Nowadays as a Merry Murderess

PRE CURSOR: I was nearing the end of writing this blog and of course, my computer rebelled and froze on me, losing the entire thing. This was a hard re-write and my frustrations took a while to vanish. Praise the Genius Bar for once again rebooting my Mac. Oh my computer has it coming...

Anyways, ON WITH THE SHOW!

pop. SIX. squish. uh-uh. cicero. lipshitz

On September 6th, I shimmied right on into rehearsals for CHICAGO at the Media Theatre, closing my summer stock season only two days prior. From the very first staging of "ALL THAT JAZZ," I knew this production was going to be very special and a personal challenge for “strong mover” Tara as my jaw dropped watching all the fierce SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE worthy tricks this company could flawlessly do. I felt like Dorothy when she steps off her front porch into Oz for I definitely wasn’t in Kansas anymore. This was going to be new territory for me. I stood there knees knocking in my worn out character shoes, praying that at the very least my flexibility could flop out a split. I had a lot to live up to, so I raised the stakes and got my first pair of shiny black La Douca’s (ELIZABETHS!). Step 1 in feeling like a Fosse goddess.

ALL THAT JAZZ with Sam Shep (Dance Captain Beauty) and Jocelyn Issac (My Personal Faute Turn Coach :-) )
EYES!

Rehearsals ran at a wicked pace, for CHICAGO is just one big production number after the other. We had a lot to learn with a majority of the choreography being based off of our own improvisations and creativity, making for a truly collaborative process. The sweat dripped, the bunions formed, and the muscles worked hard each day, lucky to have a big bowl of pasta and DANCE MOM episodes waiting for me afterwards. It was exhausting, but of course amazing. I felt electrified by both our team of directors and casts’ talents. I even began reading THE GIRLS OF MURDER CITY by Douglas Perry, an in depth book covering the true trials and events that inspired the musical. I loved slipping away into this sinful 1920s underworld, quite an unbelievable era of sensational crime. And these women at its core, driven by passion to the edge, are not the typical musical theatre leading ladies. There are darker pasts and this thrill of danger within all of them. They are stunning creatures of the night, providing plenty of meat to chew on for us ladies in rehearsals. YESSSSSS!

The original "Roxie Hart" inspiration- Miss Beulah Annan, photographed after shooting her lover in 1924

She played the song "Hula Lou," which is in our pre-show music, over and over again in the hours after she shot and watched her lover die

I also have to say that I just love this cast plain and simple. It started pretty early on and it still going strong today in all our backstage shenanigans and our strong commitment to the show. It feels like family and we spend most our time laughing when we are not on stage (maybe even a little bit onstage too-sshhh!). I will always be eternally grateful to the sexy ladies of the chorus for always helping a sister out with the more difficult moves, especially our dance captain Sam Shep and choreographer Jenn Rose. I’ve become a better dancer because of it and am so happy to have had this opportunity. Its swell, isn’t it?

The CELL BLOCK TANGO Ladies (R-L: Liz, Veronica the Spread Eagle, Mona, Hunyak, June, and Annie- Don't Mess with Us.)

LAST WEEK OF PERFORMANCES:
CLICK ME FOR MEDIA THEATRE INFO!
Also, check out some coverage/reviews:

Justin Guarini on NBC Philadelphia with footage of ALL I CARE ABOUT IS LOVE

Delaware County New Network: CHICAGO is Sleek and Sexy!

Montgomery News: Sassy, Sexy, Sizzling!

Fig Media: CHICAGO Razzle Dazzles at the Media Theatre

"The main characters are backed up by a fabulous ensemble of dancers/actors, who move through the show with athleticism and energy. The female ensemble is especially impressive—their opening number in the Cook County Jail, “Cell Block Tango,” is always a show-stopper."
Excerpt from FIG MEDIA REVIEW- GET IT!

