Carolina In My Mind

Thursday-Sunday was the quintessential Carolina weekend!

In typical William fashion, he fetched
me a gingerale from the bar, and provided
me with Dramamine. What a sweetheart.

Thursday night I went on the UNC Alumni Cruise around Manhattan. While I was rather seasick, it was still fun to see friends, and be surrounded by Tarheels!

Katie and me with the Statue of Liberty.
Yes we were that close!

New York

Jackson and Olivia are so special to me.

Friday, I flew to Charlotte North Carolina to reunite with my wonderful senior year roommates. I flew in early Friday morning, and my parents drove to Charlotte to spend the day with me! We had a great time together enjoying all things Southern like the shopping mall and Chic-fil-A. We visited my former New York neighbors, the Morgans, in their new home in Charlotte!







Friday night, I went to Carly's and was reunited with my girls! We had a wonderful weekend of catching up, margaritas, laughing, dancing and enjoying all being together again.

love these girls so, so much

our weekend in a nutshell

This weekend was a reminder of how much I love the south. It was so fun to drive from place to place, be in air-conditioned homes, and go to huge grocery stores like Harris Teeter! Though I may say my "A's" like a Yankee (according to Ashley), or be rude and abrasive to forward men at bars (apparently women don't put guys in their place at bars in the south), I will always be a southerner at heart.

Princess Jasmine, Polo, The Vineyard, The Tony's!

Me as Princess Jasmine

The first weeks in June brought some pretty exciting firsts. I booked a gig playing Princess Jasmine for a ritzy TriBeCa birthday party. Now I know what you're thinking...I do not look like Princess Jasmine. I'm a fair-skinned blonde, and far from looking Arabic. However, with a wig and a body suit, I looked pretty authentic. I showed up at the birthday party in full Jasmine attire (yes, I rode in a taxi dressed as Jasmine), and had to stay in character until every child had left. I sang "A Whole New World" and put on a little show for the 40 kids celebrating the birthday and their parents, and answered questions such as, "Where's Aladdin?" It was quite an experience. I'm hoping to book many more gigs as other characters because I truly had a blast!






On Sunday, June 5th, Fallon, Whitney and I decided to be super WASPy and go to the Governor's Island Polo tournament. Pretty Woman style, we put on our preppy sundresses, and took the ferry over to the lush, green Governor's Island. It was such a lovely escape from the city. The event was free, but the champagne and concessions were ridiculously expensive. Next year, we will pack a picnic basket and plan a bit more accordingly. It was such a fun event though, and there were some AWESOME hats!

on the ferry to Governor's Island

Polo at it's finest

me with the Statue of Liberty in the background

I made a last minute decision last weekend to go see "Now.Here.This" at The Vineyard Theatre. The Vineyard is a theatre near Union Square that debuts new shows in workshop format. The shows are slightly different every night, as the actors and directors make changes and improvements. I had been wanting to see this show, and I realized that Saturday that the only way I would be able to see it before it closed was to go that night. I got one of the last two tickets, and met Sherrie and Sarah there. I cannot imagine a more perfect show for me to see during this time in my life. It was by the creators of "Title of Show," starring the same cast. They told vignettes and stories from their lives, and nearly all the tales involved tears - either from laughing or crying. The recurring idea that wove all of these vignettes together was the idea that we are all a part of many elaborate journeys that lead us to what we call the "now." Of course I cannot do it justice in a blog post, but take my word for it when I say this show is not one to miss. After one of the most enjoyable 90 minutes I've had in 2011, Sherrie, Sarah and I went to Max Brenner's for Dessert and Drinks. That place is incredible, and one I would recommend to ANY chocolate lover. (Ima, it would be heaven on earth for you!)

Sherrie, Sarah and me at Max Brenner!
Chocolate fondu and chocolate drinks!

I had the incredible opportunity of going to the dress rehearsal of the Tony's for the second year in a row. Sherrie got two tickets through work! Just like last year, I was reminded of how blessed I am to live in a city of such talented people who are creating amazing theatre. It's so neat to see Broadway stars (a few of whom I would actually call friends) in person, honoring the arts from this past year.  Daniel Radcliff, Sutton Foster, Katie Finneran, Samuel L. Jackson, Vanessa Redgrave, Aaron Tveit, Brooke Shields, James Earl Jones, Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris, Patti Lupone and Angela Lansbury were several of the actors I got to share the Beacon Theatre with on the morning of June 12. After a tiring week of auditions, an experience like the Tony's Dress Rehearsal reminds me that it's all worth it.

