“Adaumbelle’s Quest” 2nd Anniversary

Photo by Ben Strothmann

I am so honored to be celebrating my 2nd Anniversary here at “Adaumbelle’s Quest.” It has been very exciting to have the continued opportunity to bring my love of entertainment and interviewing to so many people. I’m very humbled by the growth of “Adaumbelle’s Quest” in this second year and hope that this expansion continues.

I may be the face of this site, but “Adaumbelle’s Quest” would not be without each and everyone of you:

Every performer and artist I have had the opportunity to interview. The fact that you took time out of your lives to answer my questions is truly a dream come true for me.

Every press agent who has taken the time to help me get so many of my participants. I would not have been able to interview them without your assistance!

Each and every person who takes the time to read “Adaumbelle’s Quest,” whether it’s on a daily, weekly, monthly, or a whenever I can basis. I’m thrilled to have your support and the reality that I have fans is another dream come true for me.

My many friends who provide me with guidance and support, allow me to talk their ear off about ideas, always there to answer my infinite amount of computer questions, and those who help me with my logos, business cards, and buttons. How would I manage this all on my own? I’m so lucky to have you in my life!

ITBA for your support and giving me a place to meet other theater bloggers.

My family for their constant love and support.

Photo by Ben Strothmann

So once again, thank you everyone from the bottom of my heart for all of the time, support, and love you give to me and this site. I’m amazed by these two years, not only of the growth of this site, but how this site has affected my personal growth. I’m so fortunate to have it and I don’t take anyone who has ever had an interaction with this site for granted. Thank you for sticking by me and I hope you all continue to do so!

This year, I’ve decided to interview myself again as a special anniversary treat (click here for my 1st Anniversary celebration). I hope you enjoy getting to know me a little bit more.

1. How do you decide who you want to interview? Initially it was artists and performers I have been a long time fan of, but it quickly became an outlet to also promote new talent I’m introduced to.

2. Who has been your best and worst interview? You’ll have to wait for the book on this one! (hahahaha)…Seriously though, I just feel fortunate I’ve gotten to interview everyone I have because it’s been a dream of mine to be part of the entertainment community and I finally feel like I’m starting to move in.

3. What are some of the most popular answers? That’s really tough because everyone is so individualized in their answers, but if I had to choose, many people answer Meryl Streep when I ask “Who is the one person you haven’t worked with that you would like to?”

It’s pretty divided between Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts or they don’t like corporate coffee places when I ask “Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts?” It’s also pretty divided between “Superman” or “Wonder Woman,” though every now and then someone gets upset I only give choices for DC Comics. The reasoning behind that is growing up I wasn’t a big comic book fan, so when I watched superhero cartoons on TV, I didn’t know one was DC and one was Marvel. To me it was just a superhero. Plus, when I was thinking of these questions, I thought if two superheros were to have it out, it would be “Superman” and “Wonder Woman.”

For “Boxers or Briefs”…most people answer boxer briefs, but briefs do seem to win out more over boxes, unless they go commando.

4. Favorite place to write? My apartment and sometimes on vacation, but anywhere that can just allow me to be with my thoughts and little distraction.

5. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? “The impossible is something that hasn’t been tried”–Ernst Bulova. “You can’t get a yes without asking the question.”–Bob Trautman.

6. What’s your proudest moment? The moment I realized I am finally living the life I always dreamed for myself, just in a completely different way than I imagined.

7. Favorite way to spend your day off? Sleeping in, going to the gym, catching up on TV shows, hanging with friends, taking a nap, going for a walk, or drinking a vanilla chai tea latte.

8. Favorite skin care product? Origins…Perfect World Toner, Perfect World for Eyes, Matte Scientist (which they recently discontinued…please bring it back!), Never A Dull Moment, Skin Diver, Checks and Balances, and Firefighter. I also used to love Susan Lucci’s hair care products and her Youthful Essence Microdermabrasion.

