Thenardier's Inn - A Les Miserables Cabaret

I've been doing Theater here in LA for the past year and working with Creating Arts Company that produces Children's Theater year-round as well as Princess Shows, parties and events, and TV appearances.  We just started a new division, Creating Arts Studios, where we do Adult Shows and we just finished our three-week run of "Thenardier's Inn - A Les Miserables Cabaret" last weekend and it was absolutely spectacular!

Originally we were doing one weekend but got extended for another two weeks since we had sold-out our first show so quickly and the buzz around it was so big with the LA Critic's and Times among other outlets showing major interest.  Before our last weekend (we literally sold-out every show) we all found out that we are getting a four-week extension starting Friday January 23rd through Saturday February 14th!  I'm so proud of the hard-work that everyone has put in through this journey and the product is just incredible.

Opening night of 'Thenardier's Inn' with the Lovely Ladies & Mistress of the House

The content is classic yet original, basically everything you're thinking during 'Les Mis' we're saying during the show.  So there's dramatic-sweeping music and moments, emotional heart-felt songs and quotes, and pure comedy as well.  Did I mention that we serve alcohol throughout the show?  That includes complimentary wine from the Mistress of the House or from the Lovely Ladies during 'Master of the House' as well as a free cocktail for those dressed in French Revolutionary costumes.  I've seen the show numerous times now and I still get teary-eyed during certain songs, and laugh out-loud thanks to the writing and directing of Nick Rubando, who also plays Enjolras, and director Lee Marshall, who plays Javert.  Along with the fabulous improv of our entire cast bringing all the characters to life in this immersive theater experience.

Javert and I sneaking around...

I'm playing a Lovely Lady, and all the Lovely Ladies basically spend the entire show on-stage, flirting with patrons, serving cocktails and drinking with the guests.  Our cast packs a punch, tells a saucy tale, and the group numbers are sure to impress with our small 15 member talented cast.  One of my favorite parts of being a Lovely Lady is the costuming, hair and make-up involved.  It's wild, crazy, and totally different than anything I could wear in my daily life so it's fun to play and get dressed up for the show!

Everyone I've invited has been so happy and impressed by the show.  I can try to explain it to people but it just doesn't do the show justice, you have to see it, to really be a part of it!  There's no disappointment, only laughter, love and tears, for how awesome the show is.  Thank you to Bob, Cathleen, Joe & Kevin from Gabe's, John and Tatjana from Irish Times, Jamie & Spark, Ben, Kalissa & Chelsea, my Mom for coming all the way from Wisconsin to see me close "Sleeping Beauty" and open this show, and all of our super duper CAC members who've come to support and check out this life-changing show!  I'm so grateful and happy to be a part of something that makes me realize each and every performance that this is what I'm meant to be doing and exactly where I need to be.  I'm so proud of our talented cast and crew, Shannon and Todd, who keep our spirits alive and growing, and those that support us in this crazy career.  Every show is magic and as I said during intermission of our first show, I want to do this every day for the rest of my life.

Successful show now let's celebrate!!

To get tickets to this amazing show check out: http://www.cacstudios.com/lesmis/  I look forward to serving you a drink and a kiss on your cheek ;)

Interview with Misha Collins (Castiel) on 'Supernatural'

Last weekend I was at the Supernatural Convention in Burbank, California with Afterbuzz TV.  My fellow Co-Hosts, Tom Connolly, Katie Campbell, and Mikaela Phillips were all in attendance and we had the opportunity to interview some great cast members from the show 'Supernatural' that we Host an Aftershow for on Afterbuzz TV.

I got to interview Misha Collins who plays the Angel, Castiel, on the show.  He's been known as a prankster, he's directed an episode of 'Supernatural' and loves singing to his children, even when they play DJ and pick the songs.  Misha also has a restaurant recommendation if you're in the Chicago area.  You can check out the interview in the video below!

Misha was so down to earth and gave me a wonderful interview.  I was definitely a little nervous but he made me feel at ease (and I thought that was my job to make him feel comfortable).  Not to mention, he made all of us laugh with his easy-going personality and sense of humor.  It was such a treat to get to chat with him and be complimented on doing my homework ;)  Hopefully I'm making Keven, Maria, and our Afterbuzz Family proud!!

