Ashley Dawn Mortensen

Photo Credit: Ronnie Nelson PhotographyAshley Dawn Mortensen is another one of our next generation performers who's on the rise! As a recent graduate of NYU's CAP21, Ashley has already performed in several concerts by award winning composer/lyricist Bobby Cronin and was just cast in the first National Tour of "Wicked" as the "Elphaba" understudy and in the Ensemble.

This is only the beginning for Ashley. With her beautifully powerful vocals, Ashley will be filling out theatres for many years to come!

Click here to find out when Ashley and "Wicked" will be flying into a city near you!

1. Who or what inspired you to become a performer? For me it would be what. My mom always said I came out of the womb singing. And when I see the home movies of me belting my face off with a 5 minute song I’m making up on the spot, in my angel costume, on the coffee table I guess I believe her. The creativity and ease of it all appealed to me. It’s something you have to have passion for and work at for sure, but then God kinda blesses you with the rest. Music and performance is an outlet for me unlike any other. When I first walked onto a stage it didn’t take me long to realize it’s where I belonged. When I’m up there everything else falls away. So I guess,  the what would be, that performing just feels like home.

2. If you could perform alongside anyone, who would you choose? My gut reaction would be Judy Garland. I didn’t grow up knowing every composer, lyricist, playwright, musical, or play ever written. In fact, until I hit college I barely knew who Sondheim was (sorry); but, I could watch "The Wizard of OZ" on repeat all day long (and we’re talking VHS, rewinding every time). I think I’ve seen and heard every, movie, talk show, performance, and recording she’s ever done. Her voice was a melting of heartbreak, passion, fight, and beauty you don’t find too often. She worked from a place in her soul few people know how to access. Her story, may be seen as tragic to some, but like most things in life I try to look at the good. Judy Garland was a force, and to share the stage with her would be completely humbling and awe inspiring.

3. What's the highest and lowest not you can sing? How do you protect your beautifully strong voice? I have no idea what my highest and lowest note is to be honest. I know I can belt really high and sing pretty low. My music theory teachers from high school and college would hate this, but I don’t read music that well, I hear it once or twice and I know it. That’s how I’ve always absorbed it. You inhale the notes and exhale the music. As for protecting these vocal cords of mine, it wasn’t until this last year that I really had to make a conscious effort to “warm up.” I was one of those people who could just wake up and sing like mad, but now at my ripe old age of 23 it takes a few more steps. I live for my humidifier during the winter and as long as I do some lip trills and my own made up warm ups (which includes the Beatle’s “Hey Jude” slowly going up the scale) I’m usually good to go.

4. You just joined the first national tour of "Wicked" as the "Elphaba" understudy and in the Ensemble. What excites you most about this? What will you bring to the role of "Elphaba" that someone else hasn't? I am excited about being a part of something I’ve never experienced before, making new friends, exploring new places and playing such a strong character. Bringing life to a character on a page is what actors do, but I think the most important part of being an actor is bringing heart. Whether you’re in the ensemble or a principle, it’s so important to find those moments when the audience can relate to you and feel like they are a part of what is happening. In that vein I think the only thing I can bring that’s new to the role is myself. “Wicked” is so relevant today and I think will continue to be always, and in both my ensemble and "Elphaba" track I want to be honest and relatable even in heightened circumstances.

5. What do you identify with "Elphaba" the most? I love "Elphaba’s" strength. She never feels sorry for herself and she is such a powerful independent woman. Throughout the show you see these moments of vulnerability, which I think just makes her stronger. She isn’t afraid to fight for what she believes in and her passion makes her beautiful. For her it’s about doing what’s just and true, which is something we forget when the easy way is so accessible.

