Interview with Lesli Margherita

Actress/singer/dancer Lesli Margherita is super talented.
She's been in The Grave White Way, Beehive, Zorba for Reprise!, among many other shows.
And...she's already won an Olivier Award (Great Britain's Tony) for Featured Actress in a Musical - unusual for an American artist - and is currently finishing up her run in the controversial world premiere of Michael LaChiusa's See What I Wanna See on Sunday May 30 at the Blank Theatre. On Tuesday June 8 she will perform her acclaimed one-woman show All Hail the Queen once more for one night only at Level 3 in Hollywood. We talked about her theatrical successes here and abroad.


What are the challenges of playing in See What I Wanna See?

SWIWS is absolutely the hardest score I've ever sung; for all of us in the cast, I think. Not only is it technically tough, but it's emotionally exhausting as well. One minute you're screaming, the next weeping...and then you've got to belt to the sky right after that -ha. I play three extremely different characters, but at the same time, they all have to have some similarity. Sound confusing? It IS!!!

Tell me about your experiences on the West End with Zorro (2008-2009), about your role in it and the overall effect of winning an Olivier Award - very few Americans win it! Congrats!

Well, the whole experience was pretty amazing. After doing the workshops here, I never in a million years thought I would actually get to go over there. I was the only American in the company, so there was ample opportunity for my castmates to make fun of my valley girl accent. I played Inez, the Queen of the Gypsies; she's just the role of a lifetime; I loved creating her. The response to the show was amazing, I had been warned that the British critics were notoriously tough, but thankfully, they were very kind to us. I fell in love with the city and my cast, so the Olivier Award was icing on the cake. That was surreal, and everyone had told me I probably wouldn't win, because Americans usually don't, so I was just thrilled to be nominated and that my husband and cast were there with me. I couldn't hear for about an hour though- my husband screamed so loudly in my ear when I won.

I first saw you in The Grave White Way a few years ago and reveled in your talent. What other roles have been in the picture since then?

Thanks! I loved that show, actually some of us are talking about trying to, ahem, resurrect it. I've been so lucky with the roles I've been able to play onstage, Anita in West Side Story, Aldonza in Man of La Mancha, Amneris in Aida...all roles that start with "A". I really need to branch out...

When and how did your one-woman show originate and how did you put it together?

When I got back from London, I knew I wanted to do a cabaret. As I started writing stories and picking music, I realized it was going to be sooo much bigger than a cabaret. It's a full on nightclub act, with a band, backup singers and dancers, video screens, costume changes, puppets, literally everything I could throw in. I kind of modeled it after Bette Midler and the Divine Miss M. The Queen is a hightened version of myself. It's not meant to have some grand message; it's just supposed to be FUN. It's mostly pop songs that have been pulled apart. My musical director, Brett Ryback is a genius. I would literally go to him and say things like, "can you make this Britney song into a swing number?" It would be done the next day. Everyone on my incredible team has been working so hard on this, from choreography to lighting. It's really special.

Who are your favorite performers?

I'm a huge Madeline Khan fan, and Carol Burnett as well. As for singers, I like the girls with some grit. Pat Benetar, Pink, maybe that's why I chose pop songs for my show instead of theater songs...I guess I secretly want to be Celine.

Is there anyone in particular who has been a great influence on your performing? How?

Chita (Rivera) was a huge influence. She is a true triple threat, and everything she does has such meaning behind it. I think about Judy Garland a lot. Yes, her voice was amazing, but every single lyric she sang was so specific, and it never mattered if a note wasn't perfect, because her ability to tell a story was so phenomenal. It wasn't about vocal gymnastics, it was about the song. And then of course, Lucille Ball. Genius.

What's upcoming for Lesli M? Film or TV work on the horizon?

Again, I'm so grateful to be able to go back and forth between theater and TV/film here in LA. I know that I'd like to check Broadway off my list very very soon. Zorro absolutely has plans to come to the US; I'm looking forward to that; they are in talks now. In the immediate future, I'm going to play The Lady of the Lake in Spamalot at Sacramento Music Circus in July; I can't wait. We are going to bring All Hail the Queen to New York in the fall, and we're looking at San Francisco and London as well.

