Her Culture Bi-Monthy Magazine July 2014 | Page 27

Q: What was your favorite part about working with the cast of SHREK the Musical?

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A: We were all so happy to be there! Creating our characters was a liberating experience and so much fun. Every cast member brought their character to life in their own unique way -- and I was excited to be part of the process. 

Q: You've had the incredible opportunity to work with not only theater, but with films. What is the biggest difference between theater and filmed movies? 

A: Definitely having an extended amount of rehearsal time for musical theater. You have a lot more time to learn your music, lines and blocking. When you shoot a film, you arrive early, they put you in hair and makeup, they expect you to know your lines and you shoot a scene maybe three times. No rehearsal. One day during filming “Peace, Love & Misunderstanding” I said a couple of lines in one take. They said, “Ok, moving on!" I was like, "Wait! That's it?"

Q: Who/what is your biggest inspiration?

A: Audra McDonald in anything! Any piece of dance, theater or film that sparks something internally -- that inspires me to say, "I want to do that," "I can do that!"

Q: What are your plans for the future? Are there any upcoming projects on the way?

A: This July, I will be rehearsing and performing in a new musical called FABLE. It follows five teenagers before they embark on their journey to college and the secrets they hold. I play Emmy a smart, sort of uptight, quirky character. It is part of the New York Musical Theater Festival that happens every summer here in NYC. In August I will be performing in ANTHEM at The New York International Fringe Festival. Anthem is an original musical that explores why we sing the national anthem through personal American stories, inspired by real war letters. Each song contains words from the anthem and is woven together to form the song that represents our nation. I am looking forward to working on both these shows this summer!