6. What is your favorite part of the preview/rehearsal period in a show? Where is your favorite place to practice on your own? Being put into a show that is already been running for quit sometime is unlike anything I’ve experienced. You’re rehearsing all on your own, with the dance captain acting as the rest of the cast (most of whom you still don’t know there names). So as things begin to slowly click it’s incredibly helpful to watch the show from backstage, the audience, from Stage Management, to see not only the logistics (spacing, traffic, etc) but also to see how what you’ve been working on becomes this wonderful stage filled with body’s intricately telling a story. When I rehearse on my own, I usually just stay in my room. I move from working things on my feet, to sitting on my bed going over things in my head, and listening to the music.

7. You've performed in several of award winning composer/lyricist's Bobby Cronin's concerts. What attracts you to his music? What have you learned from working with Bobby? Bobby Cronin is a passionate, driven, caring, brutally honest and eager teacher, friend, composer and writer. His music reflects that. Not to mention, he really knows how to write for the singer to truly shine both vocally and through intriguing story telling. His music is intricate and often unpredictable, and I LOVE that. The most valuable thing I’ve taken from Bobby is to know who are and stay true to that. It’s something I think he truly lives by in life and through his passion for his work and it’s something I deeply admire.

8. What have you learned about yourself from being a performer? It is so important to have a life once you leave the theatre. Have a hobby, exercise, hang out friends, try new foods and listen to all different kinds of music. We are lucky enough to do what we love as our profession, but like most jobs, it’s important to not bring your work home and let it consume all of who you are. I never want to be just one note. In the same vein, I am a perfectionist and can easily get caught up in working myself till my head pops off, but then when i do my daily workouts, read, watch “24” and just let things gel, I find I am more relaxed as a person and a performer.

9. What's the best advice you've ever received? I had some inspiring acting teachers in college, and coming in as a ripe Freshman from the backwoods of Rescue, CA (population my family), never haven taken an acting class in my life, headed to the Big Apple, I was open to everything I could learn. My freshman acting teacher was Larry Arancio and I he gave me invaluable advice; but, one piece stands out above all the rest. Just Breathe. It applies onstage and off. You can’t let tension creep in because that’s when you second guess yourself and words stop flowing naturally. When you breathe and let go, something beautiful happens....You allow yourself to shine.

10. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? My husband. (I know it sounds cliche) But, now that I’m on tour, especially, I couldn’t mean it more. He is my best friend and the love of my life. If it weren’t for him I would certainly not be where or who I am today. I could spend every second with him and my dreams are no exception. Loving him is like breathing or singing. I have to. I want to. I need to. It would be pretty great if while I was out on tour, after a long day, when I closed my eyes at night, it was like Davin was right there with me.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Favorite way to stay in shape? I am a health nut (although for those that really know me, know I love my jelly beans and red vines as well) so I lead a very active lifestyle. P90X and Insanity are my workouts of choice. They are incredible programs that incorporate muscle confusion and circuit training so your body can rebuilt and sculpt itself into what you never thought possible. You burn calories at a higher rate even when you’re not doing the workouts. Not to mention it’s pretty fantastic that you can roll out of bed, pop in a dvd and go to town.

12. Favorite skin care product? I fluctuate. But lately I’ve been on a YON-KA kick. Yon-ka draws from essential oils, fruit, and plant extracts and targets the specific needs of individuals to restore the skin’s vitality. Plus it smells AMAZING.

13. Favorite website? Etsy. I found so many things for my wedding on this site! Now I just like to explore. You can get virtually anything and the products are so creative and fun that they make great gift ideas. Not to mention you can support local businesses.

14. Superman or Wonder Woman? Superman. He wears his underwear over his clothes. That takes some serious cajones of steel.

Eric Michael Gillett: Nothing To Lose But Your Heart Interview

I first interviewed MAC and Bistro Award winning vocalist Eric Michael Gillett in June 2011, as his show "Cast of Thousands: Gillett sings Carnelia" was premiering at the Laurie Beechman Theatre. Since that time, the show extended through October of 2011 and now Eric Michael is returning to Feinstein's at Loews Regency with a brand new show from February 21-25.