9. Favorite TV Show? I’m sure there are many more, but this is what I could remember. Now: “90210,” “Desperate Housewives,” “Brothers and Sisters,” “Modern Family,” “Glee,” “Cougar Town,” “Mike and Molly,” “Hot in Cleveland,” and “Raising Hope.” Then: “The Golden Girls,” “Family Ties,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Saved By The Bell,” “California Dreams,” “Beverly Hills 90210,” “Melrose Place,” “Donna Reed,” “Bewitched,” “Punky Brewster,” “Mr. Belvedere,” “Diff’rent Strokes,” “Silver Spoons,” “He-Man,” “She-Ra,” “GI Joe,” “Superfriends,” “Wonder Woman,” “Ellen” (TV sitcom), “The Class,” “Gobots,” “Jem and the Holograms,” “Bette,” “Sordid Lives: The Series,” “It’s All Relative,” “Strong Medicine,” “Any Day Now,” and “The Practice.”

10. Favorite Comedian? Ellen DeGeneres, Wendy Liebman, Sandra Bernhard, Jessica Kirson, Leslie Jordan, Chelsea Handler, and Julie Halston.

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. Favorite kind of sundae? Cookies & Cream ice cream with rainbow sprinkles.

12. Peanut Butter: Crunchy or Smooth? Smooth, so it spreads perfectly when I make my yummy peanut butter and cheese sandwiches!

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Review: “The Roads I’m Taking: The Musicals of Bobby Cronin”

Every performer has dreams of being able to share their craft with the greater masses. For many, that dream does not come true, but there are a select few who get to live that dream and one of those select few is award winning singer/songwriter (and fellow “Adaumbelle’s Quest” participant) Bobby Cronin. On Monday, November 29, I got to be in the audience as one of Bobby’s dreams came true when he got to perform “The Roads I’m Taking: The Musicals of Bobby Cronin” to a sold-out crowd at NYC’s famed jazz club Birdland as part of Jim Caruso’s “Broadway at Birdland” series. Jim doesn’tallow just anyone perform in his series, he always picks the creme of the crop, and Bobby Cronin is part of that crop!

Performing selections from six of the musicals Bobby wrote the music and lyrics for, Bobby was joined on stage by a host of Broadway talent including fellow “Adaumbelle’s Quest” participants Tituss Burgess (Guys & Dolls, Little Mermaid), Kate Pazakis (Jerry Springer, South Pacific), Andrew Kober (Hair), Autumn Hurlbert (Legally Blonde), Jenn Furman (Wicked National Tour), Erik Sisco (Stonewall Sensation), as well as Andrew Samonsky (South Pacific), Dee Roscioli (Wicked), Gerard Canonico (American Idiot, Spring Awakening), Carrie Manolakos (Mamma Mia, Wicked), Katrina Rose Diderickson (Hairspray, Jerry Springer), Ceili O’Connor (UK Wizard Of Oz), Geoffrey Kidwell, Ashley Dawn Mortensen, PJ Verica, David Gordon, and the winners of “The Rising Star Contest” Emily Kay Shrader and David Tomczak.

Bobby started the show off with “The Roads We’ve Taken” from “Daybreak” (books, music, & lyrics by Bobby Cronin), a 90-minute musical journey of family secrets, lost dreams, unexpected love, and forgiveness. Like Madonna, Bobby knows how to get the audience “Into The Groove.” “The Roads We’ve Taken” is a song about friendship and how all roads lead back to it.

Kate Pazakis and Andrew Samonsky then took the stage to perform “Come Here Boy” and “8:01” from “Cryana” (book by Crystal Skillman, music & lyrics by Bobby Cronin) which is a modern twist on the Cyrano story. “Come Here Boy” is a song with a double meaning…Kate’s character is singing about trying to reel Andrew’s character in by giving him advice about how to get his dog to listen to him while Andrew’s character is trying to get his dog to listen. By the end of the song, both characters have a date together. Kate and Andrew have great chemistry together on stage and their vocals match wonderfully, both giving big powerful belts to express their emotion. As great as they are together, both performers are able to hold their own. “8:01” is sung by Andrew’s character alone as he is stood up by Kate’s character. Andrew communicates his emotions wonderfully using his vocal talents and really shined as he sung out!

Keeping the energy going was Ceili O’Connor and Dee Roscioli performing two more songs from “Daybreak.” Ceili, who came over from London just for Bobby’s concert sang “A Girl’s Dream” all about a girl dreaming big and Dee sang “Move On” about a girl moving on to bigger and better things. Both performers gave a fine performance demonstrating their powerhouse vocals!