Covenant House Benefit Concert

In February, I flew to Pittsburgh for an audition, and met the most wonderful man on the airplane! Neil Berg, a Broadway producer, happened to be seated next to me. Normally, I don't talk to my seat-mates on airplanes, but he seemed nice, and was asking me what I did. I explained to him that I'm auditioning, told him about equity, and the basics of being an actor in NYC. After a few minutes, I asked him what he did in the city. He told me that he was a Broadway producer. Wow - I felt silly. He was so kind, and told me right away that he liked me, and would love to help me out in any way that he could. He invited me to volunteer with his big annual benefit concert for the Covenant House.

Fast Forward to June 2, 2011 - Lincoln Center

"A Night of Broadway Stars" gala

I showed up around 3:00 to volunteer at the concert. I went in the stage door and was greeted by Capathia Jenkins (WOAH), who walked me to the stage, and announced that I was there. Neil proceeded to introduce me to the stars, and let them know I was there if they needed anything. I looked around and saw Natalie Torro, Danny Zolli, Rita Harvey, Luba Mason and others. I was on CLOUD 9. I sat and watched the technical run-through, and then Neil asked me to run a quick errand. After the errand, I headed into the pre-show reception and had dinner with all of the patrons who had paid $1000 for the same meal. I then sat backstage and watched the concert with one of Neil's assistants. All of these things were amazing alone, and made it a night I would never forget.

However, the most inspiring aspect of this entire night was learning about The Covenant House. I met kids, just a couple of years younger than me, who were homeless several months ago, and are now successful, all thanks to this amazing organization. I was so inspired by their passion for life, and their determination to overcome obstacles like I had never seen before. AND - THEY CAN SING! They sang a song at the end together, and there was not a dry eye in the house.  I'm planning on volunteering in the Covenant House nursery starting this fall, and I could not be more excited. It was so moving to see such talented and successful Broadway stars working together for such a wonderful cause. It's always great to be reminded of how many kind and giving people there are in the arts.

http://www.covenanthouse.org/news/view/formerly_homeless_youth_to_perform_with_broadway_stars_at_lincoln_center_ya

Neil Berg and me. 

A memorable Memorial Day weekend

city from Julie's rooftop

We kicked off Memorial Day by having drinks on Julie's awesome rooftop. That Saturday, my girlfriends and I decided to go to Long Beach! We packed up, and took the direct train from Penn Station! It was absolutely gorgeous, and the perfect day of fun in the sun. We lay out, read gossip magazines, and chatted, and then took a lunch break. We headed to Five Guys, then went back to the beach for more sunshine! Most of us got rather sunburned, but it was the perfect start to summer!

beach-bound on the train!

That Sunday, I had a lovely brunch with my UNC friends, and then spent the afternoon hanging out with Geoffrey and William! It was so nice to catch up with everyone.  My friend Meredith from UNC arrived that day to the city (she's interning here for the summer), so it was fun to catch up with her!

girls on the beach!

Memorial Day was one of the most relaxing days ever! I woke up, had a delicious brunch with Sarah, and caught up! We hadn't seen each other in SO long because she had been rehearsing for "The Importance of Being Earnest" in Summit. We caught up over scones at Alices. I then went to a Memorial Day cookout at Julie's, and then had a tennis match with Will. It was such a great weekend of not working, or thinking about auditions.

A month later...

I realize it's been a ridiculously long time since I've posted, so I suppose this will be a ridiculously long post. In actuality, I do not have too many updates! I'm still in callbacks for a few fun projects, and am remaining hopeful. I'm auditioning a lot, though the auditions do slow down a bit in the spring. It's nice to have a morning to myself every now and then.

I have two more weeks of work with the nanny family before the leave for the Hamptons. I will be staying in the city this summer, and working as a hostess at a very nice 5th Avenue Restaurant called Brasserie 8 1/2 . In addition to the restaurant job, I will be babysitting as much as possible, auditioning, and going to lots of dance classes.

Some highlights from the past month:

** Taking Anna to watch Glee being filmed, and we saw some of the cast!

 **Seeing Kim Faure in the amazing production of "Anything Goes." She was fabulous, and this was one of the best productions I've seen this year.

**Seeing my former ballet teacher, Laurie, when she and her daughter came to the city. Our visit was too brief, but seeing her was such a treat!

 **Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with some of my UNC friends at Blockheads... margaritas at noon. Can't beat that!

**Attending the NC Society Annual Barbeque. I expected jean-clad southerners spewing "y'alls" with live music, a pig pickin, kids running around barefoot, and lemonade. Instead it was yet another uppity New York event with a bunch of people dressed in all black, and an open wine/beer bar. Despite the New Yorkiness of the whole thing, and the lack of bluegrass music, I was happy to spend time with my good friend Fran and other North Carolinians. 

**Watching beautiful Shannon KELLER get married, and spending the weekend with some of my favorite North Carolina girls. Shannon and Adam were so happy, the beach was beautiful, and I love my friends.