A wonderful triple threat herself, so don't miss her on Tuesday June 8th at Level 3 in Hollywood.
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ONE NIGHT ONLY!! TUESDAY, JUNE 8th (doors open at 7:30p; show begins at 8:00p)
LEVEL 3 HOLLYWOOD @ 6801 Hollywood Blvd (inside Hollywood & Highland) Hollywood, CA 90028
TICKETS $20 in advance; $25 cash at the door (if avail) (+ 2 drink min)
Also featuring: Brian Beacock, Robin De Lano, Ray Garcia, Robert Laos, Jeremy Lucas & Teresa Marie Sanchez
Written & conceived by Lesli Margherita

Directed by Lauren Bass;Musical Direction & Arrangements by Brett Ryback;Choreography by Katy Durham;Lighting Design by Kristie Roldan;Produced by Lauren Bass & Jordan Bass
Visit Lesli@:
http://www.leslimargherita.com/

Interview with Gregory Harrison

Actor Gregory Harrison will star @ La Jolla Playhouse in June in the world premiere of Surf Report. His association with Catalina Productions in Los Angeles for so many years put him at the top of his craft as a stage actor and theatrical producer. He revolutionized the theatre scene here and was rewarded over and over for those successes. Of course, he is recognized most for TV's Trapper John M.D. and the countless MOWs and Cable films he has done over the past thirty years. This ageless man, still an avid surfer, is now preparing to take on his dream role @ La Jolla.

Q: I haven't seen you in a play in quite some time. What have you been up to theatrewise since Catalina Productions? Talk briefly if you would about Steel Pier in New York.

I've stayed in theater fairly consistently since the Catalina Productions days. Though I moved up to Oregon to raise my family back in the early 90s, I've continued to drop in and out of the Broadway and regional theater world between film and TV gigs. Paper Moon came very close to the Broadway boards in 1993, though it never quite made it the next step past it's Papermill Playhouse version. That was a heartbreaker for me, and I took a couple of years off of theater after that...returning with Steel Pier in '96, which was an amazing experience. So much talent in that show, and taking a huge musical through all the stages of development was so satisfying. Of course, being in the room with John Kander and Fred Ebb as they wrote songs for me was a dream come true. I followed that with Follies for the Roundabout in 2001. Another great experience, and working directly with Sondheim was a real joy. He's an musical icon and a true genius. I took on Billy Flynn in Chicago after that, for a few months on Broadway and then a couple of years on the national tour. It's the first time I'd toured with a big show and I loved it. A year or so ago I toured about 20 universities with the LATC show TOP SECRET: The Battle For The Pentagon Papers, which we eventually recorded in Los Angeles.

Q: Tell me about Surf Report and your role in it.

Surf Report is a compelling piece that really intrigued me the very first time I read it. Of course, the title alone piqued my interest, since I've been an avid surfer for half a century now and still have the stoke of a teenager about anything having to do with riding waves. The role I'm playing is of a wealthy surfer/entrepreneur named Bruce Ernst, a complicated, self-absorbed, and completely surf-stoked resident of La Jolla, living in a cliffside estate overlooking the waves. This character is maybe the most suited to me of any role I've ever had...though he's quite a bit more brutally capitalist than I've ever been, and lots less introspective. But I definitely possess the earthy surfer side of him, and I have to admit his childish self-indulgence and ambition is somewhere in me, too. I'm usually fighting that side, but in this role I'm able to uncage the worst of it and embrace it, which is really perverse fun. That's one of the best parts of being an actor...being given permission to show your dark side and get away with it. Maybe even get applause for it. Ha!

Q: What kind of role really inspires you at this stage of your life?

I'm looking for a 3-dimenisonal character that conveys some type of truth and that surprises both me and the audience. I've played all the "good guys" that I can stand and am looking for roles that expose the light and dark sides. A good person isn't necessarily all good and a bad person isn't necessarily all bad. Shades of gray are where truth usually lies, and the challenge of acting those shades is what interests me as an actor. Of course, it takes a fine writer to create the opportunity to find those subtle, nuanced colors. Annie Weisman is that kind of writer, and has definitely provided ample opportunity for me with Surf Report.

Q: You are comfortable in musicals as well as plays. Do you have a preference?

