Hometown: Toronto
Education: George Brown College's Theater School in Toronto (a 3 year conservatory style program for classical theater)
Favorite Credits: premiering a World War II musical called Suzy Snowflake Entertains The Troops! in New Orleans, I came up with the concept and wrote additional lyrics along with performing in the show. Lorraine in Bat Boy: The Musical (Gladstone Theater) and singing alongside Broadway’s Mark Cassius at his 70’s Poparet cabaret show in Toronto.
Why theater?: Because if I actually became a lawyer I don't think the judge would like my flare for dramatics or need for a costume change every time the jury had a break.
Tell us about Red Headed Coffee Shop Girl?: This November I had my first foray into writing for musical theater. I came up with a concept and alongside a lyricist and composer we created a musical set during WWII that was historically accurate (plot-wise and musically). It was the most exciting challenge I have had as a writer and form it emerged Suzy Snowflake Entertains The Troops!
What inspired you to create Red Headed Coffee Shop Girl?: That storytelling is a natural instinct for the human race. Storytelling is how humans have passed on information from the beginning of time. From cultural beliefs to teaching math to explaining ancestry or tradition. In this day and age we have the luxury of telling a story with costumes, set, lighting, sound, music...why not try and tell your story?
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Classical theater, mainly because it was what I trained in but also because the stories are so rich in detail and every scene has a purpose. Every line must be paid attention to. This inspires me as an artist because that is what we should strive for in contemporary theater - exciting, intricate and necessary stories - no matter what the topic!
If you could work with anyone you’ve yet to work with, who would it be?: Paul Hutcheson, but that is happening at the FRIGID - I will be a guest in his Canuck Cabaret. I've had a talent crush on his razor-sharp comedic skills since I saw him perform in Ottawa more than a year ago.
What show have you recommended to your friends?:The Canuck Cabaret - I am Canadian after all!
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Emma Stone - I was mistaken for her today while hanging out in The East Village, it's a sign (haha). The title: "Redheaded Ambition"!
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: All the yummy desserts you can buy at Babycakes bakery in the East Village
What’s the most played song on your iPod?: "Baby, Don't Save Me" by HAIM. Damn those girls have tight harmonies.
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: I was supposed to be a lawyer, so there's always that!
What’s up next?: After this I am home for a six weeks and then my show tours to Stratford, London, Toronto again, Saskatoon, Victoria, Seattle and while I am out there I get to go to LA to see my best friend (who moved to California) get married. Fun ahead!