What is your favorite part of the 1970's? 
My parents met and got married in the 70's so I suppose, to me, that's the most special thing that happened. I like the idea of realizing my character is roughly the same age as my mother would have been at the same time - it helps me feel even more connected to her. And another connection - my parents were both music majors at the college where they met. My dad says he used to walk past the practice rooms where Mom was practicing, trying to catch some stealth glimpses of her without being too creepy. 39 years and 5 kids later, here we all are! 

If (we) really knew (you), we would know that your favorite place to eat in Chicago is... 
Wildberry's for brunch, Fleming's for fancy dinners... does it still count if those are in the burbs?

Speaking of They're Playing Our Song... what is YOUR song, or the song that describes you best?
Born to Entertain, from Ruthless. The first time I heard that song, even though it was sung by a kid, I knew I had to have it. I know it's not age appropriate, but I refuse to release it from my audition book because IT IS SO ME! And because of that, it seems to always work 

What about this production is special to you?
Well, professionally speaking, this is my first lead role in a musical in the Chicago area so it's a major moment for me. I left a teaching career two years ago to pursue theater full time and I have definite goals I'm working towards - this tells me I'm getting there and I can keep going. Along those lines, I certainly understand Sonia's Skepticism of her own abilities even as she's in the very moment of being given the greatest opportunity of her life! I understand the Passion that drives her through those doubts, and the Ego that tries to kept it all in check.
It's been very special to get to know more about Carole Bayer Sager through this process. I've known her name ever since her song "The Prayer" came out almost 20 years ago. I fell in love with it immediately because it was both contemporary and classical at the same time, a powerful ballad about true love and faith that could be universally applicable, and featured the amazing voice talents of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli doing some of their best work. It immediately became a part of my repertoire and I've sung it countless times, often in duet with my sister, for weddings, funerals, concerts of all kinds. However, I'm a bit embarrassed to say I didn't know much more about Carole's other work. As I started researching her during the audition process, I was thrilled to discover not only a prolific and talented artist, but a fascinating, sincere woman who had faced so many personal insecurities to which I could relate. I immensely admired how she had grown into a more confident, assertive person by being honest with herself and others - this was something I had specifically been working on in recent years. Her admonishment to "never judge your insides against someone else's outsides" struck a deep chord with me. I remember thinking to myself, "Well, even if I don't get cast in this show, I'm really glad I got to know to this person." It's an honor to play a character inspired by this woman...and I even wrote her a fan letter recently telling her so! *nervous giggle* I hope she reads it. It's a privilege to be able to connect with her even from a distance, especially since Neil and Marvin are no longer with us. 
*Bonus: I also discovered we are both petite brunettes with green eyes who started our careers as teachers. 
**Double bonus: I invited her to the show. I know she gets tagged in all of our social media but I invited her anyway :P I would die if she actually came. I fully don't expect it. But I'd love to meet her. Omg, I never fan-girl and I'm fan-girling. 
***Double Double bonus: I think I've found a knew kindred spirit in Danny Spags. It's True. 

​They're Playing Our Song runs from July 28 - August 20 at Rivendell Theatre (5779 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660).  

​Click the link below to reserve your tickets for previews, opening weekend, or the regular run of the show!

What is your favorite part of the 1970's? 
It brought us some big culture that are mainstay institutions now. Saturday Night Live, Star Wars... (I also like the shirt collars).

If (we) really knew (you), we would know that your favorite place to eat in Chicago is... 
I grew up here, and deep dish pizza isn't just something for the tourists. Gino's, Lou Malnati's, and Pequods are the best of the best. 

Speaking of They're Playing Our Song... what is YOUR song, or the song that describes you best?
You do realize how hard this question is, right? I keep starting my answer, stopping, and thinking "I'll think about it for a while" and I stop altogether. 

What about this production is special to you?
Everyone in the cast and on the design team is very talented, really. Everyone brings something different to the table, and everyone's strengths are incorporated in the show. ​
​
​They're Playing Our Song runs from July 28 - August 20 at Rivendell Theatre (5779 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660).  Click the link below to reserve your tickets.

What is your favorite part of the 1970's? 
Big hair, middle parts, fashion, The Disco (dance) and Disco balls 

If (we) really knew (you), we would know that your favorite place to eat in Chicago is... 
The Chicago Diner Or Left Coast

Speaking of They're Playing Our Song... what is YOUR song, or the song that describes you best?
Beyoncé's Run The World because lets be real-- Who run the world? Girls.

What about this production is special to you?
This opportunity to work with the incredible team at BPBco and this cast, has been a treat. This is also my first time swinging a show! I've internal-understudied before but was very excited to actually swing more than one role.

​They're Playing Our Song runs from July 28 - August 20 at Rivendell Theatre (5779 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660).  

​Click the link below to reserve your tickets for previews, opening weekend, or the regular run of the show!

What is your favorite part of the 1970's? 
My favorite part of the 70's is ABBA and disco dancing! Dancing Queen right here!

