How Time Flies - Part Deux

I can't believe that I haven't blogged since NOVEMBER, but well...things have been busy. Where do I even begin?

I'm currently in Beach Haven, New Jersey at Surflight Theater, performing in my first Les Mis. This has been a dream come true. I've wanted to play Madame Thernardier since I was in high school. There are moments where I still can't believe that it's actually happening. We've been rehearsing for a week, and have one more week left before we open. Scary. But that's summer stock for you. I'm loving my experiences here though. To be honest, it's much better than I expected. The people are nice and the level of talent in this show is phenomenal. I wish you could all see what an amazing cast I'm working with. While I'm still sad that I had to give up a contract back in Chicago to do this show, I'm certainly glad I did. I wouldn't trade this for the world.

But I still miss Chicago. Every day. I miss my friends. I miss my kitty. I miss my city.

One huge big piece of news that's also happened in these past 10 months is that I finally finished my masters degree. It was definitely one of the most grueling, intense periods of my life, but having actually gotten though it and finished? Proud doesn't even begin to describe what I feel. I am happy to report that I'm still writing when I have down time and working on a few really awesome projects; I'm writing a set of poems for a song cycle (for soprano), and I'm also going to be starting work on the book for a musical. Whoever thought that would be something that I'd do?! But it fits me to a tee. The theater is my life, and now I can put all the things I love together in one massive project.

As far as my singing life goes, it's been a difficult ten months. Audition season was brutal. Someday, I'll  have to write about what it's truly like. Don't have the time/energy right now, but I'll tell you what, it was definitely a learning experience. I didn't book a single show until this one - and I wouldn't be here if it weren't for the fact that I knew people. That's probably one of the biggest things I've learned so far. It's not about talent or drive. It's about who you know. And I'm making small steps forward in this area. I've signed with a manager. I've been trying to make the right connections with casting offices and directors. But I'm just not an aggressive person. And to be honest, I'm okay with that. Everything will come in time. 

One of my favorite people on the planet keeps reminding me to be patient. To keep going. To work hard and stay true to myself. So that's what I'm doing. And I couldn't be more thankful.