Workshop Performance of GABI GOES GREEN at GSP

Today, we put librettist Barry Wyner's and composer Daniel Israel's new musical, Gabi Goes Green, on its feet! We spent two weeks rehearsing for a workshop presentation of the show, which we performed here at George Street Playhouse. We'll be leaving rehearsals to go on the road with our other shows for a while, but when we return in March we'll start adding all the fun production values like sets and costumes. According to design concepts, we're all going to have shiny green superhero jumpsuits. 

Originating a role has been one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. I can't wait for people to see this show fully produced. What makes it especially fun is the fact that the show is about an issue that really matters to me - climate change. I love that George Street is taking the initiative to bring awareness to students in a really accessible way. More news (and photos) to come as Gabi Goes Green develops!

A Week of Openings

Things have been crazy at George Street - we opened three of our four touring shows over this past week. Our first school performances of Peacemaker, New Kid, and Austin the Unstoppable were all awesome. The students responded so vocally that it felt like we were performing with a laugh track, and they made really insightful comments in our post-play discussions. I also took my first turn driving the tour van a long distance, and no one got hurt, so that's a success in and of itself. Here's to more safe travels for the touring crew at GSP. 

Backstage before our first show of New Kid at Lord Stirling Elementary in New Brunswick. 

Some shots throughout our two show opening day of Austin the Unstoppable. Adam got stuck in his seatbelt, which was a highlight. 

Peacemaker performance at Boyd Park. 

Upcoming Peacemaker Public Performance: September 27

We're doing a free public performance of Peacemaker, a children's show about accepting people who are different from you and loving your neighbor. It will take place on Saturday, September 27, 3:00pm at Boyd Park in New Brunswick, NJ. My four year old niece is coming and I know she is DEFINITELY going to be into it. Here's me looking hot in rehearsal. 

Rocking half the costume. 

Reading of Gabi Goes Green! at GSP

Had a great time working on this brand new musical by Barry Wyner and Daniel Israel! We'll be revisiting this beautiful and hilarious show in February, when we'll be mounting a fully-produced version at George Street Playhouse. 

Bottom Left: Cody Owen-Stein, Daniel Israel, Brittany Sambogna, Sarah Cassell, Kelly Kirkley, Adam McDowell, Jim Jack, Barry Wyner, Stephanie O'Brien

First Day of Rehearsal at George Street Playhouse

So begins my 9-month journey around New Jersey. I have to learn five different shows by the end of September. I'll be performing Peacemaker by David Holmann, New Kid by Dennis Foon, IRL by R.N. Sandburg, and Austin the Unstoppable by Barry Wyner and Daniel Israel. On top of those, we are premiering a brand new show, Gabi Goes Green, also by Wyner and Israel, in February. Can't wait to get started!