Broadway Book Chat: David Girolmo

As an actor, every job you do, you make a new family.  There is something special about theatre and its ability to bring people together in a way that is unlike any other.  I have made so many amazing friends throughout my career, and many of them share my love of books and literature.  Since theatre brings stories to life, I thought I would feature some of my favorite performers (my fabulous friends and cast mates) and see what their bookshelves look like! Welcome to my Broadway Book Chat!

David Girolmo

Currently performing as Claude Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame at The Fulton Theatre

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What are you currently reading?

I’m reading The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse by Robert Rankin.  This oddly named book was a recommendation from a friend who nearly cried telling me how much he loved it, and how many times he re-read it.  We’ll see…

 What is your favorite book series?

Man this is a tough one…  There are so many that I have loved over the years; from The Lord of the Rings books, to Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire series, C.J. Box’s Joe Pickett series, Sara Paretsky’s V.I. Warshawski series, Harry Potter, The Dark Tower… Too many wonderful hours.  If I have to choose one, I’ll go with John Sanford’s Prey series and his principle character Lucas Davenport.  I don’t know how many he’s written (upwards of 30 by now)- but I’ve loved them all.  No wait!! It has to be the Tales of the City series by Armistead Maupin.  I lived and cried, and loved with this group of people Maupin created for years- re-reading each book like it was the first time.  Yep, that’s it.  Tales of the City.

Who is your favorite author?

I thought this one would be harder- but my immediate response is Stephen King, and I’ll stick with that.  I’ve been reading his work since his first published novel, and we’ve sortof grown up together.  Just finished his latest, The Outsider, and loved it.  Other favorite authors: John Irving, Peter Straub, Harlen Coben, Armistead Maupin, John Sandford, Craig Johnson, Neil Gaiman, Ray Bradbury…

What book inspires you and why?

Do plays that I’ve read count as books?  There are so many plays I’ve read over the years that inspired me to be a better person/actor/friend/husband… When I was a kid (six or seven years old) I received a boxed edition of A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh series for my birthday that I read over and over again.  I wanted so desperately for those stories to go on and on forever.  I was really bereft when I realized there were no more Pooh books, no more stories.  Maybe that’s why I love all these series: The characters go on as long as the author keeps writing.  I know I get inspired by characters who behave heroically.  I wish I were able to access the better angels of my nature when I read about people doing the right thing against all odds.

Which literary character would you like to play?

Ned Stark… Or Robin Hood… or Walt Longmire… or Iago… Because it would be a BLAST!! Ned Stark, Robin Hood, and Walt Longmire are men of character and virtue who behave heroically.  Iago is just as bad a guy as ever was written, and that would be too much fun!

If you could be friends with any of the characters you have played, who would it be and why?

Fred Graham/Petruchio from Kiss Me Kate.  Who had more fun than Petruchio? Or maybe Sweeney Todd/Benjamin Barker… maybe I could persuade him not to go back into that pie shop….

What book would you like to see turned into a movie/musical/play?

I’d like to see a musical version of Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman.  I’ve seen a pretty badly realized BBC TV movie, and a very small scale play in Chicago.  This cries out for a musical.

What book is next on your reading list?

The Listener by Robert McCammon

What show are you currently working on and who do you play?

I’m currently in The Hunchback of Notre Dame at the Fulton Theatre playing Claude Frollo.  The last show I did was Guys and Dolls playing Arvide Abernathy.  Two more disparate roles I could never have hoped for in the same season!

What is your favorite show you have been a part of and why?

Probably Sondheim’s Follies because that’s where I met my favorite person in the world– my wife.

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Check out David and the cast of The Hunchback of Notre Dame at The Fulton Theatre!

I feature a new performer every month! I would love some suggestions for questions you would like to ask, or things you want to know!  Leave them in the comments and I will add them to future interviews! Thanks to the insanely talented David for sharing with us! ❤

Broadway Book Chat: Elizabeth Dugas

As an actor, every job you do, you make a new family. There is something special about theatre and its ability to bring people together in a way that is unlike any other. I have made so many amazing friends throughout my career, and many of them share my love of books and literature. Since theatre brings stories to life, I thought I would feature some of my favorite performers (my fabulous friends and cast mates) and see what their bookshelves look like! Welcome to my Broadway Book Chat!