From Februrary 21-25, Eric Michael and La Tanya Hall are teaming up for "Nothing To Lose But Your Heart," an evening celebrating the songs of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty. The evening will include selections from Ahrens and Flaherty's Broadway musicals "Ragtime," "My Favorite Year," "Once on This Island," "Lucky Stiff," "Seussical," and more. Gillett and Hall will bring their unique stamp to a wildly diverse catalogue of music by two of the theater’s most popular contemporary songwriters. Feinstein's at Loews Regency is located at 540 Park Avenue at 60th Street. Click here for tickets!

1. How did your new show with La Tanya Hall "Nothing To Lose But Your Heart" come about? What attracts you to Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty's music? As a proud member of the Feinstein's family, I was thrilled when John Iachetti, who books the room, invited me back to play there this February. It was John's suggestion that I be paired with another singer and I was doubly thrilled when La Tanya Hall, a very dear friend and colleague, agreed to join me for this engagement. Before I approached La Tanya, I had already decided that I wanted the evening to be a 'songbook,' that is, a tribute to a composer/lyricist team, preferably someone in the contemporary theatre. I approached Lynn and Stephen, who had been gracious enough to do some tweaking on one of my favorite songs of theirs, "I Was Here," not once, but twice. The first time was when I was directing Karen Akers in her show, Move On. Later, while prepping Metropolitan Opera star Maureen O'Flynn for her Feinstein's debut, I went back to Lynn to ask for some additional changes to help the lyric better serve the specifics of Maureen's life and career. Lynn and Stephen, who are not only among the most prolific writers of their generation but are, also, the nicest and most supportive creatives one could ever hope to meet, were enthusiastic in their approval and, so, Nothing To Lose But Your Heart was brought into being.

The most exciting thing about working on an evening devoted to Ahrens & Flaherty is that their songs are so character and plot specific. The challenge was to find a way to meld the many different styles into a cohesive whole by weaving together suites of songs from seemingly disparate sources. La Tanya and I, along with our collaborator and musical director, Jeff Cubeta, allowed ourselves to listen to the music with fresh ears, judging nothing, and allowing the themes and variations to emerge for themselves. In other words, we let the show speak to us instead of simply choosing songs we simply 'liked.' We all agreed from the very start that the show should not be one of those 'and then they wrote' museum pieces, or a chronological exploration of their material. Instead, what has emerged is a show we are incredibly excited to share with the public. Nothing To Lose But Your Heart allows us to sing to each other from the heart, even as we honor the spirit, the integrity, and the artistry Lynn and Stephen bring to their songwriting.

2. What excites you about your collaboration with La Tanya? What have you learned from working with her? La Tanya is an old and dear colleague and friend. I've directed her before, in single night performances at Feinstein's, and we have sung together off and on for years, but never in a full engagement. We met on a gig and, while it sounds like a cliche, we knew we were meant to sing together. The first day we met, I rushed into a rehearsal late, just as the opening strains of our first number together were being played. La Tanya was already in place across the room and I threw off my coat, dropped my bag, and walked with her into the song right on cue. We locked eyes and sang together from the heart, divvying up the lyric just by looking at each other and staging the number off the top of our heads. Not only was it a magical moment, we never changed a note of the arrangement or a single piece of that initial staging from that first rehearsal right up until we performed the number in concert at the 92nd Street Y.

Singing with La Tanya is like singing with my soul mate. We were born to make music together. She brings me soul and makes me feel, if you'll excuse the expression, sexy and warm. I only hope I give her half as much on stage as she gives me.

3. What are you looking forward to performing at Feinstein's at Loews Regency? What do you hope audiences come away with after seeing the show? This is my third full engagement at Feinstein's and my fifth time at the club as a performer. Every time I play the room, I come away with a new respect for the staff and the incredible personnel who make the entire Loews Regency experience so magical. I love and respect John Iachetti and his colleague, Jessica Poli, as well as Michelle Rizzo, John's assistant. But it's more than that. You get a feeling working Feinstein's that no other room affords you, a sense of belonging and of being nurtured, both by the staff and by the audiences. It is by far my favorite room to play, and my favorite room in which to direct.

