Hometown: Cranston, Rhode Island
Education: Bachelors Degree in Fine Arts from NYU
Select Credits: Most of my credits are NYU related. I've worked with many amazing directors there, that include Michael McElroy, Jerry Dixon, and Tony nominee Elizabeth Swados.
Why theater?: That's a tough one. Theater for me is the only way I've ever understood how to express myself. It's who I am, it's what I've grown up learning about. I can't say theater is my only passion, however it has been a part of my life for the longest. Some theater is bad. But the good stuff always reminds me of what the theater has that nothing else does: it is unpredictable. Even with a script, the action unfolds in a unique and organic way; the same performance can never happen twice.
Tell us about Fiction in Photographs: Fiction in Photographs is many things. For me, it's essentially about that moment when you see a photo online from a few years back.; you sit and stare at a moment in time, frozen still. You notice goofy facial expressions, you're mother's hair, the way you smiled, the way someone you love smiles; it's all fossilized. Through some incredible music, we unveil characters who are both exploited and empowered by images captured on camera. The show has taken a variety of forms in the past year and working on it this time, we are truly allowing Dan's lyrics and melodies to stand for themselves--waiting for the relationships between all of us to come to the surface.
What is it like being a part of Fiction in Photographs?: The best part is just spending time with the creative team. Even back in July during our first reading I was amazed at how genuinely I was enjoying myself. I was nervous! I felt like everybody around me was a real person, and I was this eager college graduate, with no Broadway credits and a dream! But like I said, right from the start I fell in love with the project. The music is just--Dan and Adam have lived with some of these songs for a long time, and feeling like Dan and Adam enjoy the spin that I have on them is exhilarating. Sosie and Adam just joined us for this run at New World, and are really blowing us away in rehearsals. The group was and continues to be a family (and i mean that in the cheesiest realest way possible) I am honored to be in their company.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I've always had aspirations of writing and recording my own music. Theater that speaks to me involves a strong musical voice. Musicals where the composition and the lyrics are so clearly influenced by the styles and background of those who created it. Today we see a lot of shows that go for the spectacle and the tricks… but for me the backbone of a good musical has always been and should always be the score. Shows like Once for example. Glen Hansard's Irish roots and performance quality is so apparent in the show. Other favorites include Brian Yorkey, Tom Kitt, and also musicians like John Legend, Amy Winehouse, Ray Lamontagne, and Mika.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: To be honest when I think back on my final days at NYU, I remember being at CAP-21 and constantly asking myself, "What roles am I going to play? Where in this enormous business do I fit in?" and I had always felt that I wanted to desperately to join a show at the very beginning. Developing the character and allowing my unique affectations and vocal strengths to become like... what the role is. The experience so far proves to me that this kind of work is most fulfilling for me, more than any role I could ever play. I do wish I was in Next to Normal though!! That entire show was a really incredible experience for me.
What’s your favorite show tune?: Haha, to be honest I am not a show tune expert. I go through music quickly. Always listening, processing, moving on to the next. I consume music, my spottily account is the best thing I've ever paid for. Favorite theatrical recordings include The Last Five Years, Spring Awakening, Altar Boyz, and anything sung by Norm Lewis or Sutton Foster.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I'd love to work with Trey Parker, or Tina Fey, or Mia Michaels. Not to dance for her obviously, but maybe collaborate on a project.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: The movie would be called, "Should'a Been a Backstreet Boy" and I would be played by like... Darren Criss, or Joe Jonas.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Fiction in Photographs. Or Sleep No More. I haven't seen that one--but I hear its epic.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: I love Lady Gaga. I met her a few times, and she is really incredible. Her music, what she stands for. She's a rock star inspiration.
What’s up next?: Hoping for bigger and brighter things with FIP. If not, I'll continue auditioning and living life.
For more on Fiction in Photographs, visit http://www.facebook.com/FictionInPhotographsMusical?fref=ts