Elizabeth Dugas

Currently performing in The Beast in the Jungle

www.elizabethdugas.com

Instagram: @emdugas

What are you currently reading?

Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress by Susan Jane Gilman.  Thanks to my dear friend and cast mate, Leah Hoffman, who leant it to me!

What is your favorite book series?

The Baby-Sitter’s Club.  That probably sounds like a funny response with all of the amazing options out there, but I was a particularly avid reader as a child and I loved few things more than going to a used book store.  It was my personal mission to collect and read every single book from that series… I think I got pretty close actually (There are 131 by the way… and 122 in the spin-off Baby-Sitter’s Little Sister.)

Who is your favorite author?

Currently, Kristin Hannah. Her book, The Nightingale, was one that had me staying up all night because I just couldn’t put it down.  I also really like Gillian Flynn and shout out to E.B. White for writing my favorite childhood book, Charlotte’s Web.

What book inspires you and why?

Yes Please by Amy Poehler.  In the age of everyone writing self-help books, this one felt particularly real and unapologetically hilarious.  One stand out quote, that I found particularly applicable to people in our field:

“You have to care about your work, but not about the result.  You have to care about how good you are and how good you feel, but not about how good people think you are or how good people think you look.  I realize this is extremely difficult.  I am not saying I am particularly good at it.  I’m like you.  Or maybe you’re better at this than I am.”

Which literary character would you like to play?

Hermione Granger, one hundred percent! She’s strong, loyal, independent, super smart… the list goes on and on and I’m all for playing a badass female!

If you could be friends with any of the characters you have played, who would it be and why?

Lorna from Bullets Over Broadway! Though her track featured a mere one word line, “Hello!”, her subtext and ability to keep David and the play together were vital.  She also triggers my Type-A nerdy side and I’m now good friends with the girl that played her on Broadway (shoutout to Brittany Marcin Maschmeyer).  I’d also like to be friends with Edie Falco who played her in the movie so…. Lorna FOREVER!

What book would you like to see turned into a movie/musical/play?

The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger…. Yes, it’s already a movie, and No, I’m not super into every movie getting a stage adaptation, but I think this would be so fun, and the costumes would be FABULOUS!

What is the next book on your reading list?

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood.  I know I’m super late to the game, but it’s one I really want to read before watching the TV series.

What is your favorite show you’ve been a part of and why?

This is such a hard question, but I think I have to give it to The Beast in the Jungle for a couple reasons. 1) There’s something so special about being a part of creative process, and I’ve been lucky enough to work on two workshops of this production before finding a home at the Vineyard.  Which leads into 2) It’s incredibly inspiring to hear the audience’s response to the piece after being isolated with it in a studio for a year and a half.  And 3) It’s a story that needs to be told, and I feel everyone can relate to in one way or another.  I still get chills offstage every night watching the final scene featuring the brilliant Peter Friedman.

What show are you currently working on?

I am currently in The Beast in the Jungle at the Vineyard theatre.  Prior to that I was in Turandot at The Metropolitan Opera, playing an attendant and temptress… also known as Ballet Lady #18 (kidding….. kinda 🙂 )

Check out and buy tickets to see Elizabeth and the cast of The Beast in the Jungle!

Check out Elizabeth’s fundraising page for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids and donate to this amazing cause here!

I feature a new performer every month! I would love some suggestions for questions you would like to ask, or things you want to know!  Leave them in the comments and I will add them to future interviews! Thanks to the wonderful Liz for sharing with us! 🙂 ❤

Broadway Book Chat: Gabriela Perez

As an actor, every job you do, you make a new family. There is something special about theatre and its ability to bring people together in a way that is unlike any other. I have made so many amazing friends throughout my career, and many of them share my love of books and literature. Since theatre brings stories to life, I thought I would feature some of my favorite performers (my fabulous friends and cast mates) and see what their bookshelves look like! Welcome to my Broadway Book Chat!