Next up was Andrew Kober, Carrie Manolakos, Ashley Dawn Mortensen, and Geoffrey Kidwell performing songs from “‘Til Death Do Us Part” (book by Allen Mogol, music & lyrics by Bobby Cronin) about a small town minister on the rise, who meets Mary, the love of his life. Who could have imagined the ugly secrets so carefully hidden until murder intervened? All four performers sang “‘Til Death Do Us Part” about finding your true love until death. Together, they sounded great and separately, they held their own. Andrew then sang “Just Choose Right” which really allowed him to shine using his big booming voice as he sings about choosing “right” over “wrong.” Next, Carrie joined Andrew on “Perfect,” which mended their voices together perfectly, yet each performer still able to shine individually.

The next two performers who took the stage were Emily Kay Shrader and David Tomczak, the winners of Bobby’s “The Rising Star Contest” where he asked performers who have never been on Broadway to submit a video of them performing one of his songs. Bobby had this contest because so many people have given Bobby a chance over the years, he wanted to return that favor to two people who had the same dream. With over 100 entries, Bobby and Brett Teresa narrowed down the winners to Emily & David. At a mere 18 years old, Emily has the powerhouse vocals of a seasoned performer while David just out of college, has the voice to match! Emily and David sang “Is This Love” from “A Christmas Carol” (by Angelyn Fullarton and Bobby Cronin) which is the classic Christmas story told through the eyes of five modern-day kids. It was evident these two were so excited to perform and to say they brought down the house is an understatement. The cheers and applause after they sang was evidence the crowd was dazzled and moved!

The next show presented was “Welcome To My Life” (book by Alicia Dempster and Bobby Cronin, music & lyrics by Bobby Cronin) is a powerful, raw, and inspiring pop/rock musical about real issues faced by today’s teens. Bad-boy Cody is sent to a wilderness intervention program where he joins four painfully troubled teens who, with the tough-love of three counselors, embark on a journey toward finding self-worth and forgiveness. Gerard Canonico and Katrina Rose Dideriksen performed 2 songs each. Gerard sang “Run Away/Fine is All I’ve Got” chronicling Cody’s troubled past and current state and “Reach The Sky” a song of hope that one day he’ll make it. Gerard’s vocals are powerful and rough like a rock star which fits perfectly for these songs. Katrina sang “Wilted” about her character’s troubles and “Dear Daddy” a letter her character wrote to her deceased father. I was so moved by the vocal talent that came out of Katrina…she has everything I love in a performer from rich vocals to a soulful powerhouse belt!

Following in their footsteps, were Autumn Hurlbert, Jenn Furman, Erik Sisco, and Geoffrey Kidwell who sang from “Ten Reasons I Won’t Go Home With You” (Book by Kelly Nichols and music & lyrics by Bobby Cronin, et al) for which Bobby, et al  received the 2010 Midtown International Theatre Festival award for “Outstanding Music & Lyrics.” All four performers sang “Lucky In Love” about each of their hopes in finding love. Again, Bobby chose sings who’s vocals work well together, yet allows each one to shine on their own. After that Autumn and Jenn performed “You Deserve Better” a hilarious and true song about how their character’s deserve much better than the boys they’ve dated. Putting these two powerhouse vocalists together was a brilliant idea! Both Jenn and Autumn have powerful belts along with strong vocals and putting them together makes for quite an enjoyable time added to their comedic talents, makes them perfect for performing together, but yet as all the previous group songs, holding their own.

Bobby must have known that saving this next performer and song for last was the way to make sure his show ended on a high note! Tituss Burgess took the stage (and the piano) to sing “The Best Is Yet To Come” from “Welcome To My Life” a positively hopeful song about holding on through the bad times because “The Best Is Yet To Come” (this song should not only become everyone’s personal anthem, but a national anthem as well). Tituss hit all the right notes so perfectly and beautifully, with such heart and soul, that the evening ended with a standing-ovation and cheering/applause that could have been heard throughout Times Square. I e-mailed Bobby right away telling him this song with Tituss singing it needs to be recorded as a single!