If (we) really knew (you), we would know that your favorite place to eat in Chicago is... 
My favorite place to eat is Reggie's; I love the awesome live music and their rooftop looking over the city!

Speaking of They're Playing Our Song... what is YOUR song, or the song that describes you best?
The song that best describes me, well two came to mind. The first literally popped into my head as I read the question, the second I feel a little more real. But maybe I'm just a little column A and column B.
   A)"Bitch" by Meredith Brooks
   B)"Born This Way" by Lady Gaga

What about this production is special to you?
I love the tenderness and charm of the show. We are all a little neurotic and uptight in our ways, and this production shows the journey two individuals make, and how they improve themselves by the end. But it's done in such a way, specifically the direction and the actors, that there's a tenderness that brings the audience on the journey beautifully.

​They're Playing Our Song runs from July 28 - August 20 at Rivendell Theatre (5779 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660).  

​Click the link below to reserve your tickets for previews, opening weekend, or the regular run of the show!

What is your favorite part of the 1970's? 
Disco everything! The music, the dance, the hair...Everything is funky and grooves! When I teach dance, my students especially love starting jazz class with a megamix of disco music featuring Play that Funky Music, Superfreak, That's the Way I Like It, anything Bee Gees, Funky Town, Boogie Wonderland, Shake Your Groove Thing, and Disco Inferno. The 70's had a multitude of line dances, and the rest of the dancing was typically done with a partner. Some icons: YMCA, Funky Chicken, Disco Point, the Bump, The Hustle, the Bus Stop... I use these moves often at weddings. :)

If (we) really knew (you), we would know that your favorite place to eat in Chicago is... 
Ranalli's in Andersonville!!! They have the BEST thin crust pepperoni pizza. I have to stop myself from crushing the whole thing in one sitting.

Speaking of They're Playing Our Song... what is YOUR song, or the song that describes you best? 
Oh my... I have so many that I like! In college, I had one friend who constantly called me tiny dancer (for obvious reasons). But I LOVE Disney, and the song that has the most plays in my iTunes right now is I2I from a Goofy Movie. Added Bonus: It's an awesome song to sing and dance to in the car! 

What about this production is special to you?
This cast of talent is incredible and we have had so many laughs throughout our rehearsal process! I also didn't realize how much dancing was in the show! From lyrical, to jazz, funk, disco, and partnering, this show has something to make everyone smile  :)

​They're Playing Our Song runs from July 28 - August 20 at Rivendell Theatre (5779 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660).  

​Click the link below to reserve your tickets for previews, opening weekend, or the regular run of the show!

What is your favorite part of the 1970's? 
Minnie Riperton

If (we) really knew (you), we would know that your favorite place to eat in Chicago is... 
If you really knew me, you'd know that I find it nearly impossible to pick a favorite ANYTHING, especially when it comes to food. But if I must choose, La Bomba wins. 

Speaking of They're Playing Our Song... what is YOUR song, or the song that describes you best? 
"Video" by India Arie

What about this production is special to you? 
Working with Daniel Spagnuolo is always a special experience. :) And the woman-dominant creative team he's assembled is also pretty darn special! 

​They're Playing Our Song runs from July 28 - August 20 at Rivendell Theatre (5779 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660).  

​Click the link below to reserve your tickets for previews, opening weekend, or the regular run of the show!

What is your role in They're Playing Our Song? 

I play one of Vernon's Voices

What is your favorite part of the 1970's? 
This is difficult!  But actually maybe not since the 1970's gave us Star Wars...

If (we) really knew (you), we would know that your favorite place to eat in Chicago is... 
Again with the hard hitting questions!  There are so many fantastic places, but Hopleaf is definitely coming to mind.  

Speaking of They're Playing Our Song... what is YOUR song, or the song that describes you best? 
I don't know how well it describes me...but if we're talking about a song that gets me on my feet like Vernon and Sonya, that would be "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" by Whitney Houston.

What about this production is special to you? 
Well it's my first show with BPBC so that is special.  And I also love how it's a pretty solid mix of familiar faces and new faces <3

​They're Playing Our Song runs from July 28 - August 20 at Rivendell Theatre (5779 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660).  

​Click the link below to reserve your tickets for previews, opening weekend, or the regular run of the show!

What is your favorite part of the 1970's? 
It's a tough choice between feathered hair, platform shoes, and the funky dance moves.

If (we) really knew (you), we would know that your favorite place to eat in Chicago is...
Chicago Diner! Best vegetarian restaurant in the city, with the BEST milkshakes!

Speaking of They're Playing Our Song... what is YOUR song, or the song that describes you best?
"Unwritten" by Natasha Bedingfield

What about this production is special to you?
Personally, this show about the power of love is special because it came out the year my parents got married. I've thought about their love for one another a lot throughout this process. I also think this is just a truly special group of humans putting on this show, on stage and off. 

They're Playing Our Song runs from July 21 - August 20 at Rivendell Theatre (5779 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660).  

​Click the link below to reserve your tickets for previews, opening weekend, or the regular run of the show!