Hometown: LaCrescent, MN
Education: University of Wisconsin - Madison (Communications Arts)
Favorite Credits: Music Director, Bare: A Pop Opera (I’ve never acted in a show before)
Why theater?: I think musical theatre in particular is my favorite way to tell a powerful story. There’s more freedom to break the rules in songwriting for theatre, and I love the collaborative aspect with the book writer/lyricist. It’s an album that’s able to connect the dots with more storytelling. I love all live performances because of the energy exchange between the audience and the performers. Every show is different.
Tell us about HELD: A Musical Fantasy: See Kelly’s answer
What inspired you to create HELD: A Musical Fantasy?: See Kelly’s answer
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: The kind that tackles difficult emotions speaks to me the most. A piece that doesn’t shy away from intensity. I’m interested in real relationships and complex characters. I am someone who loves to cry at a performance because it means I’m relating and connecting. Any kind of theater that attempts to tell it’s own original truth is something I’m interested in seeing. What inspires me is constantly evolving, but usually it is the people I am working with. I’m still inspired by Kelly - the characters she created and the story she weaved and the language she uses still gets into my brain and makes me think about things and challenges me. I’ve also been inspired by Luci and the cast working on bringing this version to life. I am inspired by others’ passion for seeking the truth and what works and that is what we are all dedicated to doing with this show.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Sierra Boggess. I think she is the bees knees.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Currently running: The Color Purple.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Jennifer Lawrence stars as Meghan Rose in "Learning To Unlearn", the movie critics are calling “a coming of age tale about effectively not giving a shit”,“bizarre in a relieving way”, and “militantly feminist”.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Ragtime. I hope they do another revival. The music is transcendent.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Kelly Clarkson. Whiskey.
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: Either a skilled tradesman like a welder or I’d be working at Renn Faires. Probably selling pickles out of a huge bucket.
What’s up next?: I’m in two bands where I write songs, sing, and shred: Revel and Damsel Trash. I plan on booking shows in NYC and rocking out. I have a new musical based on "Alice in Wonderland" called Alice that is a rock opera of sorts going up in Madison in October. We plan on submitting Held to NYMF, and possibly looking for investment for an Off-Broadway run. I will definitely write more musicals in the future but right now I’m more focused on writing for my bands. I would love to write with Kelly again someday, and I would love to write book, lyrics, and music for a show of my own someday too.