**Spending Mother's Day Sunday in NC with my awesome family, and giving her Tina Fey's "Bossypants," with a personal note to her in the front cover.

**Rosa Mexicana with William, Geoffrey, Dayna, Cam, Katie, Sara and Sean for Dayna's Birthday!

**Babysitting sweet little 11-week-old Henry Martin. He is so cuddly, he makes the best faces, and he absolutely loves me. I literally got to lie on the couch and watch The View all morning while he snuggled up on my chest and slept. Yes Dad, I did change his diaper...four times. And I'm a pro at it.

*FINALLY catching up with sweet Jake. We had scones at Alice's Tea Cup, and it was lovely to see him and hear about all the exciting things happening in his life!

**Chris McHenry's spring visit! We did the rowboats! John Marsland would be proud of Chris' exceptional rowing skills. We only got stuck when i was rowing...

**Attending a celebration of the arts at the UNC, held in NYC at the University Club. It was great to hear all the fabulous things happening in Chapel Hill, meet some successful Tarheels in the arts, and catch up with former professors, such as Dr. Terry Rhodes.

**The start of The Bachelorette! My girls and I are doing a bracket for this season and I could not be more excited. 

So overall, it's been a pretty awesome month. I promise to be better about staying up-to-date on this blog over the summer! Hopefully I will have some interesting updates! :)

Easter Sunday

I must admit I was a little sad about having to spend Easter in New York instead of in North Carolina. Ever since I can remember, Easter means hearing Pastor Rick Clayton and enjoying the grand tympani at Hayes Barton United Methodist Church, taking the annual picture in front of the flowered cross outside, enjoying a big Easter meal with my family, and doing fun stuff with the neighborhood kids (or just hanging out with Jennifer post Easter Egg Hunt Age). New York surprised me though!

I went to a lovely service at St. Thomas Episcopal with Will and friends. The choir had hundreds of members, and the service was absolutely beautiful. The Easter Bonnet Parade that took over Fifth Ave was really neat too! On top of those things, the gorgeous spring weather just made for a truly awesome first Easter in New York.

On another note, I got the best nanny ever award on Monday when I picked Anna up from school and surprised her by rushing her to Times Square so we could watch the Glee Cast film. It was pretty exciting for her, and for me too!

Springtime

I thought I had left the spring allergies back in NC, but it seems they've followed me to NY. It's a small price to pay for the lovely weather we've been having though! I have never been in the city for spring, and I really like it! School pickups are so much better when the weather is lovely! NY has been fun recently! I've gotten some really awesome audition appointments (my lips are sealed for now), and am oh so hopeful, and keeping my fingers crossed for one of these awesome opportunities to work out!

Ash and me at South Street Seaport

same side dinner at Dos Caminos

I thoroughly enjoyed having Ashley in town for a night last week! She was here for less than 24 hours, but OF COURSE we had a weekend's worth of fun! :)

















I've had a blast going on walks downtown with Melissa and Henry these past few weeks! Henry is her six week old baby, and he is just the cutest! When I don't have an audition and the weather is nice, it is SO fun to walk along the water with the stroller. I'm so glad Melissa is in the city!


I was bummed last weekend, because I had to cancel my plan to go to DC for Jennifer's birthday. I had been so excited, but an awesome audition opportunity came up, and I had to go to Connecticut for the day on Saturday to audition for this stellar theatre company. It went really well, thankfully, and I had a fun weekend in NY, so that helped. I really missed getting to see my DC friends though, and I hated missing Jenn's bday.

Over the weekend, some of my girlfriends and I celebrated Amanda's upcoming wedding! We had a Bachelorette party with lingerie, sangria, and all things girly!

On Sunday, I went to see Matty and Sherrie sing in a Stevie Wonder cover band. I had no idea how much I liked Stevie Wonder! They were fantastic!

love the shades

unc friends after sherry and matty's concert!

I made crepes and Anna said,
"Wow I feel like I'm living in France!"

I've been working a lot as usual, and the kids have had good days and bad days...nothing too new there. One day Marguerite hates me, the next I'm the best ever. It's hard to tell what's going on in that little head of hers.

Candid shot of Marguerite looking especially
cute one morning on the way to ballet. She stopped
to look at the flowers on Park Ave.

The past few days, I've been reminded of how fortunate I am to have such excellent coaches/teachers/mentors in the city. I frantically texted Melissa about one audition, and ended up working on music with her for three hours on Saturday afternoon. How many people care enough to pound out notes with me on a SATURDAY?! On Monday, I got a bunch of material in my email for another audition, and within two hours, set up a coaching with my accompanist Dan, and my acting teacher Erin. Erin stayed in the city late to work with me on a script, and Dan changed his plans to meet with me for half an hour and record accompaniment. I feel so lucky to have such generous people in my life.