“BROADWAY BABY” …ONLY IN MY DREAMS!

Working with the wonderful WICKED team has been a blast, per usual, and somewhat like “defying gravity.” I simply love interacting with such creative people: from those behind the scenes who are a part of casting, directing and the music end of the Broadway musical to those who shine in front, like the actors, singers and dancers.

There is so much talent out there, and to think that I’ve only worked with a portion of the talent in LA! Be it veteran Broadway actors, celebrity actors or everyday actors, like myself, whether through the open call or scheduled appointments, each put their heart and soul passionately on the line for a chance to be on Broadway. I can only imagine the amount of talent out there “walking off [their] tired feet, pounding 42nd St. to be in a show,” that can be found in and around New York City!

Quite honestly, I found myself being inspired by their ability to just let go and do all that they do so effortlessly, in most cases. Many brought their triple threat (acing, singing and dancing) abilities front and center, impressing not only myself, but more important the WICKED and Telsey and Company casting team. Since I have been a part of the WICKED casting process before, I saw so many familiar faces who were back to give it another commendable go. Their continued hard work paid off and shined, once again.

Truth be told, if I were to start my career all over again, I would have trained in multiple areas of dance, furthered my singing abilities and range through continued vocal coaching, and headed straight for Broadway! All without passing go or collecting $200, mind you!

I find myself happiest when I am in the heart of Times Square seeing a Broadway musical, despite whether the musical is good or bad. My heart actively longs to be up their doing what they are doing, each and every time. To the point where it is now somewhat bitter sweet for me. Just being a part of the ensemble in a Broadway musical or even touring with one would, in my heart of hearts, make me happier than acting on TV or in Film. But with all dreams, an ounce of reality has to be faced as well.

Now don’t get me wrong, dreams are important, and I believe that with persistence they can and often do come true. Some just require things we don’t all exhibit or necessarily have the ability to exhibit. I also love acting, but, just as some actors’ hearts may beat a bit stronger for film roles over TV roles, or stage acting over on-screen acting for the big or small screen, my heart beats for musical theatre via Broadway over TV or Film.

However, the talent held within each actor who graces a Broadway stage is something above and beyond what I myself possess, and I am openly aware of this. I respect and hold high admiration for each of them and will always be there in the audience, or on the sidelines, rooting them on, with a proud, yet yearning, smile on my face.

In life we can’t go back in time, even when we may want to, for whatever reason. So, it is important to live in the present, while looking forward to the future, before it too becomes a part of the past, without a chance to rewind.

I am on a path of my own, just as you are on yours, and mine just happens to have a birthday creeping up, just around the corner. Even though I am unsure of where my current road and new age will take me, I don’t have plans of getting off of it any time soon.

Instead, I shall let the “Broadway Baby” within me graciously steer me towards my more attainable dream. This will ultimately take me where I am meant to be, no matter what my age is when I get there, while thoughts of Broadway rest where they probably belong…only in my dreams.

“There is a fine line between dreams and reality; it’s up to you to draw it.” - B. Quillia