Interviewing Misha Collins at Supernatural Con in Burbank, CA

Supernatural Convention!

Last weekend my Co-Hosts for our 'Supernatural' Aftershow at Afterbuzz TV and I attended the Supernatural Convention in Burbank.  On top of getting to interview some of the actors from the show, we also got to talk to the fans, took a ride in a replica of the '67 Impala Sam & Dean drive around in, and checked out a bunch of exhibits and memorabilia.

Mikaela, myself, Tom, and Katie representing Afterbuzz TV at Supernatural Con!

Our first order of business was to walk around the Convention and check everything out.  Before we did our celebrity interviews, some of us interviewed the fans and asked them about their experience at the convention and what some of the hi-lights on 'Supernatural' have been for them.  Tom interviewed Timothy Omundson, Mikaela interviewed Matt Cohen, Katie interviewed Tahmoh Penikett, they both interviewed Mark Shepherd and I interviewed Misha Collins.  Timothy had such a wonderful positive energy about him, I can see why he's such a successful actor.  Tahmoh was so friendly and Matt told us an awesome supernatural story, both of them giving great interviews and insight on the show.  Mark had walked into the room during Matt's interview and stood behind Tom as he was filming, and it was hilarious to see the famous Crowley, sneaking up on him.  I tried to joke with him about it later but he was stone-faced and scared the crap out of me.  Lucky for us, he was just playing and he opened up so much during his interview; he was really interesting to listen to and stayed after the interview just to chat.  Misha was hilarious and endearing, talking about singing to his kids, and said one of his favorite episodes was "Fan Fiction" even though he wasn't in it.  To top it all off, he was so complimentary about my preparing and doing homework for the interview which I greatly appreciated.

With the '67 Impala

We interviewed a few more fans, each of us getting a chance to be on camera and film as well.  When we went out to look at the Impala, the owner was actually there and offered to take us on a ride around Burbank in it.  We were all so excited and it was literally one of my Top LA Moments.  To make it even more amazing, he blasted 'Carry On My Wayward Son' which Sam & Dean play when driving around in it as well.  It was really cool because he also had most of the actors from the show sign his dashboard.  I was able to interview him too!  We're really hoping that we can get some of the actors on our Aftershow because everything went so smoothly.

All of our cast interviews are up on YouTube which you can find by searching Afterbuzz TV 'Supernatural.'  Or you can check out our Aftershows which air LIVE at 11 pm on Tuesday nights and can be found on YouTube the following day or on iTunes as well.  A special thanks to Afterbuzz and Creation Entertainment for us to be able to attend Supernatural Con and meet some fantastic people...it was an absolute blast!

Mom's Visit to LA in November!

My Mom wanted to be able to see me in 'Thénardiers Inn - A Les Misérables Cabaret,' and the weekend it opened was the same weekend than 'Sleeping Beauty' closed.  So she decided to come for a few days to catch my performances in both and spend a little time with me before I go home for Christmas in December!

Mom with her 'Lovely Lady'

I picked her up from the airport on Saturday after 'Sleeping Beauty' finished and after grabbing a bite to eat it was time to get ready for 'Les Mis.'  I play a Lovely Lady and Mom ended up loving it!  I was worried because it's a little risque but she really enjoyed it.  She had made a joke a week before saying "as long as I wasn't swearing, playing a butch lesbian or giving birth on-stage again," like I did in 'The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told' she could handle it.  She was happy to see some of our other CAC members in the show and meet some of my new friends.  After the show we stopped by Gabe's to see Aimee and sing a little Karaoke.  She had wanted to hear me sing 'On My Own' and 'Just Like Jesse James' :)

On Sunday I was playing Maleficent in 'Sleeping Beauty' and the kids that day were quite rambunctious.  In fact, at one point after hearing nearly every cast mate tell the kids to quiet down so they could tell the rest of the story, I came on-stage to say my lines, and this boy who was a non-stop talker continued to talk over me.  I literally turned and 'shushed' him and gave him an evil Maleficent look.  I could hear my Mom laugh out-loud along with all the other parents and some of the kids.  Later on, I mentioned how talkative he was and asked what he thought of my dress, and he stared blankly at me.  I think it might have been the first time someone told him no; guess I taught him a little lesson...oops!  It certainly didn't stop any of the other kids from coming up to me at the end of the show to hug me and ask for pictures.  Thankfully, I'm Maleficent, so I can play on that scary side a little bit!  Once again, Mom enjoyed the children's show and commented on how different both shows were and how I had changed my look so drastically between the two.  I love being able to adapt to new characters as an actress!

