What are your hobbies?
I love to read biographies and historical non-fiction. I love to travel with my husband and teenage son. I love to cook. I love to poke around estate sales and antique shops.
What is your nickname and what is the story behind it?
I have always loved to sing, and from toddlerhood, my nickname was ‘Songbird’. My first stage experience was in kindergarten, as the title role in a musical of Goldilocks.
What is your favorite: Play? Musical? Movie? Book?
Play: WAR HORSE Musical: LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA Movie: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Book: SEABISCUIT
Funniest mishap behind-the-scenes or onstage?
The first time we did GUYS & DOLLS at Flat Rock, I was playing Miss Adelaide. Our fabulous longtime costumer Bridget Bartlett, always made my costumes last, as she and I had worked together so often, she could whip them up last minute, and they would always be perfect. At half hour of dress rehearsal night, I stuck my head into the costume shop, and mentioned my last costume change, into my wedding dress. Bridget had forgotten! We laughed hysterically through the whole performance, with my running in to be fitted at every break. Bridget made the most beautiful dress from scratch in less than 3 hours! I had a final quick change in the wings, and as I was walking on for the last scene, she was hemming my sleeves. I did not see myself in the finished product until after the show – of course, it was perfect.
Name one thing about yourself that most people don’t know.
I am a huge fan of The Andy Griffith Show, and know most of the episodes in the first 5 seasons from memory.
What was your favorite toy (or game) as a child, and why?
I still cherish my original Barbie doll from the 60s, with the original fuzzy headed Ken, and my Barbie Dream House!
What is your favorite role so far and why?
Florence Foster Jenkins in SOUVENIR. Based on the true story of a society woman in the1940s who wanted to be an opera singer – but couldn’t sing! Very well-written and specific, it fits me like a glove, and is a great challenge with a wonderful payoff at the end.
If you could remake any movie with yourself in the lead, what would it be?
the Olivia de Havilland role in LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA
What is the one food that you would never give up?
shellfish – crab, shrimp, lobster
Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Find out what you love to do, and then figure out a way to get paid for it.”
