Hometown: Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Education: BFA Acting from WVU
Favorite Credits: Portia in Cinderella; Emma Goldman in Tintypes
Why theater?: It’s the best way I’ve found to bring myself and others the most joy. I am also a very good waitress, and didn’t want that talent to go to waste with me being a lawyer or doctor or something.
Tell us about Propaganda! The Musical: It’s a new musical comedy about a secret government bureau that covers up political scandals. When the bureau is faced with the biggest political scandal that they've ever seen, they decide that the best way to cover it up is by doing a Broadway musical. The songs are super catchy with a fun blend of musical styles.
What inspired you to write Propaganda! The Musical?: While I was waiting to audition for a show, a tune popped into my head. Then lyrics started coming. Before I knew it, I had a premise, a lead character, and an opening number to Propaganda! The Musical. Of course the premise, lead character, and opening number are all different now, which is good, because I’m pretty sure my original tune was a rip off of a Godspell song.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: Well, a big, brassy, classic musical theater number can give me chills and make me weep. But I also love an intimate play where it feels like just you and one or a handful of actors in the room. When I first got to New York the show Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson by Michael Friedman and Alex Timbers was on Broadway, and I remember how much that show rejuvenated my love for musical theater and gave me hope in its future.
If you could work with anyone you've yet to work with, who would it be?: Tina Fey. She’s next on my list, though, after Matt Webster (my current co-writer) so it shouldn’t be too long.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: All the Way. Is it clear that I love historical shows on Broadway?
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: Some baby just now being born, since I don’t forsee this movie coming out for a while and she needs to play me in my prime of life. It would be called “The Queen of Folklore” which is an inside joke and would therefore alienate a lot of moviegoers. It would not do very well, especially since a baby is playing me.
What’s your biggest guilty pleasure?: Eating anything while watching anything. I associate eating with being entertained way too much.
What’s the most played song on your iTunes?: “I Need You” by the Beatles, inexplicably. Of all the Beatles songs…
If you weren’t working in theater, you would be _____?: A really bad cook. Or a really bad accountant. Or a really bad press secretary to the president. I have no other skills.
What’s up next?: Law school. Sorry. I mean I have a few shows lined up where I play silly songs. And a sketch show in August. And we’re in talks with a few places to produce Propaganda! The Musical after NYMF. So hopefully lots!