The Cast of CHICAGO with Director Jennie Eisenhower on Opening Night

Opening Night with the stunning sweetheart Jess Latshaw (Miss POP in the show), who just so happens to have her own wonderful blog, THIS LIFE IN WRITING. I love everything she has to say, so check out. Jess is also the Velma cover, so her and I can be found every night back stage doing “NOWADWAYS” and “THE HOT HONEY RAG” full out wherever we can find the room. Jess is ALSO teaching me to play the ukulele, a new hobby I’m taking on! It’s a pretty awesome friendship on and off stage as POP and SIX are indeed cell buddies. <3.

up next.

That is totally me in the pink from last year's production!

I am so pleased to announce that I will be returning to the Walnut Street Theatre to be in A CHRISTMAS CAROL again!! I will be Mrs. Cratchit/Others this time around as well as the Dance Captain. This production was a gift to be in last year and let me release all my crazy Christmas spirit energy. This show will awesomely mark my 1-year friendship with Matt Mastonardi, meeting in last year's cast and now someone I cannot imagine Philly without-our 4^th show together!! I also get to be working with CHICAGO director Jennie Eisenhower again on this project, another person in Philly who means the world to me. I already am excited about this cast and creative team, including the 2011-2012 acting apprentices- WOOO!-, and being back at the theatre that was home base all of last year. I also cannot wait to put on a hoop skirt again. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

ARIZONA FOR THE NEW YEAR

I'm also happy to announce that I will be bringing in 2012 with my boyfriend and his amazing family in Arizona, his home state. Its my first trip to the West Coast (with a possible day trip to California) and I am beyond excited! I hope I catch that sunset and see the Grand Canyon too! Thank you so much to Patrick's parents, Maureen and Steve Roberts, for flying me out!

other wonderful stuff.

*I recently hopped an early train to Princeton, NJ to be a part of the McCarter Theatre Center’s Youth Ink! Day O' Play Readings hosted at West Windsor Plainsboro High School South. I felt pretty at home walking into a high school again, instantly flooded with memories from my adventure filled Outreach Tour days at the first whiff of tater tots- pretty magical.

I spent the day with fellow actors from Philly and NY being cast in 10-minute plays written by the students of WWPHSS, the majority of these young playwrights hearing their words for the first time come off the page. These students had been fine-tuning their plays under the nourishment and support of McCarter teaching artists for a few weeks and all had solid first drafts to offer. I had a blast reading a range of works and offering encouraging feedback to the students. The Youth Ink! Program at the McCarter is quite exceptional, something I wish I had to unleash my restless imagination as a teen as I was always writing in journals, too embarrassed to share my stories/ideas. I noticed every play written definitely had a unique voice and was unafraid to delve deep, which is such a courageous quality to bring out of these students. I think this program uncovered a lot of hidden talents and I applaud the McCarter for that! I held onto copies of the scripts the students gave me and am still fascinated by some of the stories, issues, and themes they went to tackle. It was a great way to spend otherwise an ordinary Thursday!

*I also did another reading for the Education Office at the Walnut Street Theatre for Walnut’s staff and a group of 40 middle school students of the newly written outreach play, ONLY 13. It was another rewarding experience and I was even interviewed via flip cam by one of the students in attendance in how to overcome bullying. I will always support Walnut’s Education office in all the new plays they add to their Outreach repertoire. The responses these plays get out of kids, hitting hard on important social and educational issues, are tremendous.

Congratulations to Tom Quinn, the Director of Education and the playwright!

*I am a Groupon/Living Social Deals addict, as I’m racking up the cheap yoga classes, museum trips, and massages. I just started my yoga classes at Power Yoga Works and cannot wait to accomplish a headstand. My massage is my treat for closing CHICAGO :-).

*An adorable couple on the New York City subway told me in passing that I reminded them of Imogene Coca. Total compliment for she’s an old school, wacky comedienne! And she rocked that bob. Started watching her on YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS with Sid Ceasar. Yes YouTube!

Imogene is the best name I think I've ever heard. I wish we were besties.

