Summertime

Thinking about where I am after my last 4 years in this city, I feel like I just got out of school. I had the very fortunate gift of hitting the ground running when I got to New York. Spring Awakening was the biggest eye opening experience of my life and I pretty much got everything I possibly could have out of that show. I learned the ins and outs of the business, was a swing, a replacement, went to the Tonys...it doesn't seem like it all actually happened. I not only learned the ropes at Spring Awakening, but also at Gossip Girl and Bye Bye Birdie in very different ways. It's been such an absurd ride. In fact, the only times I have ever even left the city in the past 4 years have been work related.

Recently I've been meeting up with some Spring Awakening Alum. It's really amazing to see how far everyone has come. I don't just mean professionally either. When I look back at what that little group was in 2007, I remember completely different people. For me, it's like looking back at my freshman year of college. I don't think I could be happier for any other group of people. They are all so immensely gifted and unique. It is such an honor to be able to witness all them grow.

Both Bye Bye Birdie and Gossip Girl were projects I had begun while in Spring Awakening. When Spring Awakening closed in January of 2009, I knew I was starting rehearsals for Bye Bye Birdie in the summer. Even though I had "time off", I still didn't exactly have time to breath or reflect. When Bye Bye Birdie came to a close, I didn't feel as if a chapter closed for me, I felt as if the little novella I had worked so hard on had been shut tight. Scribbled across the front of the book would be the words "MY EARLY YEARS."

This spring was a relatively scary adjustment period for me. It was less about continuing the journey, and more about starting a new one altogether. Every path was potentially open, and there were many I had to choose not to go down. The spring became less about trying to jump into the first contract that came my way, and more about finding the patience to allow the next little novella in my life to start. I've been blessed with a fantastic set of tools from my "training" over the past few years, and now I have to put those tools to use.

The truth is, I've just been through a few of the most exciting and enjoyable months I've had since I moved to the city. I've forced myself to relax, let my guard down, and get a bit of myself back. I've been able to do some wonderfully goofy things for friends, endless concerts (working with amazing composers and producers), and have had pleasure of being involved with some really exciting new pieces.

This summer, I'll be continuing that exploration. I get to go back to my family's true hometown and teach in Boston for a week. As soon as I get back, I'll start shooting my first leading role in an indie film this summer. I can't wait to talk about it more. It's a really interesting project and I'll get to put to use some of that wonderful classical training I received in London. I'm seriously itching to start. I love the director and am going to be surrounded by a bunch of young actors that are just as eager and excited about it as I am...which is always a recipe for a great time. I've just been informed that I'll even be singing in the film as well. I'll also be cutting my hair...really short. I'll have details on it all soon enough!

Feinstein’s is coming up fast. Looking forward to the show and should be doing a press release this coming week. My guests will be my lovely and talented roommate, Katie Gassert, and also the incredible Lindsay Mendez…who can blow off the roof of any venue. See you on the 26th of July!