Gabriela Perez

Currently performing in One Thousand Nights and One Day Off-Broadway

www.gabbyperez.com

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg. It’s about how much of the decisions we think we’re making are actually just habitual loops we fall into, for better or for worse. It’s a bit scientific, but I find it totally applicable to being an artist. It’s made me examine the habits I immediately fall into when I start rehearsal, when I’m in the middle of a show, when I get an email with an important audition… it’s emotional triggers that I’m now aware of. The book is divided into three chapters: the self (which is the most applicable to actors), successful corporate and team environments, and social movements that used habits to create actual change. (Normally, I read memoirs or historical fiction, so this is new to me!)

What is your favorite book series?

It’s not really a series, but I love the set of three books by Khaled Hosseini: “A Thousand Splendid Suns”, “And the Mountains Echoed”, and “Kite Runner”. They all take place in similar settings with a similar vernacular. I felt so transported to that world.

Who is your favorite author?

There is no way I can choose one! But I’ve been very into Kate Morton and Liane Moriarty lately. I finished all of Moriarty’s books at my library branch. She writes relatable, hilarious women who are grappling with real-life issues. And so suspenseful!

What book inspires you and why?

I’ve been obsessed with As I Lay Dying since I first read it in high school. I love that there is no real protagonist. The entire thing is in first person from the perspective of dozens of characters. It made me realize that to some extent, every story is just one perspective. And the truth of what “really happened” is always some blurring of all those perspectives added together.

Which literary character would you love to play?

If there was a play made out of Rita Moreno’s memoir, I’d be in heaven. It’d have to be a biopic or one-woman show.

If you could be friends with any of the characters you have played, who would it be and why?

I’m about to play Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady this summer, and I’m already in love with her. She is so witty, and saucy and self-assured. She has a wonderful zest for life and sense of humor, but she also knows her own worth and won’t back down when she feels as though she’s being looked over or talked down to.

What book would you like to see made into a musical/play/movie?

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton would be such a beautiful movie period piece. I love movies that cross eras and decades.

What is your favorite show you’ve been a part of and why?

This is such a tough question! Part of me wants to say the Anything Goes National Tour, simply because it was so fun and felt so exciting out of college. I made some incredible friends. But I’ve done more roles since then that have felt less like a communal experience with the cast, but have taught me so much about myself as an artist and the kind of work I want to be doing. I did Marian Paroo in The Music Man last summer, and it was thrilling to be able to play aspects of myself in that role. Many people think of her as being an ingenue, but she is strong-willed, hilarious, and a dreamer.

What are you currently working on?

One Thousand Nights and One Day off-Broadway. I’m playing several characters, one being “The Virgin Bride”. The show takes place in mythical Persia and modern-day NYC, so an ensemble of 8 of us play several characters, each across these stacked layers of time.

What book is next on your reading list?

Eastern Body, Western Mind… again, so new to me! Usually I get swept up in fiction. But this show I’m working on now has asked a lot of me spiritually: to be open, to be present, to trust that my own presence is enough. I’m hoping to learn more about the chakras and how I can apply that grounded energy to my own Western view of acting and living in NYC.

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I will feature a new performer every month! I would love some suggestions for questions you would like to ask, or things you want to know!  Leave them in the comments and I will add them to future interviews! Thanks to my beautiful forever friend Gabby for sharing with us! 🙂

Broadway Book Chat: Mallory King

As an actor, every job you do, you make a new family. There is something special about theatre and its ability to bring people together in a way that is unlike any other. I have made so many amazing friends throughout my career, and many of them share my love of books and literature. Since theatre brings stories to life, I thought I would feature some of my favorite performers (my fabulous friends and cast mates) and see what their bookshelves look like! Welcome to my Broadway Book Chat!

Mallory King

Currently performing in Guys and Dolls at The Fulton Theatre

www.malloryking.com

instagram/twitter: @mal_king15

What are you currently reading?

Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman and The Lying Game by Ruth Ware.