*Thanks to the boyfriend Patrick Roberts, I am now very much invested in Harry Potter after we watched all the films together. I did read the first book and a half of the second back in middle school, but somehow fell out of the series and never recovered. I’ve remained clueless all these years and it feels so good to finally understand Potter references and terminology. No longer in the dark! I am happy to say while watching the films I predicted all of the romances and Snape came out on top as my favorite character. I also plan to use Julie Walter’s “Mrs. Weasley” as inspiration for my Mrs. Cratchit. Patrick is going to re-read the series with me this winter after I finish THE HUNGER GAMES, which I’ve just begun. I feel like I’m in an exciting Book Club. PS I’m always looking for recommendations!

*I have been sneaking in amazing theatre on off days from CHICAGO in Philadelphia, highlights including 11^th Hour’s THE BOMBITY OF ERRORS (peed my pants laughing), Arden Theatre Company’s AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (my favorite play of all time!), my old college’s A CHORUS LINE (Get it MSU!), 213’s YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE (old fashion vaudeville splendor), and CHITA RIVRA: MY BROADWAY at Bristol Riverside. Okay, Chita just knocked it out of the park- I sobbed and had a theatrical rebirth watching her. I saw Chita a few days before we opened CHICAGO and it was exactly what I needed to give me the sexy confidence needed. That woman is a living legend of musical theatre. I nearly died when she blew a kiss to the air for Gwen at the end of her performance of NOWADWAYS- so beautiful. Her stories, her passion, her singing, her strutting, and the one battement she wacked in there will stay with me forever. I love Broadway dames; they are a special breed. No one makes 'em like that anymore.

*I’ve been scoring deals on the Mega and Bolt buses- finally getting my first dollar tickets- to visit my boyfriend in NY and audition/take class. I took the CHICAGO Audition Technique master class taught by Melissa Mahon, the current “Go-to-Hell-Kitty” and one of five women in the world to play all female roles in the Broadway CHICAGO, at Stage Door Connections. This woman IS CHICAGO. I had a blast and was just in awe of all the detail Melissa shared with us on Fosse and his motivations. We learned ALL THAT JAZZ and THE HOT HONEY RAG within two hours and I discovered less is so more. I look forward to taking more classes like this through Stage Door Connections.

Coolest News Update....

New Roomies Andrew and Rachel and Our Pumpkins!

I made my big move mid September with college chum and recent Barrymore Award winning actress Rachel Camp (so proud!) and our new friend Andrew to the Passayunk Square neighborhood of South Philadelphia. Our new home, nicknamed Grimmauld Place (which I now finally get), is a treasure with an apple tree and fire pit in our astounding backyard. Our backyard seriously gets mistaken for a city park- its out of this world! I fell very much in love with my new home and neighborhood- a solid mixture of young hipsters and Italian grandmas-and seriously couldn’t be happier. We already had a Pumpkin Carving House Warming and a Mini All the Jazz Halloween Party to celebrate fall festivities with Philly loves. I look forward to the upcoming holidays with my wonderful roommates and to making our new house feel more and more like home.

My Grandparents in Scranton, PA- Are they not the cutest?

Also, I just wanted to say how much I love my family and how much I wish I was with them right now. My grandmom, Rita Bubernak, recently had a stroke and is on her way to recovery, and my Pop-Pop, Harry Bubernak, has been hospitalized as well for needed medical procedures. Both in the same hospital, they are pulling through and holding each others' hands while resting. My mom and dad have been back and forth between PA and NJ and always have found time to call me each day, AND have even seen my show three times. I swear I have the best family in the world. I can't wait for the holidays to see all of them. I am blessed to be 24 with both sets of grandparents alive and beautiful. My family has given me irreplaceable memories. LOVE.

That is just about it.

I’m beginning to dream of a White Christmas (that snow right before Halloween totally egged me on) and am already getting together my holiday card mailing list. I’m also looking forward to scheduling more classes in Philly and New York before the year lets out. In trying something new and random- I’m going to submit for the reality TV show WORST COOKS OF AMERICA. I mean, why not? Also if you really know me, you know I’m a perfect candidate. I mess up Lean Cuisines.