Nothing To Lose But Your Heart has a heartbeat in itself. I can only hope that our audiences hear the beat of that heart, and walk out with the same sense of joy and community that inspires La Tanya and me every time we sing Lynn and Stephen's songs. There's a beautiful piece toward the end of the show, a combination of two songs, "Something Beautiful" and "I Was Here," both of which speak to why we were put on this planet and what we hope to leave behind. Having just lost my beloved voice teacher and mentor of forty years, Jan Ritschel, I can only hope that something of the joy in singing that Jan gave to me all these years is transmitted to the audience through Stephen's gorgeous music and Lynn's heartfelt lyrics.

4. What have you learned about yourself from being a performer? To be a performer is one of the most rewarding gifts one could ever imagine. Because I teach and direct, as well, I've come to love my moments in the spotlight and the chance to illuminate the work of others through whatever interpretive skills I may possess. I feel that, when I'm in the zone and singing at my best, anything is possible. The world itself drops away and I see something of the glory I think we are meant to feel when we're in the deepest part of our most passionate selves. When I sing with La Tanya, I can honestly say that it happens more often than at any other time in my career.

BONUS QUESTION:

5. If you could have any super power, which one would you choose? The power to heal the sick would be the one super power I wish I could possess. I'm grateful for the many gifts that have been bestowed upon me by those who have taught and nurtured me over the years of my life and career but, in the end, I wish I had the power to save those who are in pain from their misery and to grant the gift of time and quality of life to those who suffer.

Zachary Infante: Songs For A New World Interview

Photo Credit: Laura LucI first interviewed Zachary Infante, a performer continuing to rise up in 2010 after seeing him in a reading of Bobby Cronin's W2ML (at the time I saw Zachary, it was called "The Beaten Path"). Since that time, Zachary has continued on with W2ML as it moves forward with it's fruition to hopefully being a full production, he has starred Paper Mill Playhouse's "Peter Pan" (alongside Nancy Anderson), and most recently, went back to Paper Mill Playhouse this past summer to intern at their Conservatory to foster his directing/coaching skills.

Currently, Zachary can be seen in NYU GAP's production of Jason Robert Brown's "Songs For A New World" through February 25th at The Shop Theatre in NYC (721 Broadway). Tickets are available for purchase starting one hour before show time. To reserve tickets in advance (limit: 4) or for more information please email NewWorldGAP@gmail.com.

For more on Zachary be sure to follow him on Facebook!

1. What attracted you to "Songs For A New World"? My director Danny Baird, along with the NYU GAP Board for collaborative student projects, proposed implementing movement into the traditional song cycle. The concept along with the direction and choreography allowed me to keep in mind the challenge that Jason Robert Brown's music and lyrics present. I wanted to get into the stories told in this piece and so I felt motivated to make changes in my own life. The process this show demands as well and the amazing group of collaborators I'm working with made this production irresistible.

2. What do you hope audiences come away with after seeing the show? The power to change had been something I've taken from this experience and I hope that people leave this show feeling empowered to act in those tough moments of indecision. Living through this movement and having experienced the real people I'm working with outside of rehearsal has been such a motivation to enact positive change in my life and encourage those close to my heart to do the same.

3. What do you identify most with about your character "Man 1"? This is a tough one, I guess because my process has been so much about discovering how different I am from "Man 1" but I know in my heart this character is driven in the same way I am. I often feel pressure to produce a result but getting to know this character has helped me to accept the passion behind that desire. There's nothing wrong with trying to change the world and this character has helped me to embrace that drive in me while remembering that to the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.

4. What do you like most about singing the music of Jason Robert Brown? The strong intention behind the orchestration tingles my nerves. I get the chills listening to the introduction of "King of The World" and it brings an energy to the storytelling which allows me to feel truly safe in the lyric and intention.

