Hometown: Born in Long Beach... But I think it's now NYC as I lived here 16 years.. Isn't it at "10" that it becomes hometown??
Education: BA in Drama from University of CA Irvine
Select Credits: First and Only actress to play leading roles in 2 Off-Broadway musicals at the same time; Sylvia in Danny and Sylvia: The Danny Kaye Musical (which ran 3 years) and Fanny Brice in the solo show "One Night With Fanny Brice". That foray as Fanny opened a lot of doors for me. I now play Fanny in The Broadway bound musical Ghostlight which has had numerous Broadway investor readings etc...and of course in my own solo touring show Fabulous Fanny coming to 54 Below. I now have two successful albums as Fanny too! And, of course, I've worked a ton across the board in tv, film, theatre etc in many other lead/supporting roles.
Why theater?: Oh goodness. I've been doing it since I was in 4th grade. I went to this theatre arts camp and I was hooked. It’s like a drug. Once you're hooked... That's it. There is nothing else.
Tell us about Fabulous Fanny: The Songs and Stories of Fanny Brice: I like to call my show a “Cabaret with a twist” ..I channel Fanny basically the entire show (There is a twist in the end and I won’t give that away here…you have to come see the show.) Anyhow I play her in full costume, hair, make-up etc. and, as Ms. Brice, I sing/talk about her life. There is a story arc. I don’t in any way consider it a Wikipedia of facts. It is much more intimate and focuses more so on her the loves of her life (she was married 3 times) and her fun/interesting anecdotes. That combined with her famous, and not so famous songs, that, for the most part were inspired by the happenings in her life, create what is an evening where Fanny Brice fans and those that may not even know who she is can get to know this legend who, in actuality, has inspired so many future comedians (Lucille Ball, Gracie Allen etc), singers like Barbra Streisand (who also sings many of Fanny Brice's standards), the genre of musical theatre/American theatre history and such story arcs/mentions on todays hit television shows like Boardwalk Empire, Glee and so much more!
What inspired you to create Fabulous Fanny: The Songs and Stories of Fanny Brice?: Well, its funny how the universe conspires to keep bringing Fanny Brice back into my life. I wasn’t actually looking to create another solo show, having just done one Off-Broadway, but several venues who saw me in that Off- Broadway show wanted more and they commissioned me to write a new show! And here we are! Needless to say the show was a success at those venues and i’ve kept touring it ever since!
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Really smart musicals/plays that make you think and that gives the actor something to sink their teeth into. But I also love big spectacle musicals, the more traditional the better, that just put a huge grin on your face... My theme is getting repetitive...but Fanny Brice! She has inspired me and practically my entire acting career. She was so confident, proud of who she was and what she did, she was so full of chutzpah and took so many risks! Just incorporating those traits into my life has brought me so much inspiration, which has led to me taking huge leaps of faith in all areas of my career as an artist.
Any roles you’re dying to play?: Besides the obvious of Fanny in Funny Girl... Reno in Anything Goes, Fantine or Mdm T in Les Mis, Aldonza in La Mancha, Mama Rose in Gypsy...all the big, bold brassy women...they are my favorite! Of course I love creating roles too... I tend to do so much more of that lately in both plays and musicals. Listen I just want to keep working... Give me a role and I will play it.
What’s your favorite showtune?: That's easy... "Don't Rain on My Parade"... That never gets old.
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Patti Lupone!!! I love her and all she does and everything she stand for. She did this interview once in Time Out magazine that I have had hanging on my fridge for years... In it it says (and I’m paraphrasing here) how she never gave up making big bold choices and being true to who she is as an artist regardless of whether or not that means going against the grain. I just love and appreciate that. I so dream of play her daughter!! We would make a good team..Any casting/ producers reading this?
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Oh goodness... I have no clue... I think we would have to do an open call and give an unknown a chance. I’m all about rooting for the underdog…And, I think I’m totally stumped on a title as well…lets leave that to the writer who is being paid big bucks to make my story nice and overly dramatic. ha ha ha.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: On The Town! I loved it!
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Penny & nickel monopoly slot machines in Atlantic City
What’s up next?: Well, my Fabulous Fanny show will be at 54 Below on February 12th at 7pm! Its such a great, intimate venue and the atmosphere is so perfect for a 1920s/30's era show about Fanny Brice! Come see it! And, after that I’m thrilled to be singing in a tribute concert for Maury Yeston (who will be in attendance) called “Bookseller in the Rain” at the Metropolitan Room with my friend, and Ghostlight creative, Tim Realbuto and a bevy of other amazing Broadway folk.