What is your favorite book series?

Harry Potter– is that even a question?

Who is your favorite author?

Ooooh.  I kind of have a list.  So I love Liane Moriarty, Ruth Ware, Jodi Picoult, and JoJo Moyes.  I recently went to a book signing event and had the opportunity to hear JoJo Moyes speak.  I loved how she talked about how it took her several books to get one published, several published to get one bestseller, and then several best seller books to have one turned into a film (Me Before You).  I found her to be truly inspiring.  You can tell she’s an incredibly hard worker.

What book inspires you and why?

I would have to say The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  I love how it’s about a female writer who stands up for what she believes in.  There’s also a little bit of mystery in it because as you’re reading you want to know more about the lives of these women.  I’m also a huge fan of historical fiction, so it’s everything I love about books poured into one novel.  And have you seen the movie? Talk about female power.  I was also inspired by Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult recently.  Schools should integrate it into their English curriculum. It’s pivotal.

Which literary character would you like to play?

I would love to play Zelda Fitzgerald.  I read Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Anne Fowler, and I really got into her head.  I also LOVE the 1920’s era.  It’s kind of cool that she is a character in several novels, as well as the wife of one of the greatest authors of all time.  I mean Zelda was a pretty amazing woman… who kind of went crazy, but we’ll set that aside.

If you could be friends with any of the characters you have played, who would it be and why?

Probably Serena in Legally Blonde because she would teach me how to properly “bend and snap.”

What book would you like to see made into a movie/musical/play?

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult.  There is a huge plot twist… can’t say much more or I’ll ruin it for you.

What is the next book on your reading list?

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng.  It takes place in a suburb of Cleveland (my hometown) and it’s on Reese Witherspoon’s book list… and she KNOWS how to pick good books.

What show are you working on now?

Right now I am in Guys and Dolls at the Fulton Theatre, and before this contract I was on the national tour of Annie as Lily St. Regis.

What is your favorite show you’ve been a part of and why?

I feel like ANY show where I have had the chance to work with amazing people and spend time onstage is a blessing.  But I have to say being Lily St. Regis in Annie was a total blast!

Mallory and I backstage in Guys and Dolls at The Fulton Theatre

I will feature a new performer every month! I would love some suggestions for questions you would like to ask, or things you want to know!  Leave them in the comments and I will add them to future interviews!  Thanks to my old friend, and college theatre buddy, Mallory, for sharing with us!  It’s always fun to swap books with you 🙂

Broadway Book Chat: Synthia Link from Frozen

As an actor, every job you do, you make a new family. There is something special about theatre and its ability to bring people together in a way that is unlike any other. I have made so many amazing friends throughout my career, and many of them share my love of books and literature. Since theatre brings stories to life, I thought I would feature some of my favorite performers (my fabulous friends and castmates) and see what their bookshelves look like! Welcome to my Broadway Book Chat!

Synthia Link

Currently in Disney’s Frozen on Broadway

www.cookiestokale.com

instagram: @SynthiaLink

What are you currently reading?

I’m currently reading What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty. I really love her writing and the way she formats her novels. I can’t put it down!

What is your favorite book series?

Hands down Harry Potter. I’ve re-read them so many times and each time I’m totally absorbed in the story. I remember reading the first book and wishing that Hogwarts was real (but seriously, who doesn’t)

Who is your favorite author?

I’ve got so many, but right now I’m loving Jeannette Walls.

What book inspires you and why?

I feel like we take a little bit of each book we read with us. My husband and I like to read Walt Whitman’s poetry from Leaves of Grass. We use his words to help us create music and spark our artistic sides. His poetry really inspires thoughtful and analytical conversation. I like to think each book leaves me with a new outlook.

If you could be friends with any of the characters you have played, who would it be and why?

I would definitely want to be friends with Inga from Young Frankenstein. She’shilarious and sweet and just genuinely loving.

What book would you like to see made into a movie/musical/play?

I think The Orphan Train by Steve Brigman would be an incredible play or film!
Also, Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides would make a really compelling film.

