Singing

COVID-19 Film Project “Think of Me”

Acting, Film, Singing, Theatre COVID-19, music, singing, summer, theatre

After COVID-19 shut down theatres in March 2020 I felt helpless. Where would or could I share the next story? How long do I have to wait?

Just when I thought I could not wait any longer, a teacher reached out to me and expressed her excitement she had recommending me to audition for an international conductor and composer Lynn Kao, for her upcoming film project of excerpts from The Last Five Years. I immediately submitted my audition for her and impatiently waited for her response.

It was like the classic moment from A Chorus Line “God, I hope I get it.”

After what felt like forever, I was delighted to receive an email for Ms. Kao expressing she had loved my audition but had a different film project in mind for me… “What are your thoughts on Phantom of the Opera?” “Heck yeah, Ms. Kao…” or rather, “thank you so much for the opportunity I would be delighted….”

After several meetings, Lynn Kao zoomed in with me, from Germany, directed and conducted me on our collaborated vision of “Think of Me” and we created art! With the help of a tripod, a selfie stick, my cat, my colleague Chandler Sinks, and my oldest sister Tina, the vision had started to become a reality.

Click the Link above to see what we created!

How a pandemic lead to Singing an E6 on my Head

Film, Singing, Theatre COVID-19, music, singing, theater, theatre

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, I needed another stress mechanism, besides my usual of baking. I started doing yoga. I already have a love for and experience with Alexander Technique and I felt yoga would provide me with the opportunity to be able to use the Alexander work as I also find a new sense of self.

I started to do Yoga every other morning, and then it became every day, sometimes before my classes, before bed, or after a run. I started to get very comfortable very fast. Every day I wanted to master a new yoga pose, and the next thing I knew I was on my head in a headstand.

In my vocal lessons I work on body alignment, with a 45 degree curve in my back, it is especially important. I found if I was in a headstand, I had the alignment I searched for in my lessons standing. If I gave into any of the detrimental curves-I would fall. If I moved a part of my neck or jaw forward- I would fall.

I began to sing on my head, not feeling any the tensions I would have standing, because if I did.. I would fall. Initially, I would use a wall to help support me- it was a lot to think about without the wall. But over time I was able to sing like this without the wall (granted the wall did help me stay in it longer, but part of the fun and challenge was to do it without).

The Phantom of the Opera is one of my favorite Musicals. Christine fascinates me and she has a great deal of strength. I knew if I could sing Christine’s music on my head, I could do it anytime. So, of course, I go for the E6 (aka the high note) at the end of the song “The Phantom of the Opera.” Below is the outcome…

La Cage Aux Folles

Acting, Singing, Theatre acting, equity, singing, summer, theatre

Right after Beauty and the Beast I had found myself in France once again in La Cage Aux Folles. Not as the town outcast, but as the town flirt, Colette. Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston had the original costumes from the Broadway revival and it was an honor to wear the adorable outfits Colette had. I especially had a blast wearing an adorable pair of 3 inch red wedges- and I am 5’9″!

Rehearsals flew by and the cast and crew were incredible. I learned a great deal from each actor, especially from the warm, beautiful, talented and kind Maureen Brennan. The director, Susan M. Chebookjian and the Music Director, Dan Rodriguez had this amazing vision for the production and it was a smooth, educational and I was extremely blessed to have transported an audience to France, yet again, with this incredible cast and team.

Before I knew it I was actually traveling to France for real- to sing in French for a wedding! Talk about foreshadowing with performing in Beauty and the Beast and La Cage Aux Folles all in the same summer.

Beauty and the Beast

Acting, Singing, Theatre acting, singing, theater

Before COVID-19 hit, I had the pleasure and opportunity to play one of my favorite powerful female leads, Belle in Beauty and the Beast.

After being in this musical twice already; once at a young age as Chip, and once as an unforgettable and renowned “lady with babies,” I was eager to share my version of Belle.

One of my favorite parts of creating Belle was reading one of her favorite books the original King Arthur. From page one, I knew who Belle was. I knew why this was one of her favorite books. I knew why she wanted to share the power of reading with the Beast and the ability it had to transport you to another world, just like art and and theatre.

I made the choices about her past, and discussed with the wonderful director, Samantha Bower, the introduction and significance of a necklace from her mother. Belle does not usually have this piece of jewelry, but that was one of the things I loved about creating my version of her. As the rehearsals turned into tech week which turned into performance week I had become Belle.

The cast was a delight to work with and “Chip” and I had a very special relationship, one day she will be Belle too! She was also quite the artist (see photo below).

After the matinee performances I met some of the children in the audience, some of the boys and girls pulled off the iconic Golden ball-gown better than I did! They were mesmerized by the power they could see Belle had. Touching the the heart of just one audience member, is enough for me.

It was with such pleasure and honor to share her story.