I was able to get Mom to work-out with me for a couple of days and we took our normal walks around the neighborhood, one day having a glass of Sparking Moscato to celebrate because, it's 5 o'clock somewhere!  It was awesome to watch the Packer Game together on Sunday and on Monday we made Dinner together and watched 'Maleficent.'  She liked the movie and even got teary-eyed at the end.  I loved being able to see the movie again and only wish I could have seen it right before I started 'Sleeping Beauty' because it was great research for the role since Angelina Jolie did such an incredible job.  Mom also made this Texas Caviar Salsa that was awesome; it's so good I'm surprised I still have some left over from the giant bowl it made!

On our last night together I took Mom to the Culver Hotel for some Happy Hour cocktails and Dinner.  I've been there before but never got to try the food aside from the the Chocolate Lava Cake so this time it was a must to check out the menu.  The live Jazz started at 7:30 pm so we were able to get in some great music, yummy cocktails, and food as well.  I had Afterbuzz that night for the 200th episode of 'Supernatural' so she came to watch us film the show and see me Host.

Celebrating the 200th Episode "Fan Fiction" of 'Supernatural' at Afterbuzz TV with Bacon Cheeseburgers & Cupcakes!

Once again the few days we had together went way too fast but now it's only just over a month until I head home for Christmas for a nice extended vacation!  Thank you for coming out to spend time with me Mom, see all my shows, and just get some quality time together.  Miss you already and see you soon <3

Halloween at The Wellsbourne

Since my Cher costume needed more air-time after Karaoke at Gabe's, Jamie and I decided to hit up one of our favorite places, The Wellesbourne, during Halloween Weekend.  She dressed up as my Mod Mistress, and we hit the town in our awesome wigs!

The Wellesbourne was having a Halloween Party there with a Photo Booth, awesome DJ, Costume Contest, and sponsored cocktails by Selvaray Rum!  The bar had the perfect amount of people, busy enough to do some people-watching, but quiet enough to find a seat at the bar and enjoy our cocktails and conversation.  Plus, our favorite bartenders were there, dressed in costume as well.  We had to try their house drink for the night, the Selvaray Rum Punch, but then I switched to my typical drink after that, a Vodka Gimlet, because Johnny makes me the best one I've had!  Jamie is always adventurous, trying whatever Remi makes for her!

The only blonde I truly love <3

I'm not quite sure how we missed the Costume Contest (I'm really thinking it didn't happen) but I think Jamie and I would have won it ;)  I suppose, I'm biased on that though.  We had a great time filled with plenty of candy, yummy cocktails, and great company.  I always look forward to going back!

Princess Jasmine for Creating Arts!

On Halloween a few of our amazing Creating Arts Members got together for a quick rehearsal as we put together a Children's Outreach Show we were performing in just hours later at the UCLA Housing in West LA.  There were over 100 people who brought their kids to see our show and meet us before going out Trick or Treating!

With some Pirates...arrrrgh!

I was playing Princess Jasmine as it's been dream to play her since I joined the Company.  My friend from High School, Sean Sagal, used to always call me Jasmine from "Aladdin" because I reminded him of the Disney Princess.  He was one of the few boys I went to school with that was nice to me, never made fun of me, or made me feel bad about myself.  I didn't have a date for my Junior Prom so I went with a group of girls but he asked me to dance, and we danced to 'Wonderful Tonight.'  After coming back from College he said he was so impressed with how out-going I had become, but I had to joke with him that I was always like that, people just never gave me a chance to be me.  Sean survived from cancer after High School but unfortunately took his own life my Senior Year in College.  He was a wonderful person with such a bright and compassionate personality.  Getting to be Jasmine for this show literally made my heart soar and I gladly dedicated my performance to him and his memory.