I really love to sing, and I thrive on the high-energy style of most musicals. They're lots of fun, but they completely devour my time and energy and focus, so the rest of my life inevitably goes on the backburner. That's hard on me and it's been really hard on my family, so I've been very reluctant about committing to musicals over the last few years. Straight plays are not usually as demanding for me, and the runs tend to be shorter than big-budget musicals, so I've been inclined to find those opportunities. My life feels a bit more 3-dimensional when I'm doing a play, and I'm able to live a more fleshed-out life. It's funny, my entire career I've battled with finding balance...between the performer, the surfer, the parent, the husband, the naturalist, the traveler. I've always loved acting with a passion, but only in relation to the rest of my life. When acting is my whole life, there's a tendency for me to start looking for the light at the end of the tunnel, which isn't really a good way to spend one's time. So, the answer to your question is I truly enjoy them both, but with limits.

Q: In talking about theatre to young actors starting out, what advice would you give?

Well...I tell them the brutal truth, at least as I see it. If they can imagine doing anything else for a living, then that's what they should be doing. Seriously. Acting is one of the most competitive and grueling pastimes there is. The demands and the sacrifices of pursuing this for a living are so great that you will be destined for misery unless you are willing to give everything you have and expect almost nothing in return. You gotta love the process, and not focus on any imagined result. The love of one's craft, the rare brush with real artistry, and the brief moments of magical rapport with an audience are a sweet reward, but for most actors "the life" is a lonely one. I wouldn't trade my chosen career for anything, but I'm the luckiest guy I know.

Q: Do you have a favorite actor/actress? Anyone that has especially been inspirational for you?

Jason Robards, who actually "discovered" me in Catalina 40 years ago performing in a local bar, was a huge inspiration. He was a great man, and the kind of actor I've always aspired to be. Jeff Bridges, damn him, is having the career I always wanted, and he deserves it, too. We've both been acting about the same amount of time, and I've enviously watched him brilliantly negotiate the business and give the most amazing performances. He continues to inspire me, especially with his amazing performance in Crazy Heart.

Q: Do you have a favorite play/playwright? An all time favorite?

Not really. I mean, there are plenty of playwrights that I admire, but none that stands out above the rest for me. It's funny, I find the things that I favored as a young man have changed. The plays I related to, the performances I most admired, the songs I loved...they've all shifted around on my favorites list as I've aged.

Q: Anything up on TV? What's next for Gregory Harrison? Any role you are just yearning to play? On film or stage.

I've been regularly appearing on One Tree Hill for the last couple of years, and it's just been picked up for another season, so that should keep me relatively busy. I've got several irons in the fire musically, and a couple of theatrical ventures in the works. Too early to talk about though. I'm also developing a new cabaret show with a dear friend of mine, Linda Purl, and we'll be performing in several venues around the country starting early next year. That's something that I'm really excited about and am looking forward to developing.

Q: Talk a bit about your association with La Jolla Playhouse and a bit more about this production.

I've never worked here in La Jolla before, and have always wanted to give it a try. So far its been an absolute joy. The play is wonderfully written and beautifully cast, and Lisa Peterson is a fine director. This is a perfect project for me to take advantage of the area while also experiencing the excellence of the theater operation, so each evening after rehearsals I've been able to get in the water and surf until sundown, which is a rare treat while doing theater. I'm in heaven.

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Surf Report
By Annie Weisman
Directed by Lisa Peterson

World Premiere
June 15 – July 11, 2010 (media night: Sunday June 20 at 7 pm)
Tue/Wed at 7:30 pm; Thu/Fri/Sat at 8:00 pm; Sun at 7:00 pm
Matinees: Sat/Sun at 2:00 pm

@Mandell Weiss Forum, La Jolla Playhouse

Director: Lisa Peterson
Scenic Design: Rachel Hauck
Costume Design: David Zinn
Lighting Design: Ben Stanton
Composer/Sound Design: John Gromada
Dramaturg: Shirley Fishman
Stage Manager: Jennifer Wheeler

TICKETS: Tickets go on sale Sunday, May 16, 2010 and prices range from $31 – $66
BOX OFFICE: (858) 550-1010; lajollaplayhouse.org

Interview with Magi Avila

Magi Avila
This Mexican beauty with a curvaceous figure made her US television debut in a guest starring role on the final episode of the critically acclaimed cable series The Shield. She has appeared in 15 motion pictures, most of them in Spanish, but several features for major American studios (Universal, Lionsgate, Warner Brothers). Magi Avila began her professional career as an opera singer at the age of 15 and has performed at various presidential galas. Hers is a familiar face on Mexican television, where she additionally worked as a newscaster and appeared in many commercials. She’s appeared in stage productions in Mexico, San Diego, (San Diego Rep) and Los Angeles (Casa 0101). The gorgeous Avila is rehearsing Carmen Miranda: The Lady with the Tutti Frutti Hat, to begin previews on May 21 with an official opening on May 28 at the Hudson Backstage in WeHo. In our interview she talks about Carmen Miranda, her background and what made her great. Avila speaks of a fierce dedication to the craft that she admires in others - which is most obviously her own philosophy of living.

