Who Could Foretell That It Would Go So Well?

So I'm not going to lie, I was absolutely terrified going into our first rehearsal Sunday.  Not because I had any doubts about the show or anything like that.  It's always nerve wracking meeting everyone in the cast for the first time and attempting to make a good impression, and then the inherent need to prove to your peers that you're up to the challenge of the role(s) you're portraying.  As I've fully embraced my new "What Would Angel Do?" philosophy, I decided to come to rehearsal in full drag and get ALL of my nerves about anything and everything out of my system at once.

If nothing else, I at least made a lasting impression! :)  Anyway we sang through our title song, and immediately I was able to relax (despite my ungodly steep heels and super-tight tuck); I could feel the electricity in the room and everyone's excitement building to a point where we all sat there singing, smiling like a bunch of dopes, high on the reality of the situation.  It's one thing to talk about doing RENT, but it's a completely transcendent experience to look at it on paper and realize that you're bringing new life into a show that has touched so many hearts and inspired so many millions of people.  It still hasn't really sunken in that this is really happening, for many of us I'm sure.

Of course when you don't know everyone in the cast beforehand, you also wonder what so-and-so will sound like, or what choices they'll make within their roles, how they will personalize things.  It's so cool even just to hear somebody sing a different riff than you're used to hearing on the recordings. Needless to say, the cast is phenomenal.  Many people differ from the typical type-casting their character usually gets, which makes the show more intriguing.  I can tell you from the conversations and direction we've had so far that this will not be the standard version of RENT you've seen a thousand times set and staged the same way, either; but that's all I'm going to say! ;)

Tonight ended a perfect first week of rehearsal.  I got to sing through "Today 4 U", and "I'll Cover You" with the marvellous Marshall Jennings!  I think perhaps I was most anxious to hear my Collins sing, because you want your voices to blend well together when you're playing opposite someone and have duets together.  I am absolutely blown away!  It was well worth the wait to get to hear his glorious beautiful voice and harmonize with him, and NOW I cannot wait for our audiences to hear us together too!

After our first three rehearsals I am even MORE thrilled to be doing this show.  The talent and creativity in this group is incredible, and I really look forward to the rest of the rehearsal process, getting to know my new RENT family better, playing on our gorgeous set, and bringing this beautiful and touching story to life.  It's still all so surreal, but I'm beginning to accept that this whole process is a lifelong dream come true!  I am so very blessed and grateful!  All I can say is GET YOUR TICKETS NOW FOLKS, WHILE YOU STILL CAN!!  New Line has already broken their own records with presales for this show.  It is not a production you'll want to miss, I promise you!

Xoxo,

Angel

What Would Angel Do?

As I was eating breakfast this morning, sulking a little (okay, a lot) because our first RENT rehearsal was postponed on account of the snow, an idea hit me over the head like an akita named Evita swan diving from the 23rd story of a building...okay maybe not that, that might kill me!  Anyway, the phrase "What would Angel do?" popped into my head.  What would Angel do if she was housebound due to blizzard-like conditions?  She would get her sassy ass up, throw on some bright red lipstick and her best boots, grab Collins and head out into that blizzard to turn it into a rave, blasting out some hot beats on her pickle tub and making a few more snow angels of her own!

Now I'm not about to get all dragged up and prance around my back yard (though I'll probably play with some makeup anyway), but having this thought reminded me that every day is a gift and should never be taken for granted.  Therefore I am embracing my inner Angel and having the most productive snow day I can possibly have full of personal growth, joy and love!  

Happy New Years, and happy snow day to you all!!  

Xoxo

It's Gonna Be A Happy New Year

Surreal doesn't even begin to describe the feelings I have knowing that I am about to play the role I've dreamt about since I began performing many years ago, on the very same stage that New Line Theatre now inhabits (formerly CBC High School).  RENT was one of the first musicals I'd ever been exposed to as a kid--I immediately fell in love with the story, the music, the characters, the message of the show.  It inspired me to actually "go for it" and make my dreams of being a performer a reality.  I have been whole-heartedly dedicated to and passionate about theatre ever since then.

Angel, for me, embodies a huge turning point in my life that I have experienced over the last year and  a half.  I had been "stuck" for quite a while.  I happened to be listening to RENT one day and the song "No Day But Today" set off a lightbulb in my head and brought me to my knees simultaneously.  I realized I had to make a decision as to whether I would stay stuck or choose to live in the moment, embrace happiness, pour myself entirely into my passion, and never look back.  I chose the latter, and would do so infinite times over.  I have grown and learned more about myself and about life in the last year than I have in all my years put together.  I FINALLY understand what it means to be happy, and have passion for life and love for the people around me.  RENT itsself was my Angel that day, and continues to remind me daily to cherish every moment and live life to the fullest.  The fact that I get to deliver that message to thousands of people through my portrayal of Angel--such an iconic character--is an honor and a dream come true.

I already adore my cast mates and creative team so much, and I cannot wait to embark on what surely will be a transcendent experience for everyone involved!

"No other choice, no other way, no day but today!!"