My Character

Have you ever read a book or watched a movie and found a character that you just identify with? For my husband, maybe it's the guy in Stranger Than Fiction (ok, not really, he just has the same job.) For my sister Lisa, it's Mulan. For me, it's Gertrude McFuzz, the bird with the one-feather tail, invented by the imagination of Dr. Seuss.

Gertrude was brought further to life by the Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens in their musical adventure using the characters and storylines of Dr. Seuss. In the script, it describes Gertrude as "very self conscious and aware that her one-feather tail isn't perfect. Gertrude changes during the show from a vain, neurotic, nervous and shy bird into one with the power to protect and care for a baby elephant birde and commit herself to Horton. In other words, she stops worrying about her looks and grows up."

As much as I wish that wasn't me (I'd love to not care about my looks or about what others think, or not be vain, but, well... I do, and I am), I love how Gertrude transforms throughout the show, and I feel like I'm somewhere on that same path. Which (in addition to the awesome songs) is why I've always wanted to play Gertrude in Seussical the Musical.

And...

I just got cast as Gertrude in Seussical the Musical! The show is being produced by the Draper Arts Council and opens March 12th. I am beside myself with excitement, and I really don't think I'll be able to sleep for a week. Thanks to my awesome husband for encouraging me to audition, and thanks in advance to my sister-in-law Heather who will probably find herself picking up some of my slack and being "mom" to my kids while I'm at rehearsal. Thanks also, to my sister Michelle, who came and auditioned with me and is going to stick with the show even though she didn't get the part she wanted. [moment of silence for Michelle] I would never have had the confidence to do my best throughout the audition process without her there with me.

Thanks, also, to all those of you who are going to put it in your schedules to come see me. :) Seriously, it is an AWESOME show with great family values, life lessons to learn, and fun, catchy music. March 12, 13, 14, and 16th.