What is your favorite show you have been a part of so far and why?

This is a tough one. I would have to say Bullets Over Broadway. It was my third Broadway show and second original company. I remember going on as Ellen and being so overwhelmed with the audience response after her song “Found a New Baby”. There is NOTHING better than belting for your life, center stage, on Broadway.

What is the next book on your reading list?

Silver Star (Told you I loved Jeannette Walls).

What show are you working on now?

Currently I’m in Frozen!!! I’m in the ensemble. I can’t wait to share this gorgeous show with the world!!!!

Check out Synthia and the cast of Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical beginning previews TODAY at The St. James Theatre in NYC!

www.frozenthemusical.com

I will feature a new performer every month! I would love some suggestions for questions you would like to ask, or things you want to know!  Leave them in the comments and I will add them to future interviews! A million thanks to Synthia for sharing with us while preparing to open a new Broadway show! Best of luck to the whole cast and crew and congrats! ❤

Broadway Book Chat: Mychal Phillips

As an actor, every job you do, you make a new family. There is something special about theatre and its ability to bring people together in a way that is unlike any other. I have made so many amazing friends throughout my career, and many of them share my love of books and literature. Since theatre brings stories to life, I thought I would feature some of my favorite performers (my fabulous friends and castmates) and see what their bookshelves look like! Welcome to my Broadway Book Chat!

Mychal Phillips

Currently Paulette in the International Tour of Legally Blonde

www.MychalPhillips.com

instagram: @girlnamedmych

What are you currently reading?

Hunger by Roxane Gay. I love a good memoir.

What is your favorite book series?

To go the classic route, I absolutely adores The Chronicles of Narnia growing up.  The world C.S. Lewis created is so magical to me, and I’d love to revisit those as an adult!  In a totally different vein, I just finished The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson, and I am completely hooked now.  So that series is probably going to rank pretty high up there as well.

Who is your favorite author?

I don’t have a favorite, but I’ve been on a real Brene Brown kick lately.  She has a knack for speaking some TRUTHS exactly when and how I need to hear them.

What book inspires you and why?

I recently read Jodi Picoult’s Small Great Things, and it challenged the way I think about racism. I love books that infiltrate your life in that way. I think about it on the train, at work, and in everyday conversation.  Also I couldn’t answer this question without mentioning both “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron and “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert. Total game changer books that I return to whenever I need a creative lift.

Which literary character would you like to play?

Hmm. Maybe Dagny in Atlas Shrugged. Or, like, if Dagny had a quirky best friend. That would be me.

If you could be friends with any of the characters you have played, who would it be and why?

I’d totally be friends with Paulette from Legally Blonde, who I’m playing now! She knows who she is and doesn’t apologize for it, and she is a loyal & loving friend. And she gets to own a French bulldog.

What book would you like to see made into a movie/musical/play?

It already happened! I was thrilled when Matilda became a musical and I loved every second of it.

What is the next book on your reading list?

Of Mess and Moxie by Jen Hatmaker

Where has your tour been?

We just spent 5 weeks in China! I had a blast but don’t need to see a dumpling again for a long while.

I will feature a new performer every month! I would love some suggestions for questions you would like to ask, or things you want to know!  Leave them in the comments and I will add them to future interviews! Huge thanks to Mychal for sharing with us! ❤

Broadway Book Chat: Erica Stephan

As an actor, every job you do, you make a new family. There is something special about theatre and its ability to bring people together in a way that is unlike any other. I have made so many amazing friends throughout my career, and many of them share my love of books and literature. Since theatre brings stories to life, I thought I would feature some of my favorite performers (my fabulous friends and castmates) and see what their bookshelves look like! Welcome to my Broadway Book Chat!

Erica Stephan

Last seen at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

Instagram: @the.elf.shop

What are you currently reading?

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

What is your favorite book series?

My favorite book series is Harry Potter. I have read all of them more than 5 times. I obsess over fantasy books all the time…I nerd so hard…. but the Harry Potter obsession never fades. That being said, the Lord of the Rings books are a really close second. J.K. and J.R.R are magic.