Q: What made you want to play Carmen Miranda?

Because she's such an inspiration. She's so wonderful and a great example to follow for anyone in every career.

Q: She's portuguesa, correct?

Yes, she was born in Brasil. What a life ... and her music! Most of her music is celebration. It's about the beauty of life and how to do things to make people happy. It's so healthy, so beautiful.
It's catchy and so healthy for the mind.

Q: Is she an inspiration for you personally? Are there any similarities between you?

A lot. (she laughs) It's interesting because I never saw too many of her films until a dear friend told me I should and I googled her and started reading more and more about her. For me, she's the typical underdog. She came from a very humble family. Her father was a barber who immigrated. My father didn't immigrate, but he was a barber too. Her mother cooked to make some extra money for the family, just like my mother. So, we both come from very humble beginnings.

Q: Where were you born?

Ensenada, Mexico.

Q: I never knew until I read about Carmen Miranda this morning that she was abused by her husband and died at such a young age!

Yes, at 46. So sad, but she left us so much. She is a symbol of self-mastery. She would work her skills and her talent and polish and polish herself until she became a great artist. She became the best she could be. That's why she's so inspirational for so many.

Q: Did she start her career on Broadway before making her way to Hollywood?

Yes. In the show, we show her starting out as a young lady and how she was discovered for radio. She became one the greatest artists in Brasil and then she went to Argentina and performed all over South America. That was her hardest time careerwise. Then she was discovered by a famous producer Lee Schubert and was brought to New York. Then she was invited to come to Hollywood.

Q: What was her strongest point? Was she a stronger singer or dancer?

A singer. But the Latin rhythms have a lot of dancing built into them, so she was already dancing so much. It's a requirement of that music. You can't help it. It just pops out naturally.

Q: Where did the big hats come from that became her signature?

When she was 16 she started working at this hat place. Naturally she was very creative and started making her own hats and modeling them. When she was singing she got invited to go to Bahia, a beautiful place in Brasil where she got to see a lot more of the Brasilian tradition. The African women who had come to Bahia wore these beautiful blouses and had these little baskets that carried fruit. They wore them on their heads and would move their arms a certain way and she loved it. A gentleman created a song about it that she wanted to do, and so she started to create her costumes from the inspiration that these women from Bahia and their traditions gave to her. Carmen was a nationalist; she loved Brasil. And so she created more and more hats based on the traditions of these Brasilian women who wore them.
What is interesting too is that she was a white woman from Portugal with light skin and green eyes. And she was dressing up like a black woman, because these women were black. And at first they didn't like it very much. Not many people in the US knew that her costumes were inspired by the black people. Carmen loved them and wanted to show their beautiful traditions to the whole world.

Q: What were Carmen's greatest obstacles or did she hit it big immediately?

The struggle came before Broadway, but in New York she was such a novelty, so she became a big success.

Q: How much of her music are you using in the show?

All her traditional songs. "Chico, chico", "Chica Chica Bun Chic" "Mama yo quiero" and so many others. So many were famous, it was hard to select. Some also that were not samba, samba, samba like "Chattanooga Choo Choo". All wonderful tunes that people will love. They will leave the theater chicachicaboomchic-ing. (she laughs)

Q: You were an opera singer. For how long?

I was very young. For about 10 years. I was lucky to be in the hands of good people who trained me, good teachers. I stopped when I got married. That lasted for 7 years. I got divorced. And here I am. Whatever happens, makes you stronger.

Q: Carmen Miranda certainly didn't sing opera. Hardly. With opera training, you can do practically anything. How difficult a challenge has it been to get into singing and moving like her?

Not very. The greatest challenge has been all the hours of work and preparation for the show and trying to always look fresh. Getting the choreographer (Daniel Coffman) to work in the shortest amount of time.

Q: You look beautiful. No worries. Do you have a favorite actress or actor?

