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. ​
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​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!