Who is your favorite author?

These are so hard to narrow down!! But I have to say J.K. Rowling. Although that is a very standard response, and there are so many unbelievable fantasy authors I admire…she is my go to. If I could sit down and talk to anyone I would call up JK Rowling. I have SO MANY QUESTIONS.

What book inspires you and why?

Honestly, all the Dr. Seuss books. The colors, images, and words from those books have stuck with me since I was little. They are so unbelievably creative and inspire me to invent whatever the hell I want. I like to think the inside of my brain looks like a Dr. Seuss page.

Which literary character would you like to play?

I would love to play Éowyn from Lord of the Rings. I have a speech of hers underlined in my book with the page marked and I’m waiting for the day I can use it as a monologue.

What book would you like to see made into a musical/play/movie?

I really hope “The Princess Bride” musical happens in my lifetime. ITS GOTTA HAPPEN. I would love to see it with a sort of “man in chair” a la drowsy chaperone type of narration because the voice that William Goldman uses to narrate and write the book in is hilarious. It is like the movie amplified by ten. I laughed out loud multiple times reading that book. Any fans of the movie must read the book. Its incredible. Also, anxiously awaiting “The Name of the Wind” series that is in the works…..and the third book. Need it yesterday.

What is next on your reading list?

The next book on my reading list is “Clash of Kings”. I just started diving into the Game of Thrones series. I caught up on the tv show… which is shocking because I’ve truthfully never watched an entire show in my life… and I am now deeply obsessed. I had to start reading the books to get more info on the plot lines and characters. I’m also excited to see where the books and show branch off from one another as I get deeper into the series.

What was the last show you were in and who did you play?

The last show I was in was “Madagascar” the musical at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. I played “Private” the penguin and “Mort” the lemur. It was a blast. I’ve never sweat so much during a show…So much sweating. So many puppets. So many children.

You have an amazing side business. What is the story behind The Elf Shop?

The Elf Shop is my small jewelry and craft business. I officially started it in 2014 when I launched a website and etsy page, but it’s been around since I was little. I have always loved making handmade gifts…One of my favorite things to do is create and invent specific crafts for people based on things they love. I started calling it “elfing” when I was little. Because around Christmas time especially, I was always in my room being “an elf”. I would really like to get that verb in the dictionary one day. I had a shop in the attic of our house that I would craft in all the time….and then in the basement of my house in college. Now, the elf shop takes up the majority of my living room haha. (Shoutout to my roommate and sister Becca for accepting that she has a mini hobby lobby where a tv would be)

Where can people see/buy your creations?

You can see and buy my creations at www.theelfshop.net. Or check out my etsy page @theelfshop21.

I will feature a new performer every month! I would love some suggestions for questions you would like to ask, or things you want to know!  Leave them in the comments and I will add them to future interviews! A major thank you to the actual best human I have ever met, Erica, for sharing with us! You’re magical. ❤

Broadway Book Chat: Melissa Weyn

As an actor, every job you do, you make a new family.  There is something special about theatre and it’s ability to bring people together in a way that is unlike any other.  I have made so many amazing friends throughout my career, and many of them share my love of books and literature.  Since theatre brings stories to life, I thought I would feature some of my favorite performers (my fabulous friends and castmates) and see what their bookshelves look like! Welcome to my Broadway Book Chat!

Melissa Weyn

Currently touring the U.S. with The Sound of Music

http://www.melissaweyn.com

instagram: @melweyn

What are you currently reading?

I am currently reading Rupi Kaur’s new book, The Sun and Her Flowers.  She is one of my favorite poets, along with Nayyirah Waheed.

What is your favorite book series?

My favorite book series is Harry Potter…. I mean, duh.

Who is your favorite author?

My favorite author…. That’s tough.  I would have to say Lois Lowry.  She was the first author who made me want to read more when I was younger.

What book inspires you and why?

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Wells is one of my all time favorites.  Her candidness about her upbringing is captivating.  It motivates me to carve through life’s turbulence, no matter the circumstance, and strive to be a better human.  It also inspires me to take a true look at my life and humbles me.  We take so much for granted sometimes– I am overflowing with things to be thankful for.

