Monday, May 08, 2006

My Broadway Debut!!

My Broadway Debut!!

I can’t even express how over them moon I am about getting my first Broadway show. It’s incredibly magical to be doing the Three Penny Opera at Studio 54 with an amazing cast. I am having so much fun !
It all started back in October 2004 when I got a phone call to audition to be in the ensemble of the Broadway reading. My 15 minute audition turned into two hours! I auditioned for Wallace Shawn (Adaptation and Mr Peachum), Scott Elliot ( Director) and Kevin Stites (Musical Director). To my surprise and delight I walked away with the role of Lucy Brown. What is so weird is that I have never gotten a job before NOT dancing. That’s what makes it extra special. The reading was amazing and I didn’t know what it would turn into but I made some new friends and got to work with Alan Cumming, Christine Baranski, Wallace Shawn, Edie Falco, Nellie McKay, and a slew of super talented actors.

After that I didn’t hear anything for a year. But then I got a phone call from Scott Elliott. He explained to me that the reading went so well that the Kurt Weill (Music) Estate and the Bertolt Brect (Book and Lyrics) Estate thought that this new rendition was so crazy that a new song Lucy’s Aria would finally work in Three Penny Opera. The problem is that I’m not a high soprano. So they would have to find another person who could sing it. I felt disappointed of course but quickly said “ I would be happy to play any part, I would just love to do it”. Scott said “ I was hoping you would say that. Consider yourself in”! I will admit I cried a lot!!!

We started rehearsals on Feb 7th and opened on April 20th. I think it’s an amazing show. It’s edgy and in your face. It’s tough and funny. I still get goosebumps at certain times in the show.

Some of the original actors that did the reading with me are not in the production. Some got other work and in the case of Edie Falco I told her “ There can only be one Edie in this production!” So she backed out!!! LOL As If…

Ana Gasteryer took over for Christine Baranski. Cyndi Lauper took over for Edie Falco. Jim Dale took over for Wallace Shawn. Alan Cumming and Nellie McKay stayed and they are Genious!! The rest of the cast is amazing too. I have made some wonderful friends and I am just riding the wave right now cause I know it’ll all come to an end. I am trying to absorb it all and learn from these great people!!