Every performer has a dream and for Bobby Cronin, his dreams are coming true because more than anything, he is an incredibly talented singer/songwriter, but also because he’s kind, caring, dedicated to his craft and performers and because he believes in himself and his talent. If Monday’s concert was any indication of what’s in store for Bobby, it surely is that “The Best Is Yet To Come” for Bobby Cronin! Stay tuned to “Adaumbelle’s Quest” because you’re gonna see a lot more of Bobby…

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Jenn Furman

Powerhouse vocals, comedic timing, talent, and a booming personality are just some ways to describe Jenn Furman, performer extraordinaire! Hailing from Trenton, NJ, Jenn’s performing started out like many, doing after school plays, but for Jenn, performing became her passion! From US to International Tours to regional productions, Jenn has dazzled the world with her talent: “Fanny Brice” in “Funny Girl,” “Eva Peron” in “Evita,” “Reno Sweeney” in “Anything Goes,” “Miss Flannery” in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “The Acid Queen” in “The Who’s Tommy,” “Miss Hannigan” in “Annie,” “Mama” in “Chicago,” and “Woman #2” in “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” Jenn spent 2009 and most of 2010 touring the country with the 2nd National Tour of “Wicked” as “The Midwife,” and understudied “Madame Morrible,” getting to perform the role several times. Jenn’s voice and talent are one to be recognized and viewed. So be sure to catch Jenn belting it out on November 29 at Birdland in NYC as part of “Bobby Cronin’s: The Roads I’m Taking.” For more on Jenn and her talent be sure to visit theBestArts.com!

1. Who inspired you to become a performer? The first time I saw the movie Hello, Dolly!, I was SMITTEN with Barbra. I was playing that role in the school play at the time, and I wanted to be just like her….only with a retainer. She was my first true inspiration; living proof that being different is a good thing.

2. What is the highest and lowest note you can sing? My range is about C below middle C to high C. Maybe I can go higher on a good day…..

3. Who is the one person you haven’t worked with that you would like to? There’s a MILLION people I’d love to work with!!! But, working with Mary Testa would be pretty amazing. I think she’s hilarious!

4. Do you have any rituals that must do before a show? On most show days, I like to get a good sweat session in during the day. It gives me confidence, and warms up my lungs and voice. And, of course, the obligatory vocal warmup. How do you decompress after a show? Afterwards, it depends on the night, but some vino and good conversation is always a great way to unwind.

5. Do you have any strange or unusual talent that nobody knows about? I have always loved drawing. If I weren’t in this business, I’d love to illustrate children’s books. I can also make some pretty hideous faces.

6. Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts? What do you order? Starbucks for the Americano, Dunkin’ Donuts for the Hazelnut.

7. Favorite skin care product? I recently started using Vitamin E ointment with my normal products. You just put it on at night, and in the morning, it’s all absorbed. I swear some wrinkles have disappeared! And it’s cheap!

8. Favorite kind of shoes? I will never be without a good, sexy pair of black heels. EVER. And my sneakers!

9. Favorite website? Right now, I’m kind of addicted to cuteoverload.com.

10. Superman or Wonder Woman? Poison Ivy 😉

BONUS QUESTIONS:

11. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Some of the best advice I’ve ever received is from my parents. They always taught me to a) love who I am, and not try to be anyone else b) be diplomatic. I still try to live by that advice every day.

12. If you could dream about anyone while you sleep, who would ti be? My husband, Johnathan. Always 🙂

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Bobby Cronin at Birdland 11/29

On November 29, 2010 at 7pm, Jim Caruso’s “Broadway at Birdland” will be presenting an evening of amazing talent: “The Roads I’m Taking: the music and lyrics of Bobby Cronin!” Joining Bobby on stage will be fellow “Adaumbelle’s Quest” participants Tituss Burgess, Autumn Hurlbert, Kate Pazakis, Andrew Kober, Erik Sisco, and upcoming participant Jenn Furman along with Gerard Canonico, Allison Case, Katrina Rose Diderickson, Carrie Manolakos, Ceili O’Connor, Dee Roscioli, Andrew Samonsky, David Gordon, Geoffrey Kidwell, Ashley Dawn Mortenson, and PJ Verica.

