Hometown: Pound Ridge, NY (Westchester County)
Education: Middlebury College
Select Credits: Stage: George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara as Lady Britomart (Helluva Theatre Co, NYC), Sue Bayliss in Arthur Miller's All My Sons. TV: Piper Chapman's Lawyer in upcoming Season 6 of "Orange is the New Black," "Law & Order: SVU," "The Blacklist," "Blue Bloods," "Inside Amy Schemer"; Film: Spielberg's "The Post," Julian Fellowes' & Masterpiece Classic's upcoming "The Chaperone" with Elizabeth Montgomery;
Why theater?: Because of the energy. The actors have worked to create true connection. We bring that connected energy to the theater, and then he audience chooses to join us and we all take the ride together. The momentum of experiencing the whole journey together - start to finish- is exhilarating.
Who do you play in Rosemary and Time?: Rosemary - she's living a "lovely" English life when unresolved, deeply suppressed issues from her past are dragged into her present.
Tell us about Rosemary and Time: It's based on an incredible true story and Jennifer Fell Hayes really explores the some of the more powerful themes of humanity in this show. For Rosemary, her life is seemingly perfect when she's suddenly forced to address issues around the past, shame, guilt, forgiveness, and truth. I don't want to say too much about specifics but aren't these universal issues we all wrestle with at some level? For Rosemary, it's intense. It’s theater, right? Crack open the mind and heart and take a peek inside. That's why I was so drawn to the play.
What is it like being a part of Rosemary and Time?: What a talented group of wonderful women! (& the lovely Michael Markham)! Each person adds such flavor, such color to the canvas. Everyone's bringing both strength and vulnerability to this production. It’s got real heart.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I love the honest stories that make me laugh in the face of total pain. The Humans did that for me. The Irish in general are great at making you laugh in the face of suffering. The Irish Rep has been producing that kind of theater for years. I get really turned on when I see any kind of performer totally lost in the moment, as in, so fully “in the flow". You can see it, and you can't fake it. I remember seeing Phil Hoffman in Long Days Journey and it almost appeared as if he was improvising the whole thing it was so honest and natural.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Martha in Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf would be epic. Stephen Karam will surely write another heartbreakingly & hilarious character - I'll take that one, please.
What’s your favorite show tune?: The entire Ain't Misbehavin' original cast album. My dad took me to the original Broadway show when I was young and I had never seen a cast blow the roof off a theater like that before. I sang Keepin' Outta Mischief Now at my wedding.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: To collaborate with Cynthia Nixon (and?) or Allison Janney would be just tip top. I'm determined to work on a Stephen Karam play: heartbreaking & hilarious - yes, please.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Holy smokes, I'd hope to book THAT one….Perhaps “the Perfect Imbalance”. Yes, life hits us with challenges but they are our opportunity for growth – it’s all good.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: Zoe Caldwell in Medea. For a musical: West Side Story back in the 50s- it must have been thrilling when it debuted!
What show have you recommended to your friends?: The Humans. It blew me away. So real, so simply life in its pain, in its humor.
What’s up next?: Some comedy! Working on webisode with a friend.