Wishes and Cabarets

Hey guys!

Wow, what an amazing couple of days. We just said goodbye to our temporary new cast member Jesse Pardee, which was really sad! Jesse is living with Ewing’s Sarcoma, and was granted a wish by the Make-A-Wish foundation. Her original wish was to audition for our show, and this wish was fulfilled on January 20th when she was flown to NYC and auditioned in front of our entire creative team! They loved her so much that they invited her to perform with us in Rochester! As soon as we met her, we just fell in love with her personality and talent. She’s almost 19 and she’s so cool - she totally fit right in to our cast. Jesse performed Friday night, Saturday matinee & Saturday night in an extra stage left chair of rock. She completely owned the stage, and although she claimed she was nervous, we couldn’t tell at all! She learned the track THAT MORNING and performed at night - didn’t mess up once. She’s such a pro. We had a girls night that night and had so much fun! On Jesse’s opening night, I was in the stage right chair of rock, so I got to watch her experience her dream firsthand. When the boys stood up in Mama Reprise to make their entrance, she smiled the same smile I did on my opening night, and I almost started crying. She is such an inspiration to all of us, and we’re going to miss her energy around here. She will always be an important part of our Spring Awakening family.

On another note, the cabaret was a HUGE success! We performed in an intimate venue which was a really nice touch, and everyone was absolutely incredible. The entire cast & band was pulling out their strengths. For example: Andy and Kayla did a Duncan Sheik medley, Ben & I played the piano and sang ballads, Freddy and Christy performed their original songs, and Steffi (along with Jake and I) did a tribute to Lady Gaga (LINK). It just further proved to me that I am among the most talented people I have ever met. Every single act was special and beautiful and truly a piece of art. Steffi and Taylor hosted, which was perfect. Here’s the link to my cabaret act that I arranged, Hometown Glory/Use Somebody with Pinky!

I can’t believe we have less than 100 performances of Spring Awakening left.

Making these next few months worth-while, no regrets.

Until next time,

Krista :)