See? I told you I was a princess!

So. There's been a change in plans! I got a phone call from Broadway By The Bay offering me the role of Cinderella. Their artistic director had come to see me in My Fair Lady, and had, unbeknownst to me, apparently decided on the spot that she wanted me for the role. So, I will not be doing Pirates of Penzance with Woodminster this summer. I will being playing Cinderella in BBBay's INTO THE WOODS. I'm I'm delighted!!

I feel like I've been given an embarrassment of riches! I couldn't be more excited about this summer. Milly is such a fantastic role, and Cinderella is quintessentially one of my roles. It's something I could play for years to come. I'm thrilled. It was a difficult decision to make. I had to let down one company or the other. But when I'd finally made my choice, and I made the necessary phone calls? I was driving alone in my car, and I couldn't stop shrieking and laughing and giggling for joy and excitement. I am SO excited about this summer. I really hope you'll all come out and see me.

I'm not sure when the giggle fits will stop, but I don't mind! I keep telling Eric "See?? I told you I was a Disney Princess!! But now I'm certified!" Eventually he may start rolling his eyes. Thank God he's patient.

Lots of love,

Mindy

The Paramount Theatre

Wow. Can I just express for a moment what an honor it is to be included in a show like this? At a theatre like this?? When I showed up for the first rehearsal on Monday, I had never seen the theatre before. I walked by the front of the theatre as I was looking for the stage door and my jaw dropped, and my breathe got all caught in my chest - cliché I know, but it's true! I mean look at those lights! How could I not?? I'm performing in THERE!! God, what a glorious venue. And what a cast! It's an honor. And then I get inside, and everything is burnished gold and bronze, and carved - everywhere I looked. 

Rita Moreno rehearsed yesterday, and we just sat there onstage, and in the audience watching her. I didn't know what to say when she introduced herself, and then breezed on to the conductors stand, so I just smiled and introduced myself.  She's wonderful and hysterical! I just basked and reveled in her way of working. She just walked in and took over! Of course why wouldn't she, and why wouldn't anyone let her? She's about as high up the ladder as you can get.

So - the power of music: On Monday, I was a little overwhelmed just getting used to the space. It's always a little disorienting being in a new venue, because I don't know where anything is, and I don't know the ins and outs of the building. And in this building is so enormous, that the sensation was amplified a bit. But when the orchestra started playing - Oh. All that dissolved. It was so beautiful, as though everything that was scattered suddenly came back together again, fitting perfectly. It was so wonderful; as though I suddenly knew what I was doing here. I had a blast!! Or I should say, I AM having a blast. 

I'm so excited for the two performances (this Friday and Sunday!). I'm so grateful to be able to get paid to do this stuff. It's such a blessing. Sure, it can be a lot of work, but it's more than worth it. To sit and revel in the glory of music, and the brilliance of those around me, and then to be able to bring myself forward and count myself among them, and add to all that beauty. I'm not sure I could ask for a better and more fulfilling career.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you. Bliss.

That fine balance of bliss and active creation. 

Blessing, all! I'll see you onstage!

It begins...

Hi all!

Welcome to my new blog!

I'm excited to announce that I've been cast in the starring role of Milly in "Seven Brides For Seven Brothers" at the Woodminster Amphitheatre this summer! I'm so excited to have another great role to dig my teeth into. It's so wonderful to have a full and lush arch to let go into night after night. It's a meditation in being present. I think one of my favorite things in the world is being ontstage and realizing that "Mindy" has been completely gone for a period of time, and that in that space, somebody else has actually had the space to show up.  

I had the experience a lot during My Fair Lady, and it was so wonderful. Of course, it helps to have such an outstanding leading man to play off of. Kit was so steady, consistant and present every day, no matter what was going on. I never had to worry about him, and that freed me up so much. We just fed off of each other! Anytime you have the opportunity to work with him, do it!

I'm also delighted to say that I'll be performing in a couple of weeks with the Oakland East Bay Symphony for the first time.  Actually, it's my first time performing with ANY symphony. I could get used to this! 

We'll be doing a concert version of Follies (as you can see!) and I'll be portraying Young Phyllis. Rita Moreno will be guest starring. We only have four nights of rehearsal, which is a totally new way of working for me. Talk about doing your homework!! I'm hoping that I'll get to watch Rita rehearse. I've heard so many amazing things about her. I doubt I'll have much contact with her at all, as she's doing a one song stint, and I've got a tiny role. But none the less: if I get to watch her, I am going to EAT IT UP!!! AH!

I'm waiting to hear back about a few more gigs, and I should have news about the rest of my summer before Follies opens. So I'll keep you all posted!