What was the audition process like?
Well, I went on the open call and it was pretty insane. I mean, there was like over a thousand people there. And I got there at 7:30 in the morning, thinking “Oh they won’t start auditioning people until 10, at least” and the line was already around the block. I was sitting in front of the Marriott Marquis, across the street from it. And the audition was on like 45th between 6th and 7th.
What was it like adjusting to the Broadway lifestyle?
The Broadway lifestyle…I mean, right now, I’m kinda just still getting used to everything. I mean, nothing really has changed other than people kinda like at the stagedoor…Just going to the stagedoor is the kind of weird part. I mean, everyone’s so sweet and everything. It’s just like people are like “Oh my God, you did so great!” and you’re like, “Thanks! I’m just doing what I love”. I don’t know how to handle it, but everyone’s so nice.
If you could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?
Alice Ripley, because she’s beautiful
Where would you go?
HB Burger! No. I don’t know. That’s right across from my theater, but probably Carmine’s. I love that place.
What would you eat?
Penne a la Vodka
How have you been affected by theater throughout your life?
It’s helped me get through a lot of stuff. I sometimes felt like maybe this is my safe spot; say whenever I was having trouble in school or with people or anything, I could always go back to theater. I could always just listen to a CD of theater, or any music or just go to that rehearsal and everything would just be okay for a little bit. It’s definitely a place I recommend people to go, and it’s just great.
What was the first show you were ever in?
Hm, I did CandyLand at my school. It was like this little show that someone wrote and I was a lollipop. And I still have the lollipop.
What was the first Broadway show you ever saw?
Aida. It definitely has a special place in my heart
What was the most recent show you saw and loved?
Probably Hair and Next to Normal. I love, love, love, love, love Next to Normal.
What is your preshow ritual?
Well, backstage, we have a handshake with all of the stagehands and right before we go on for “Telephone Hour” I go say “Hi” to a couple of people like behind their booth; Just wave and say “Good show” and then I go in my booth and wait
What is the most played song on your iPod?
Lately, it’s been “Kiss the Air” written by Scott Alan and Danny Calvert sings it. It’s amazing. It’s an emotional song, but it’s great. That and “I’m Alive” from N2N
What would you like people to leave with after seeing Bye Bye Birdie?
Hmm, I guess that, especially from my point of view, any kid can do this if they put their mind to it. It’s a fun show and it’s really warming, especially in these times that we’re going through-whatever you want to take that as-it’s really just a fun show and it’s easy to watch. It's just a really warm and loving show.
What is your favorite store?
Can it be a food store? I guess..I don’t know. I really like American Apparel, but that’s not a food store.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Banana Pancakes by Jack Johnson; It’s very mellow
What are 5 things you never leave the house without?
Cellphone, laptop, I guess now..my book, my script, and my flip video. John got them for us for opening night, and they have the Bye Bye Birdie logo on the front. And the nicest part about it is that he gave us each a personalized note with them.
What is your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?
Stay in my pajamas and watch movies
Finish the Sentence:
I wouldn’t be caught dead in…a leotard!
If I could have anyone come see Bye Bye Birdie it would be…my friends and family
I could spend all day doing…listening to music…but that doesn’t really make sense, haha.
I couldn’t live without…my friends
New York City is…amazing!!
Being on Broadway is…surreal, unbelievable. I would never think that I would be here. If it were 6 months ago, like when I had my audition I wouldn’t think that I’d be here.
