Hometown: I grew up in Haverhill, MA-a town north of Boston.
Education: BFA in Musical Theatre from The Boston Conservatory and Masters in 'survival skills' from growing up on a farm as the oldest of five kids.
Select Credits: Wicked national tour (Glinda u/s), Pirates! (The Huntington Theatre)
Why theater?: It's where I have always felt at home. Something inside me has just always known it's what I'm meant to do.
Who do you play in Mother Jones and the Children’s Crusade?: I play Mary Jo Sanders, A PA millworker who hails from West Virginia.
Tell us about Mother Jones and the Children’s Crusade: The story follows the legendary Mary Harris "Mother" Jones and her crusade to stop child labor. The show's message of fighting for what you believe in is a theme that is still so relevant in our world today. How do humans respond to struggle? Will you fight or will you despair? Our show explores that.
What is it like being a part of Mother Jones and the Children’s Crusade?: Fulfilling!! I am so excited to get up everyday and work in a room full of amazing, dedicated artists. I am learning so much.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I am inspired by so many different kinds of theatre but what they all have in common is honesty. I am inspired by street performers and by big Broadway musicals, children's theatre and comedy shows. Anything that makes me question myself, or an idea, or a popular way of thinking. Innovative theatre that incorporates other art forms is also very interesting to me. Collaboration is the ultimate inspiration. Nothing brings me more joy than discovering what other artists bring out of me.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Of Course! Let me pull up the list...I have it categorized in the notes section of my IPhone. Seriously. Ha! But for here, any of the Rogers and Hammerstein women, particularly Carrie in Carousel. Eliza, Magnolia in Show Boat, I would love to revisit Glinda, the list goes on. But what I wish for most is to create new characters!
What’s your favorite show tune?: Again the list is far too long! But my current obsession is the entire score of Jason Robert Brown's Bridges of Madison County. If you see me crying on the subway with my headphones in, you'll know why.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I couldn't possibly form a list, there are so many amazing people in this business that I would be overjoyed to work with, especially artists who have been in the business for a long time. I would freak if I could have a coaching and coffee with Seth Rudetsky though, so I could pick his genius brain...
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Ask me again in 60 years! Hopefully I'll have a super cool answer.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. And Mother Jones of course!
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: Currently it's “3 Things” from Jason Mraz's new album 'YES'. I love his lyrics.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Cheese plates, Trader Joes cookie butter, & "Frozen". But I'm not guilty about it :)
What’s up next?: Auditioning! I can't wait for my next adventure.
For more, visit http://www.nymf.org/tickets/2014-events/motherjonesandthechildrenscrusade/
