Tuesday, February 24, 2009

We're Kind of A Big Deal. . . In Japan

The time has come!!! As many of you know, I have been working on this cabaret for the past few months, and now we are ready to rip of the band-aid and see what we've got. . .
But with the Talent involved on this, it's sure to be genius! Katie Thompson musically directing, my fellow Elphaba Lara Janine, my roommate and Rent star Jen Talton, and her tour mate Christine Dwyer. If you're in New York on March 2nd, you absolutely must come to the Laurie Beechman Theatre at 9:30pm and watch us throw down!!! Hope to see you all there!

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Thanks to Peter Chen for his photography skilz!!

Monday, February 23, 2009

My "Hubby"

You may have heard me refer at various times in the last year to my beloved "husband." Sorry for all the confusion, and just to clarify, my left hand is still ringless. . .
However, in Japan, I had the blessed opportunity to meet one of the most incredible and generous people I've ever met. Ralph Meitzler was a dancer in my cast of Wicked, and now back in New York, he is ready to stake his claim on Broadway not only with his dancing, but with his incredible voice, great acting, and seriously manly looks!
Last week, we had gorgeous weather, so I called Ralph up, and he ran over for a quick mini-shoot!
Here's the results.

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I had to put this in there, cause. . . can we just talk about the size of that arm???
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Magic at the Rainbow Room

When I was asked to come as a 3rd shooter on a wedding at the Rainbow Room last month, I almost passed out. Not only was it my first time there, but this stunning Jewish wedding was easily the most expensive wedding I'd ever been to!
As the 3rd shooter on this wedding, I had to work some pretty tricky angles, so you'd find me throughout the night lying flat on the floor and climbing on top of balconies to get the good angles.
I just have to point out, these pictures do not belong to me (as I was just brought on to help out) but it was too beautiful of a night not to share.

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The prime shooter at center, 2nd shooter just to the left, videographer just to the right, and the lighting assistant in the rear right. . . I chose to shoot on the balcony!
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The Chuppah
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The Bride and her Maid of Honor reflected in the water.
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Crossing Cultures: Rena & Fabien

They met at 17 when Rena spent a summer in France in a student exchange program. When the summer ended, their romance did not. And when Rena returned to New York, the distance didn't last long either.
Rena, a fellow Lulu, is a woman who never ceases to amaze me! She works at ABC with Barbara Walters, among other legends, speaks not only her native Japanese, but also fluent French, and giggles so much, you can't help but giggle right along with her!
Fabien, her sweet French fiance, is pretty amazing as well. Soon, he will have his PhD, and is also trilingual!
For their engagement photos, we went to the Palace Hotel. Rena's mother, aunts and uncle came along both for moral support and to make sure her beautiful kimono in place! She looked stunning, turning heads everywhere we went.
After the shoot, I got to linger in my Japanese memories as we shared a meal at Rena's Uncle's famous Japanese restaurant nearby! It was an amazing meal, an amazing day, I must say, "Tre Jolie," and "Arrigato!"


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