5. Who haven't you worked with that you would like to? Most recently I've become all the more anxious to work with LaQuet Sharnell. I saw her work in Lysistrata Jones and in Bobby Cronin's Holiday concert and she really is a passionate artist with so much to say and so much left do in this industry. I admire her genuine kindness and honesty in her craft, her energy gets me all bubbly! She has an impeccable talent and reputation and the chance to sing, dance, or speak with her would rock my world!

6. What is your favorite part of the rehearsal/preview period in a show? Getting back to the importance of the storytelling and development process fulfills my artistic self. I love when a director, choreographer, or composer aren't afraid to have those challenging conversations with an actor or ensemble to articulate the message being sent. The collaborative process and the challenge it presents excites me.

7. Where is your favorite place to practice on your own? At this point in my life, I love grabbing a studio after classes at CAP21 and moving around in an open space. There are so few chances to do that in such a cramped city but the space of an open studio feels so right.

8. What have you learned about yourself from being a performer? I've learned there's no fault in loving what you do and in embracing how you identify as an artist. Studying theater has certainly created a stigma for me that actors can't get away from their work. WELL AMEN to that, I remember reading in a fortune cookie once that work isn't work if you love what you do and I love any chance I get to develop my artistic self.

9. What's the best advice you've ever received? It came from my first year studying at NYU - CAP21. As a young actor, I've found the importance of self-awareness and acknowledgement. Thanks to the faculty and my colleagues at CAP21, I know the importance of breathing and leading from your heart. To me it now feels so fundamental, but it really has been the catalyst for so much of my artistic progress.

10. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? I'd dream about the first gay couple to be married under US Federal law, hopefully someday soon that dream will be reality!

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Favorite way to spend your day off? I really enjoy time to myself recently. Yoga, sleeping/snuggling in or reading a book in silence bring me the most peace.

12. Favorite website? AHHH! I LOVE CNN and Rachel Maddow on MSNBC. I usually start my morning with a few news videos on CNN to keep myself updated on the world and then I go liberal with my girl Rachel.

13. If you could have any super power, which one would you choose? Superpowers turn me off. I'm much more into Batman, since he uses his passion to drive him. But the power to be listened to and respected seems "super" in todays times. So..I'll go with the power to be heard and respected :)

Geraint Wyn Davies

Geraint Wyn Davies has played many leading roles on major stages across North America and Europe including London and New York, has starred in numerous television series and films, has directed theatre, film, and television, as well as writing music along the way. 8 seasons at the Stratford Festival, 5 seasons at the Shaw Festival and two seasons as associate director of Theatr Clwyd in Wales.  On television, '24', "Slings and Arrows", "ReGenesis", “Murdoch Mysteries” , “ Black Harbour”, “Airwolf” and the cult favorite “Forever Knight”.  Films,” American Psycho 2”, “Hypercube”, “Wild Dogs” etc.

Currently, Geraint can be seen in "Poetic License" at 59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street) in NYC throught March 9! John Grier has a charmed career--this professor of literature at a renowned university is about to be named Poet Laureate. He owes much of his success to his wife, Diane, who has been aggressively shepherding his pursuits.  But when their daughter and her new boyfriend return home for the weekend, hidden secrets are revealed that threaten to destroy the professor’s career. Has this esteemed poet plagiarized his life's work? "Poetic License" is a biting drama that explores the fall out from the cut-throat, "publish or perish" world of academia. Click here for tickets!

1. Who or what inspired you to become a performer? Watching my father, who is a marvelous Welsh preacher.

2. Who haven't you worked with that you would like to? Antony Hopkins, Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett among many others.

3. What attracted you to "Poetic License" and what do you hope audiences come away with after seeing the show? Its exploration of the right of artistic ownership and how that affects the bond of the family; I think the audience has the right to draw their own conclusions.

4. What do you identify most with about your character, "John"? The relationship with his daughter and his desire to protect her.

5. What is your favorite part of the rehearsal/preview period in a show? The first few times you get to perform with the audience as the other character in the show.

6. Where is your favorite place to rehearse on your own? I prefer the interaction with my fellow players than any solitary pursuit.

