So much to blog about - I hardly know where to start! These past few weeks have been full of inspiration! Friends, family, and fellow artists have been my muses. :)

First, my little brother, Sean, put out an album with one of the bands he's drumming for: SMUG. These guys are so unique and it's cool to hear my little bro rock! Check 'em out! www.smugband.com

I also saw two former "nunnies" from The Tragic and Horrible Life of the Singing Nun, showingcasing their own unique personal works.

Robby Stamper, the musical director for Nun, premiered one of his compositions at the York Theatre's 4@15 showcase, and it was great. What a treat to hear and see new up and coming artists. Really Phenomenal!

And then I saw Kristine Zbornik's cabaret at the Metropolitan Room. This show is beyond compare. Seriously, I have never seen anything that comes close to the hauntingly wild humor of Kris' show. It is darkly comic, outrageous and moving, a true tour de force. Simply Google Kristine Zbornik and you'll see what I'm talking about. Go see her while you can!!!!

Lastly, I got to work on a webisode of The Onion News Network last week, and it was so much fun! Those of you who know The Onion know it's very satirical, so I don't want to spoil this upcoming webisode by giving anything away. Suffice it to say that I got to work with some really awesome folks, including Miss Babs and the Kickin Boogie Band. Everyone was at the top of their game and I enjoyed getting to work in such a professional and improvisational environment. It felt like a cross between Christopher Guest's films and SNL. So much fun!!!

I just wanted to voice compassion for all effected by the VA Tech tragedy. I wish there was something I could do. My thoughts and prayers go out to all.

The properties of TYPE

I've been doing a lot of homework lately, inspired by Brian O'Neil's "Acting As a Business" and Bonnie Gillespie's Actor's Voice columns on Showfax.com. Throw Harold Guskin's "How to Stop Acting" into the mix, and I feel like I have 3 sage advisors on my team! :)

Lately, I've been exploring my "type," which can be a very effective tool for bringing clarity to one's work. I'm often cast as the quirky young heroine and have been compared to Kristin Chenoweth, Reese Witherspoon, a young Bernadette Peters and Madeline Kahn. A few friends also suggested I have a young Megan Mullally quality and another friend insists I'm a young Bette Midler. I think that's because I have this big personality and big belt voice in a tiny little package. :)

However I'm perceived, I feel a great sense of self, and I love doing what I do. It's a pleasure to sing, create and explore possibilities. I'm diggin the ride.

Springtime in the City

Even though Winter is fighting to hang onto the Big Apple with its icy grip, Spring is triumphing throughout the city. Trees are starting to bud with bright blossoms, and the newly planted daffodils in Central Park are standing defiantly against the winter winds.

I love this time of year. New York is glorious in all its seasons but I get a real charge out of the Spring.

Yesterday my guy and I walked through Central Park - a la Fred and Judy in The Easter Parade - and it was blissfully quiet (a rarity in Manhattan). When we headed home, we passed a hat shop that was stocked with fun frilly bonnets, and I just marveled at the charm of this incredible town.

My brother, who's a drummer in LA, always reminds me that we live in miracle cities, because anything can happen. Even today's Casting Corner article by Mark Sikes echoes that sentiment:

"Once a week, once a month or just whenever you need the reminder, tell yourself that you're here. Just that. You're here. You made it. No, it's not always a perfect town, but you are here and that's more than a lot of other folks can say. You're following your dreams and that alone is truly invigorating. "