If you’ve never attended a Bobby Cronin concert, now would be a good time! His music will move you, his words will inspire you, and the talent (both his and those performing) will leaving you wanting more!

So come on down to Birdland on Monday, November 29 at 7pm for an unforgettable evening of music, song, and talent! Click here for tickets!

After Bobby’s concert, double treat yourself and stay for Jim Caruso’s Cast Party–Broadway’s open mic, for you never who might just step up and sing!

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Recap: Out of Darkness: Walk to Prevent Suicide

This past Sunday (October 24), I participated in “Out of Darkness: The Walk To Prevent Suicide,” walking with “The Beaten Path” team. Along with 800 other walkers, we walked over the Brooklyn Bridge and back to Manhattan. Our team raised over $1900 and the walk itself raised over $125,000 with no corporate sponsorships. All of that money was raised by the participants!

It was truly a day of coming together and getting the word out about how suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Fellow “Adaumbelle’s Quest” participant Bobby Cronin performed two songs (“Daybreak” sung by the amazing Ray Lee and “The Best Is Yet To Come” sung by the equally amazing and upcoming participant Jenn Furman). Both songs of hope were the perfect fit and both Ray and Jenn really hit the mark!

It’s not too late to help support this great cause…donations are being accepted until December 31. Please give what you can…

http://afsp.donordrive.com/participant/adaumbelle

 

 

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Review: Bobby Cronin at The Palace in CT

Bobby Cronin’s concert ROCKED Danbury, CT’s Palace Theatre on Monday, September 13! Produced by TheStage Repertory Company, the stage was full of talent who sang their hearts out. Those talented performers were fellow “Adaumbelle’s Quest” participants LaQuet Sharnell and Andrew Kober, along with Allison Case, Jenn Furman, Brian Gallagher, Brett Teresa, Robyn Lee, Jennifer Dinola, and Brad Simanski. Bobby’s music is out of this world amazing…written from the heart; his songs are inspiring, emotional, and at times humorous. Singing songs mostly from his debut CD “Reach The Sky,” Bobby did premiere three new songs…”Wilted,” “Fifty Years,” and “The Roads We’ve Taken.” Dedicated to his friend and fellow performer Robyn Lee, “The Roads We’ve Taken” is all about their friendship and how no matter where they go in life, they’re friendship will always be.

On a personal note, I got to meet Dana, the contest winner from “Win It Wednesday’s” “Win two tickets to Bobby Cronin’s CT Concert.” Dana, it was a pleasure to meet you (and Leah) and I’m glad you enjoyed the concert as much as I did.

Chicago audiences will get to experience the greatness that is Bobby Cronin this Sunday 9/19 at Davenport’s Piano Bar Cabaret while NY audiences will be dazzled by him on 11/27 at Birdland! Treat yourself and someone you love to an evening of song, laughter, and pure enjoyment!

For more on Bobby and his talent be sure to visit www.bobbycronin.com. (Click here for Bobby’s interview on “Adaumbelle’s Quest”)

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Bobby Cronin Concerts CT & IL

Be sure to catch two concerts of rising super-star composer & fellow “Adaubmelle’s Quest” participant Bobby Cronin this September:

The first concert will be on September 13 in Connecticut at The Palace Theatre (1265 Main Street, Danbury, CT), produced by TheStage Repertory Company as the kickoff to an ongoing series. Joining Bobby will be fellow participant LaQuet Sharnell (“Memphis”), Andrew Kober (“Hair”), Jared Gertner (“25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” and “Ordinary Days”) along with Allison Case (“Hair”), Jenn Furman (“Wicked”), Brian Gallagher (“Wonderland”), Brett Teresa (“B.R.A.T.T. CAMP”), Robyn Lee (“B.R.A.T.T. CAMP”), Jennifer Dinoia (“Wicked”), and Brad Simanski (“Wicked”).

The second concert will be on September 19 in Chicago at Davenport’s (1383 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL). Joining Bobby will be Dee Roscioli (“Wicked”), Brad Simanski (“Wicked”), Emily Rogers (“The Beaten Path”), and Brett Teresa (“B.R.A.T.T. CAMP”).

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