The show itself was crazy; there were so many people and I think most of the kids were just overwhelmed by all the Princesses, Princes, and Pirates.  This was their first time seeing any sort of live theater and it felt so wonderful to bring our talents to their Halloween celebration.  We had a short script filled with plenty of songs and I even got to sing 'A Whole New World' with our Aladdin who was moon-lighting as Willa Wonka for the day ;)

Princesses Ariel, Elsa, Anna, and Jasmine for Creating Arts Company

It was a great way to start my Halloween, doing something fun and exciting for these families, not to mention our CAC Members got to make magic for these kids and that's just fulfilling in itself!  I'll definitely look forward to playing Princess Jasmine again in the future and just want to thank Shannon for giving me the opportunity to play one of my dream roles!

Halloween Karaoke at Gabe's!

Too much fun singing
Sonny & Cher

In typical Halloween Week fashion, I Host Karaoke at Gabe's and people get dressed up and sing songs in character or just join in the festivities and wear costumes.  I do suggest dressing up as a musician, singer, musical group, or band, but all costumes are welcome.  It's always a fun night and although we normally do the Halloween Costume Contest on Wednesday, they saved it for Saturday this year because Gabe's had a band on Friday night of Halloween.  It still ended up being a really busy night of great music!

Rita Hayworth & Cher

Jamie and I got ready together and I was dressing up as Cher and she went as Rita Hayworth.  I sang all Cher songs including two duets, 'I Got You Babe' with her friend, Brad, who was dressed as Obi Wan Kenobi, and also a new song, 'After All' with Marcus (originally sang by Cher & Peter Cetera).  Jamie sang a lot of Jazz music, starting with some Ella Fitzgerald and a song from "Thoroughly Modern Millie."  She later joined Spark as they sang 'Come What May' from "Moulin Rouge."  Spark had the whole bar dancing to 'Jump in the Line' from "Beetlejuice."

Even though we had a full house of singers, not as many people were in costume this year because Halloween was falling on a Friday.  I had opened the night with 'The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)' and after my initial costume which had a more 70's vibe, I swapped into Cher's "If I Could Turn Back Time" Tour look, except toned down, because Cher is Cher, and you just can't mess with that ;)  I sang 'I Found Someone' and then closed out the night with another new song, 'Just Like Jesse James' which brought some true emotion because the lyrics are awesome!

It was a really fun night with good friends and always sets the fun factor for the Halloween week to come!  It was another successful Halloween Karaoke in the books!

Forge Denim Campaign

Just over a week ago I shot a Denim Campaign for Forge Denim.  My friend, Mike, had told me about this project in early October, and I loved hearing that he was creating a brand that would empower women.  So on Sunday last week, a couple girlfriends, and I spent the afternoon chatting, eating, and drinking wine and champagne during our shoot!

Sariah, Courtney, myself, and Samantha
at the shoot for Forge Denim

Mike said we'd need a few girls so I asked Courtney who hosted with me from Afterbuzz, along with Sariah and Samantha from my "Sleeping Beauty" cast if they'd be interested in doing the shoot.  Not to mention, having a blonde, redhead, and two brunette's, we were covering all of our bases.  While Mike and Jimi filled me in on the concept, I started in the kitchen 'prepping for the party' and then made my way out to the backyard where we were throwing our impromptu Wine & Cheese Party.  We were all talking and having so much fun that I barely noticed Jimi taking pictures and filming our party.  It was an absolute blast!

The whole shoot lasted about two hours and after we were full from all the food and champagne we did some final group shots, including photos of all the ladies in the aprons and then we called it a day.  A few of us went over to Playa Provisions to grab a celebratory drink for a great shoot later that afternoon.

I just saw the photos and promo video we shot on Forge Denim's Facebook.  I'm really thankful to Mike for bringing me in to work with him on this awesome project and I'm so proud of the concept behind it all.  You can also find Forge Denim on Tumblr and see our video :)

Have a great week!