids are incredibly kind, down-to-earth, and supportive individuals. They are completely in love with what they are doing and excited to get out there every night. It's really refreshing and has given the rest of the cast a lot of energy. As a performer, I think it's important to remember how exciting everything was when you first began theatre. It's amazing that many of these kids are starting their theatrical careers on a Broadway stage. It's reminded all of us that we are just here to play and create a story.

It's been great to watch the show grow over the past few weeks. I know we'll be freezing it soon and preparing it for a good run.

I'm also working on a couple outside projects right now, including a few concerts. Will Van Dyke is an up and coming composer/music director. I will be singing some his beautiful work at his show on the 12th of October at the Duplex downtown. There are very talented people involved with the show. I'm sure it will be a great night. I'm thrilled to be a part of it.

Playbill Article (You must be at least 21 years of age to attend a show at the Duplex)

In terms of concerts, I'd like to be a part of more shows like Will's in the future. There is always another generation of Broadway writers and performers in line to debut their work. I love that about this city.

In the midst of everything, I've been in the middle of a rather insane move. I'm very excited about my new place, though. I'm not really sure why I decided now was the perfect time to pack up and deal with all of that insanity…but it will all be settled and over with by next week. I moved around a lot as a kid. Maybe that's why I can never stay in one place for more than a year. I'm going to try to make this next apartment a home that I will not want to leave.

…And since it's a bigger space, I hope to adopt another dog within the next few months. I think it's time Jacob had a friend to romp around with when I'm at the show. Since I'm a big dog lover, I may be leaning towards the larger breeds!

Anyway, things are good. I will have more to come.