I miss my amazing friends from summers past and college, which now seems so long ago. A lot of my friends are off and about on national tours, regional theatres all over the country, and living the dream in the Big Apple. I’m always missing and thinking of you all and how you all have shaped me.

I’ll leave you with this picture that served as a Facebook default for a little while. I live to work with the people I love again and again and I thank God for always bringing those cherished ones back into my life. I hope to get some AT THE BALLET footage on here that Patrick shot backstage from this production of A CHORUS LINE. He makes a few appearances lip-syncing that crack me up.

A CHORUS LINE with Favorites Kelsey Thompson and Andrea Doto

My best to all of you and stay warm as the weather chills. Look at Norman Rockwell paintings and get pumped for the holidays!

Love, Tara Tag

What I Did For Love: Snapshots of the Summer

Hello everyone!

Well, my summer was absolutely fabulous, but of course, entirely too fast. I was instantly sucked into Sondheim splendor with SWEENEY TODD, stomach turning at the thought of Mrs. Lovett's meat pies and flipping through FINISHING THE HAT on rehearsal breaks-"God is in the details!" Then soon my days became sweating buckets in the mornings and afternoons as I learned A CHORUS LINE with high pitched "SWEENEYS!" escaping my lips at night. Summer stock at its best.

My favorite small mountain town was just as sweet the second time around, reconnecting and working with college buddies and good friends again, and best of all, being with my boyfriend in the place it all started. Our company made the most of our days off during A CHORUS LINE'S run, planning hikes, becoming 5 again at Story Land Amusement Park, a picnic in the park, hilly runs, Yoga Shack wake ups, swimming in lakes and rivers, and of course, kept the fun rolling after the show with tons of themed parties and movie marathon. Each day was an adventure and I thank this company for kissing summer farewell with such spirit and beauty!

Here are some shots of the summer, and a little throw back at the end of last year's with some new pictures I got from Mount Washington Valley Theatre Company's photographer Bernadette Friberg.

CLICK TO MAKE LARGER!

"At the Ballet" with Cat Yudain and Kelsey Thompson

My name is Bebe Benzenheimer and I know I gotta change it.

And...Here I am!

Robert Goulettttt! "Montage" Madness!

Bebe, Maggie, Connie- Team MONTCLAIR!

(All Graduates of Montclair State University)

Opening Number

On the Line

Get it Bobby!

"One" Shot 1

"One" Shot 2

"One" Shot 3

"What I Did For Love"

BOWS!!

Flipping Back to Last Summer

Jeanette in...

&

Lina in...

COMING SOON: CHICAGO at the Media Theatre (NOW-Nov. 6th),Back in Philly

Its Good, isn't it?

The Summer Wind

New Headshots, Courtesy Kellyn Uhl

The summer wind indeed came blowing in, delivering to my door an incredible package of opportunities that have been filling up my favorite months of the year! It has felt divine indulging in cool treats like fruit smoothies and fro yo, walking about Philadelphia under the warm sun, entertaining college besties in my new home, performing nearly ever night, falling in love with my cast mates, and busting at the seams in anticipation of my 1 year anniversary with the man I love and 24^th birthday. The summer always manages to find the best of my spirit, tickling my creative buds with its fresh air and unleashing a sense of freedom to play wild in. So much to gab about, I don’t even know where to begin!

WARNING: This blog gets very “Dear Diary”- I couldn’t help myself. Plus my Mom reads this- she needs details.

uPcOmInG...

Mount Washington Valley Theatre Company, NH

July 28th-September 4th

I am proud to announce that I will be returning to my last summer’s paradise in the White Mountains, performing my first ever Sondheim show SWEENEY TODD and “Bebe” in A CHORUS LINE at the end of the MWVTC season. I did A CHORUS LINE (Kristine) back in 2008 at the Mac-Haydn Theatre, my first role to have in a professional musical theatre production and also my first dance captain credit. I remember completely immersing myself with the astounding history of the production, reading “On the Line” and other available material after rehearsals, and also the many cast bonding sessions we had confessing our own personal dreams and fears in and out of show business. I will never forget what that experience gave me, being so young, and I can’t believe I get to have another round with this masterpiece, especially at a theatre that feels like home. I know this show will only take on more magical shades and could not think of a better way to kiss the summer good bye. CLICK HERE if you just happen to be in New England and want to visit!