7. What have you learned about yourself from being a performer? Collaboration is key and ego is the enemy.

8. What was the best part about performing with Christopher Plummer in "King Lear"? What did you learn from working with him? Without question, having the privilege of being with Chris, being one of the greatest living actors, teaches you that there is no end to growing as an actor, and that your best years are always ahead of you.

9. What's the best advice you've ever received? Humility and greatness can go hand in hand.

10. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would it be? My wife Claire.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Looking back, what did you enjoy most about starring on "Air Wolf," "24," and "Forever Knight"? What's your most cherished memory of these times? Everything seemed new and exciting and it was a guilty pleasure knowing that you would be in so many people's living rooms every week.

12. Favorite way to spend your day off? Favorite way to stay in shape? Depends on the weather:  ideally, sun,sand and water, my wife and an umbrella drink.

13. Boxers or Briefs? Boxers.

14. Favorite website? Flipboard.

15. If you could have any super power, which one would you choose? Healing.

Jim Caruso: Cast Party Take Two

I have interviewed six-time MAC and two-time BackStage Bistro Award winner Jim Caruso twice before, once in 2009 after he made his Broadway debut alongside Liza Minnelli in "Liza's at the Palace" and again in 2010 when Cast Party took to the stage at Town Hall as a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Now, to be able to interview Jim once again for Cast Party's second benefit at Town Hall, is a true joy and honor. This year's Cast Party is benefiting The Actors Fund.

In true Cast Party fashion, this year's show has the best of the best taking to the stage! Joining Jim will be Golden Globe and Tony Winner Linda Lavin, the uber-talented jazz and adult contemporary vocalist Jane Monheit, Broadway Star and Drama Desk Nominee Stephanie J. Block, nine-time Grammy winning solo artist and founding member of The Manhattan Transfer Janis Siegel, David Ippolito AKA "That Guitar Man From Central Park," Broadway sensation Julia Murney ("Wicked"), stand-up comedian, Grammy nominee and "Celebrity Apprentice" Lisa Lampanelli, Tony Winner Paulo Szot ("South Pacific"), Lysistrata Jones’ Liz Mikel, comic juggler Marcus Monroe, "The Acromedian" Rudi Macaggi, Holly Near will be performing with lyricist/composer John Bucchino ("A Catered Affair"), and Laura Osnes will be performing with composer Frank Wildhorn, best known for his Broadway musical "Jekyll & Hyde." Also joining the party is Terri Klausner, who will be singing "Hit Me With A Hot Note" from "Sophisticated Ladies," and Andrew Nemr, whose tap company "Cats Paying Dues" will perform an unforgettable tribute to Gregory Hines. And that’s not all - many more surprise performers and special guest stars will be on hand too! Billy Stritch will hold court at the piano, adding vocals and banter to the proceedings.  Joining the musical fun will be Daniel Glass on drums and Tom Hubbard on bass.

This Thursday, February 23 at 8pm, come join the "Cast Party" at Town Hall (123 West 43rd Street, between 6th & 7th Avenue). Click here for tickets!

1. Last year was the debut of Cast Party at Town Hall as a special benefit for BCEFA. This year, you are bringing Cast Party back to Town Hall, but now it's benefiting The Actors Fund. What made you want to bring Cast Party back to Town Hall? How did you decide to benefit The Actors Fund this time around? Last year's Town Hall Cast Party was such a smash and we had an absolute ball! I mean...anytime a show opens with Chita and closes with Liza - the crowd is going to go wild! Happily, Town Hall asked producer Scott Siegel to bring us back, so back we are coming! I'm happy that we're benefiting The Actors Fund.  It's an organization that serves all professionals (not just actors) in the theater, film, tv, music and dance business. Can you believe it's been around since 1882? It's actually older than ME!