Which literary character would you like to play?

I would love to play Jo March from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women in a play or musical adaptation of some sort.  I have loved that book since I was little, and I just relate to her fire.  Her spirit is so well depicted and just glorious.

What book would you like to see made into a musical/play/movie?

I would love to see The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah be turned into a movie.  That book wrecked me in the best way.  It’s about two sisters in France in World War II, and the roles they play as women in the war.  Hannah’s writing is like a painting and I think it would be a beautiful movie.

Where is your favorite place you have visited on tour?

Vancouver is FOR SURE my fave so far.

What is the next book on your reading list?

I honestly think I am going to re-read the Harry Potter series.  Being on tour, I feel like it’s the perfect bus read!  I also want to read All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.  I’ve had multiple people tell me it’s a MUST.

Catch Melissa and the rest of the cast of The Sound of Music on tour around the US!

http://thesoundofmusicontour.com/

I will feature a new performer every month! I would love some suggestions for questions you would like to ask, or things you want to know!  Leave them in the comments and I will add them to future interviews! Thanks to my beautiful and loving friend Melissa for sharing with us!  She’s the real deal y’all. ❤

October 2017 Wrap-Up

I can’t believe October is already over! I was all over the place, visiting family and friends and watching my sister STAR as Elle Woods in her high school musical, so my blogging and reading was a little slow this month.  I am getting ready to leave for LONDON with my best friend tonight, and most likely won’t be blogging much for the next two weeks either!  All this traveling has thrown my blog “schedule” (HA HA) off a bit, but I am so excited and will for sure have some exciting things to share when I get back!

Books Read:

Currently Reading:

Broadway Book Chat: Conor McGiffin from A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder

October Reviews:

Sparked by Helena Echlin and Malena Watrous

October Posts:

Top Ten Tuesday: Top 10 Book Boyfriends

Emperor’s New Clothes Tag

Top Ten Tuesday: Books That Give Me The Fall Feels

Halloween Book Tag

Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Literary Characters I Would Dress As for Halloween

 

Broadway Book Chat: Conor McGiffin

As an actor, every job you do, you make a new family.  There is something special about theatre and its ability to bring people together in a way that is unlike any other.  I have made so many amazing friends throughout my career, and many of them share my love of books and literature.  Since theatre brings stories to life, I thought I would feature some of my favorite performers (my fabulous friends and castmates) and see what their bookshelves look like! Welcome to my Broadway Book Chat!

Conor McGiffin

Currently on tour with A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder

www.conormcgiffin.com

instagram: @mcdiva92

What are you currently reading?

Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts

What is your favorite book series?

The comic book series Watchmen, by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons.  It is the only comic book series I have read multiple times.  It is so deep and intense and the mysteries that are put forward are some of the most engrossing stories I have ever read.  It takes the whole genre and turns it on its head.

Who is your favorite author?

Can I say more than one? When I was in 5th and 6th grade I had a very intense book affair with R.L. Stein.  I would sneak away at lunch to finish my book and check out a new one from the library.  Throughout my life, I would have to say J.K. Rowling.  As a total acting nerd, I also have to mention Uta Hagen.

What book inspires you and why?

The book I am currently reading, Shantaram, inspires me.  It really gets me to not take things for granted, and to know that no matter bad you think your life is right now, it can always be worse, but you can climb out of it as well.

Which literary character would you like to play?

Richard III

What book would you like to see turned into a movie/musical/play?

I would like to see The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien as a movie.  The Vietnam backdrop would be cinematically enthralling.

What book is next on your reading list?

Under the Wide and Starry Sky by Nancy Horan

 

Check out Conor and the rest of the cast of A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder on tour throughout the US!

www.gentlemansguideontour.com

I will feature a new performer every month! I would love some suggestions for questions you would like to ask, or things you want to know!  Leave them in the comments and I will add them to future interviews! Thanks to my amazing boyfriend, Conor, for sharing with us! 🙂 ❤