FLASHBACK!
The Mac-Haydn Theatre ACL '08: Al and Kristine (Robert Teasdale and I)

Media Theatre, Philadelphia, PA

September 28th-November 6th

As soon as I return to Philly in early September, I will be beginning rehearsals at the Media Theatre, playing “Annie” and understudying “Roxie Hart” in CHICAGO starring American Idol’s Justin Guarini. I cannot capture how fortunate I feel to be working with the directing team of Jennie Eisenhower and Jenn Rose again, performing on stage with one of my best friends Matt Mastronardi in our 3^rd Philly production, and to be doing this HOT HOT HOT sexual beast of a musical. I can’t wait to find out what a sheba shimmy shake is. SKIDOO! (CLICK FOR INFO)

The Media Theatre, Built 1927


rEcEnT pErFoRmAnCeS...

Mazeppa Productions' Pippin

July 6th-July 23rd

The magic is done and I am going to miss this wonderful cast and crew to bits! Together we survived sweltering heat and grew closer as the run progressed. I am amazed at how this show pulled beautifully together after adapting to creative changes and new directors within the process. The artistic director of Mazeppa Rob Henry, choreographer Dawn Morningstar, musical director Jerry Kapral, stage manager Kelly Orenshaw, and managing director Brian Seaman cannot be thanked enough for resurging our company’s energy and giving us a production to be proud of. My biggest congratulations to Mazeppa Productions on having a successful inaugural season with PIPPIN partnered with their children’s show DEAR EDWINA! I am so happy I got to be a part of it and cannot wait to see where this company will go next! I have an incredible and expanding Philly theatre family and feel blessed to be working in such a magnificent and supportive city!

CHECK OUT what audience members said on Philly Fun Guide!

Company of PIPPIN, St. Stephen's Theatre

Dreamers Often Lie Theatre Company's Cheaters

July 18th

I did my first Philly cabaret gig at Q BBQ & Tequilla in Olde City as a fundraiser for fellow Walnut St. Theatre apprentice Chris McGuinnes and friend Kristine Bonaventura’s new theatre company. The evening was entitled CHEATERS (musically directed by John Daniels ) and I got to sing a wonderful range of songs about relationships and getting my heart broken, highlights being “Tell Me on a Sunday” (ALW’S SONG AND DANCE) and “The Gentleman is a Dope” (R&H’S ALLEGRO). It was packed and helluva good time! Thank you to my beautiful friends and roommates for attending and of course Chris and Kristine for the opportunity!

“To think I did all that, and may I say, not in a shy way…”

The Walnut Street Theatre's MY WAY Understudy Experience

June 28th and 29th

Danielle Herbert, Woman 1 of MY WAY, and I

Just like a starry dream, my 2-night stint in MY WAY at the Walnut Street Theatre washed over me like a wave in a surreal paradise. I began in the wings awestruck that my debut had finally arrived, then was suddenly shaking on stage with a martini glass in my hand as I heard the first song of the evening “Strangers in the Night” escape my lips. I was no longer practicing my songs and walking my track in the comfort of my bedroom; there was a sold out crowd before me sipping their own drinks ready to be entertained by the music of one of America’s most beloved and timeless performers. My eyes darted to lock with and take in the presences of those three amazing performers I spent so much time admiring throughout this understudy process and little by little, the jitters trickled up on out of my system. I flew to the moon and just let the music sink into my pores instead of horrifying myself with doubts of what was coming next. I refused to listen to my racing mind and instead insisted on having a good time and trusted that there was a confidence buried in me somewhere, ready to transform me into those variety show stars of the past I admire to the nines. My boyfriend reminded me in an encouraging voicemail before I went on that this opportunity was a gift, nothing to fear, and I totally let that thought lead the way.