2. What can fans expect at this year's Cast Party benefit that is different from last year's? Just like the weekly Cast Party at Birdland - the cast is always different. The weekly event is an open mic, but obviously the Town Hall event is not. I called on some of my most talented, thrilling and dazzling pals to perform with The Cast Party Symphony Orchestra (Billy Stritch, Tom Hubbard and Daniel Glass)...and everyone said yes! I can't wait to hear what the hilarious and filthy-mouthed Lisa Lampanelli has to say about all of it! She was the first person I invited to do the show, and the first to accept! Even though she called me a 'loser with a dream' onstage, I love her and am obsessed with her humor. I'm excited to see what kind of chaos she brings to this season's "Celebrity Apprentice," and to this very special Cast Party!

3. How did you choose this year's talent? I literally went through my address book and called friends, and some folks who, through the years, have become Cast Party favorites. There are Broadway and theater folks aplenty, like Linda Lavin, Paulo Szot, Stephanie J. Block, Laura Osnes, Julia Murney, Erich Bergen and Liz Mikel. I'm thrilled to tell you that songwriters Frank Wildhorn and John Bucchino will both be at the piano showing off a few of their respective tunes! If you're a jazz fan, you'll flip for superstars Janis Siegel (from Manhattan Transfer) and Jane Monheit. There will be a spectacular all-singing-all-dancing tribute to Gregory Hines, starring Terri Klausner, Andrew Nemr and Cats Paying Dues. David Ippolito (the Guitar Man From Central Park) will give us a taste of his folky/funny/smart material. Aaron Weinstein will show off his Jack Benny vibe and his jazz violin virtuosity. Holly Near has been one of my favorite singer/consciousness-raisers forever, and I can't believe she's performing with us! The brilliant juggler/comic Marcus Monroe and the completely crazy clown/acrobat Rudi Macaggi round out the show, helping me feel like a modern-day Ed Sullivan! All we're missing are plate-spinners and a mouse puppet!

4. One of this year's performers is Golden Globe and Tony Award winner, Linda Lavin, whom I was fortunate enough to interview last month. She mentioned it was because of you that she started her act that her CD "Possibilities" comes from. What made you want to work and develop an act for her? What has been the best part about working with her? What made me want to work with Linda Lavin? Isn't the fact that she's kind of a genius enough? Plus, she's one of my best friends, and a regular at Cast Party and constantly on the Broadway at Birdland lineup. We like to say that we 'met at the White House,' because we were both on the bill at Clinton's Inaugural, then sang at his first State Dinner. She is incredibly musical, tells wonderful stories and has great taste in songs! It didn't take a brain surgeon to know that she should have a nightclub act. When we were putting that first act together, I'd give her a small note, and she'd run with it, creating something fantastic. I would feel very good about myself - until I remembered that SHE's the genius - not me! No wonder everyone in the theater wants to work with her - she makes them all look good!

5. Since we spoke last year, Cast Party has now gone to Chicago, Pittsburgh and Las Vegas in addition to LA and continues every Monday in NYC at Birdland. What do you like about bringing Cast Party to these various cities and does Cast Party differ from city to city? Honestly, it's a joy to celebrate and connect with talented people all over the country. Occasionally, someone will be surprised that it's possible - as if New York City had a lock on talent. I remind them that everyone on Broadway is from somewhere - they weren't born in that ten-block radius! Maybe the folks we meet on the road are considering a move to either coast.  Maybe they've chosen to live their lives outside of Manhattan, singing, dancing and acting in local theater and clubs. Either way, we find 'em - or they find us, and we all have a ball entertaining each other. We struck the jackpot in Las Vegas - all the leads in all the production shows came to sing for us, including Jersey Boys, Lion King, Vegas: The Show, and Donny Osmond! In Pittsburgh and Cleveland, alot of theater majors from Carnegie Mellon and Baldwin Wallace showed up for us. Los Angeles is packed with theater folks, along with legends like Carol Channing (yes!) and Melissa Manchester, who is a regular! Each city has it's own vibe, as you would imagine - but the HEARTS of the extraordinary performers are what keep Cast Party afloat. Talented people have always been my passion. It's my great honor to give them a stage so that they can show us who they are.