Maria Felix, a Mexican actress from the times of Carmen Miranda as well. Dolores Del Rio from those times too. And now Salma Hayek, I admire her so much and Jennifer Lopez, Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Glenn Close...there are so many. ...Sandra Bullock.
The down side with Carmen, Maria Felix and Cantinflas was that they always had the same Latino image to uphold, the same character to play.

Q: It is sad that Miranda never really got past that image she created. But, you have the chance to do it all. How do you feel about these other Latina actresses?

Jennifer Lopez didn't have to cross borders. I don't mean geographical borders, but cultural borders. She grew up in the United States and knows from there how to expand. Salma Hayek, on the other hand, having her accent and cultural richness from another country, she's seen always as "the Mexican person" instead of giving her some other roles ...or, I don't know, maybe it's about creativity or self-proposing. As for myself, I chose to come here and work instead of going to Mexico City and doing novelas (soaps). With the talents that you have, a big responsibility comes. You have to develop and do the most you can with what you have. With that you can do so much good.

Q: Anything more that you care to add about the show?

In this show everbody gets to do what they love to do, dance, sing, play instruments. What we want to accomplish... Every great work is the result of a great team effort. With this, I'm generating a lot of jobs for a lot of people. We have 11 in the cast. I hope it's a success. Carmen had a very sad life at the end, but as Shakespeare said, "It all depends on how you look at it". We want to entertain people, make people happy, like Carmen did. We hope they leave the theatre with big smiles on their faces and that tunes or images or flashbacks come to them two weeks later. That's our mission.

Q: Crees que los actores latinos "superestrellas" han alcanzado un nivel excelente en Hollywood durante los ultimos 10 anos?

Yo creo que es algo totalmente individual. Independiente. No tiene nada que ver con el pais de origen, ni con la cultura, ni con la educacion. Tiene que ver con el desenvolvimiento personal - self-mastery. The work they do and how dedicated they are.

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Carmen Miranda- The Lady in the Tutti Frutti Hat. World Premiere engagement of a new musical written by Sam Mossler. Directed by Adam Schlachter. Musical director: Dennis Kaye. Choreographed by Daniel Coffman. Presented by Tocayo Productions, Inc. in association with Hudson Theatricals. Magi Avila toplines the cast of eleven.
Hudson Backstage Theatre, 6339 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90038.
Previews May 21-23. Opens Friday, May 28, 2010., runs through June 27. Show times Fri. & Sat. at 8, Sun. at 3.
RESERVATIONS: (323) 960-7740.
or visit: www.Plays411.com/carmen
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When asked about the challenges of mounting this new musical, musical director Dennis Kaye had the following to say:

"Musically, my greatest challenge has been to recreate, as closely as possible, the Carmen Miranda experience for the audience. The singers, dancers, and the band have all tried to remain as authentic as possible to her film performances."

And from director Adam Schlachter:

"Excited in my transition from feature films to a stage musical. (I'm) delighted to be working with such professional musicians, actors, performers, and craftspeople."

James Denton to Appear in Studio City With Band

May 22, 2010 has been set as the date for SEAGLASS THEATRE’S second annual fundraising event, it was announced today by Kimberly Van Luin, the company’s Artistic Director who founded Chicago’s prestigious Griffin Theatre, now in its 22nd year of producing. The event will be held from 7:00 to 11:00 pm at the DECOR ART GALLERIES located at 12149 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA 91604, and is open to the public.

Dedicated to the SeaGlass mission of “Illuminating the American Experience”, the evening will offer samplings of sumptuous cuisine indigenous to select regions throughout the U.S., complimented by a variety of diversified entertainment. SeaGlass Board member and longtime co-star JAMES DENTON of ABC TV’s hit series DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and others associated with the popular rock group BAND FROM TV - including actress/singer ERIN O'BRIEN, CHRIS KELLEY, and MINDY STEIN - will lend their musical talents to headline the event; as will noted guitarists LUIS OLIART and DEAN GLORIOSO. Also scheduled to perform is SLOWRECK, a rollicking jalopy of hillbilly bluegrass and old school bluesy-rock. Additionally, valuable and diverse raffle prizes will be awarded to lucky ticket holders.Event tickets at $30 each may be purchased online through SeaGlass Theatre at http://www.seaglasstheatre.org/

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Watch for our interview soon!!

