Hometown: Durham, NC
Education: NYU - vocal performance
Select Credits: Hairspray (1st Nat'l Tour/Broadway, Tracy Standby); Hairspray (Vegas, Tracy Turnblad); Jerry Springer the Opera (Carnegie Hall, Shawntel); A Night with Janis (Janis standby/Joplinaire swing); RENT (Off-Bway, Female swing); Bloodsong of Love (Off-Bway)
Why theater?: I like a story. Music was always a part of my life growing up and so I knew I wanted to do something with it, but it wasn't until I was looking at colleges that I decided to focus on music theatre and the idea of telling a story through these characters became interesting.
Who do you play in Rock and Roll Refugee?: Genya Ravan
Tell us about Rock and Roll Refugee: Rock and Roll Refugee follows the story of Genyusha Zelkovicz (later given the name Goldie and then calling herself Genya), an immigrant from Poland, who escapes the Nazi Holocaust with her family to live in NYC's lower east side and eventually, after overcoming many hardships, breaks out with the first successful all-girl band, becoming a rock and roll star.
What is it like being a part of Rock and Roll Refugee?: I've been working on the project for just over a year and it's tough, but awesome to be a part of a show while it's still being figured out-- we make changes everyday, trying to find the best way to tell this story. It's totally intimidating to be telling the story of someone who is actually still alive! When Genya saw me for the first time, I was so nervous about what she would think, but I think I did alright.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I consider myself a singer first so I would say I am strongly inspired by the music of Janis Joplin, Billie Holiday, Amy Winehouse.. apparently a lot of tortured souls with addiction issues. Ha. Adele is pretty spectacular and still living, so there's one! I have also always been hugely inspired by my Uncle, Jim Watson-- He's an amazing bluegrass musician, an original member of The Red Clay Ramblers who had their own off-Broadway show in 1975 called Diamond Studs and a member of Robin & Linda Williams and Their Fine Group. He has introduced me to some amazing music over the years and inspired me to keep going after my singing career even when things get tough.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: For a long time, I was dying to play Elphaba & I still certainly wouldn't mind going green. Growing up I was obsessed with Into The Woods and would happily play the Witch or the Bakers Wife since I think I am finally too old to be Little Red. Other than that, I love the mother in Next to Normal, but working on new pieces is one of my favorite challenges.
What’s your favorite showtune?: I don't know if its my top favorite, but I remember totally succumbing to the "music theatre student" stereotype singing the opening of Songs For A New World with my friends in college.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: I'd love to work with Neil Patrick Harris -- He's so talented and seems like he would be a great cast mate.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Jennifer Lawrence and I are like.. twins, clearly, so I think she would be perfect. "Katrina (Not the Hurricane)"
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Into the Woods original cast
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Fun Home.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Bourbon and Brunch. But I don't feel one bit of guilt about either.
What’s up next?: I'm excited about a four concert series with a group I have performed & recorded with for a LONG time, Joe Iconis & Family. Check us out at 54 Below April 3,10, 17th & May 9th! (plug plug plug).
