For a long time, the idea of performing a concert as myself filled me with dread. The comfort of character roles had always been my shield, and the thought of singing without that veil was genuinely terrifying. Yet, there were rare moments of bravery, or perhaps skillful emotional persuasion, where I would agree to sing a song as myself at a gala or special event. Each time, I was struck by the profound connection that blossomed between me and the audience, a feeling unlike anything I experienced through character work.
This nascent desire to connect directly led to a pivotal moment in 2009. I received an invitation to participate in the prestigious American Songbook Series at New York’s Lincoln Center. Despite the fear gnawing at me, I took a deep breath and said, “Yes.” This decision sparked an incredible chain of events, transforming my career in ways I could never have imagined. Three remarkable outcomes emerged from this single leap of faith:
- I confronted my deepest fear and did it anyway. This act of courage was in itself a victory, proving to myself that I could step outside my comfort zone and thrive.
- I discovered an unexpected joy in performing as myself. The direct interaction with the audience, the vulnerability, and the authenticity of the experience were profoundly rewarding.
- A completely new career path unfolded before me – a world of concerts beckoning from across the globe. This opportunity to share my own voice, without the mask of a character, was exhilarating.
Just weeks after that transformative American Songbook premiere, I found myself in Australia, ready to perform at the Mardi Gras festival. It was there that I presented a song with a rather intriguing title: “I Bought A Blue Car Today.” This performance resonated deeply and became more than just a song; it became a symbol of this new chapter. That summer, the momentum continued as I recorded an album, aptly named “I Bought A Blue Car Today,” which was released to eager audiences in the fall.
The “blue car” journey was just beginning. In September, the show took to the stage of the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End, further solidifying this concert career. Upon my return to the United States, a flurry of performances followed, including dates at the Orange County Performing Arts Center, the Dallas 2X2 festival, and the intimate High Line Ballroom in New York City. I also enjoyed two remarkable week-long engagements at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles, each performance building upon the last and expanding the reach of this newfound artistic expression.
The year culminated with a return to Australia, this time for performances at the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Brisbane Powerhouse. Throughout this incredible concert journey, I was fortunate to be joined by my exceptional musical director, Lance Horne. His collaboration and musical genius were integral to bringing these performances to life and shaping this exciting new phase of my career, all sparked by the courage to step onto the stage as myself and the symbolic drive of a “blue car.”