Janet Krupin to Perform First Complete Cabaret @ Sterling's May 15

Actress/singer Janet Krupin is not resting on her laurels after winning LA's Next Great Stage Star 2010 at Sterling's Upstairs @ Vitello's in January. Hardly! This is one hard-working career oriented girl! She is currently auditioning in New York and is about to graduate from USC. She talked with me about her career and the road ahead.

Q: Has winning LA's Next Great Stage Star 2010 changed things for you? If so, how?

Yes! Indeed it has, and in all the most wonderful ways. It's been the big daddy domino effect of them all. Just over a week after the competition was over, I was so excited and so surprised to be offered my equity card along with the part of an opera singing poodle. Bark at CLOSBC was like the best, and fastest, masterclass I've ever had the honor to be apart of. I really feel like that's where I learned how to operate at the next level, and I couldn't have asked for a better cast, crew and creative leadership team to learn from. The best example of how the competition changed things for me is that I am currently in NYC! I wouldn't have journeyed east for a few days of big time opportunity without the invigorating show of confidence from everyone involved at Sterling's Upstairs.

Q: Tell me about the shows you've done since West Side Story 2008. What is your favorite role from within these plays (musicals) you've done?

Well since my beloved West Side, I've been honored to jig with the best of 'em in USC's Brigadoon, tell the story of both Alice and Peter in Boomkat Dance Theater's NeverWonderLand, heard it for the boy in Glendale Centre Theatre's Footloose last summer, then straight into the delicious depths of LaChuisa's See What I Wanna See with USC's Musical Theatre Rep, as well as making sure everybody paid the fee to pee in Urinetown with the same wonderful people... (It's almost over, I swear!) Finally, Bark at CLOSBC and understudying the incredible Lesli Margherita in SWIWS at The Blank Theatre.

Favorite? Yikes, I don't know if I have a favorite. I mean I adore performing, but it's really the people with whom you get to work with and form a little family with that makes shows so wonderful to remember... Boomkat, USC's MTR, all my new friends at The Blank... I love all my people!!

Q: The 15th of May is your first full cabaret, correct?

Yessiree. I've been apart of cabarets and showcases and whatnot, but this is a certainly a horse of a different color. I'm so darn stoked to see how everyone responds to what my good friend and accompanist Michael Alfera and I have been crafting together. Should be a great afternoon!

Q: Do you have a theme for the set?

I was inspired by Lady Gaga... Not kidding! The show does not include Gaga's music, but I was fascinated by some of the articles that have come out about her and her own statements and performing, the construction of meaning and art in general. The show is called Rhapsody In New and is composed of songs you know and love, but what we, my own mini Haus of Gaga creative team, including some close friends, fellow artists and my MD (musical director) Michael Alfera, altered the pieces in order to create something original, something exciting, something NEW.

Q: Do you like singing in a supper club as well as acting in a show? Explain the differences with both and the challenges!

I enjoy them both, but I like the full experience of a show better. I think the stakes are always higher in a full show and the build and climax can build to something that just can't be achieved in a club. But, on the other hand, I do enjoy the intimacy of a club setting. Getting to use a hand held mic allows for some vocal play that you don't get to do in a show.

Q: What is your major graduating this year? What are your immediate plans for the future?

I graduate May 14th, almost exactly 24 hrs before the show. My degree is in Cinematic Arts, Critical Studies with a double minor in Musical Theatre and Philosophy. My plans are to keep going on the road I'm on! More performing, more singing, more creating! I am going to fit in a little vacation to Paris with my grandmother in the little vacation space I have later this month.

Q: What are your long range goals as a performer?

I think my dad said it best, "Get your eye on the ball and just keep swinging, kiddo!" I want to be apart of and give as much as I can back to the storytelling community for as long as they'll let me.

Q: Talk a little about film vs. stage and how both fit into your career goals.

That phrase "the storytelling community" is really a great descriptive term... Film and theatre are just slightly different mediums in which meaning and story can be constructed and presented. I'm going to keep working to be infront of and onstage, but also behind the processes for both.

Q: Getting back to your family, it sounds like they are really behind your plans.

I have the MOST supportive and magnificent family and friends. My dad and I spoke about me flying to NYC on an impulse and his last words to me where "Break legs and please bring me some really good deli mustard."

Catch Janet Krupin on the afternoon of Saturday May 15 at 1pm at Sterling's Upstairs @ Vitello's! She is one talented sizzling performer you do not want to miss!