Backpedaling…

My “Put-In” Rehearsal (the first and only time I got to rehearse with the cast before going on four days prior) left me dizzy, well quite literally from all the spinning I was doing, trying not to lose balance and fall off the tiny stage. I realized it was one thing to watch the show like I had been doing and another to actually do it. It was indeed a lot and took a lot of stamina, but the cast and creative team had me and wanted only the best for me in this experience and for their show. That gave me such a loving cushion and made me not afraid to fall. Towards the end of that rehearsal, I finally started to breathe again.

During the performances of MY WAY, I miraculously shut all the inner demons up and just lived, feeling like a little girl playing dress up and pretending she was a big star. I truly fell in love with the charming gentlemen beside me on stage, Fran Prisco, the director, and Carl Clemmons-Hopkins, drowned in the honey of Danielle Herbert’s angelic voice, let the lyrics paint far off dream lands in my mind, and thought of my own sweetheart in many of the love ballads, especially “Something Wonderful Happens in Summer.” The most unforgettable moment of it all was during the end of the second performance, right before singing the encore “I’ll Be Seeing You.” As I sat squeezing Danielle’s hand on a shared stool, tearing up after singing the Finale “My Way” of course, Fran announced to the audience that this was only my 2^nd performance while they were well on their way to reaching their 70^th on closing that weekend. I looked at my family and friends sitting together in a line and they all were wiping away tears, except my beautiful grandpa who was waving at me dead center as content as could be. My Pop-Pop being in the audience, looking ever so dapper, had me lose it more and I was just catapulted to Cloud 9.

Gosh, this whole experience will never leave me and has given me so much insight on myself as a performer. This was by far the biggest undertaking I’ve ever had musically and opened up incredible knowledge to me about my voice’s capabilities, which I have usually been quick to doubt. I am going to use this experience to push me forward only.

I thank all my family and friends who gave their support during this, especially Jennie Eisenhower and Matt Mastronardi for giving my voice and little inner soprano the confidence totally needed through their coaching. I thank all that were in the audience that I got to share this with-it seriously means the world-and the Walnut St. Theatre for the opportunity. I cannot stop thanking this beautiful cast enough; I learned so much from them on interpreting lyrics, musical phrasing, simplicity and ease, and professionalism. Fran Prisco created a wonderful and relaxing evening for the audience of some of the best music ever written. Ellie Mooney, the actress I went on for and the show’s choreographer, gave me big shoes to fill, but the best direction in how to do it. Alex Bechtel, the show’s music director and pianist, met with me before the shows and was always ready to go over my material with a smile. It was truly an honor to work with people so generous and I would not trade any of what I tasted during those two nights for the world. And finally, a shout out to Frank Sinatra himself, for being such an incredible icon, defining an era, and a man who wore his heart on his sleeve, allowing that to reinvent the art of singing a song. To be that fierce where people arrange a musical tribute in your honor deserves a full belted GET IT.

oThEr SiLly NeWs...

*Got a Bob haircut for my upcoming shows….so about those new head shots...Haha OH WELL.

Pictures COMING SOON of the new Thoroughly Modern Me. Totally inspired by Suri Cruise.

*Proud IPAD 2 owner and am in awe. So far I have stored on it a video of my parents playing Frisbee in Washington Park West and two L.M. Montogomery novels on my Kindle application. I think this is the beginning of a good relationship.

*Sweating my life away in dance classes at Koresh Dance School and a Body Language class taught by 11^th Hour Theatre Company Co-Founder Steve Pacek before leaving for August. WERQ.

*Getting goose bumps everytime Jessie J opens her mouth. She is brilliant and my summer siren. I can’t stop listening to that voice- its like a jolt of lightening and gets me out of bed in the morning.

*Sobbed while I read Remember How I Love You: Love Letters from an Extraordinary Marriage by Jerry and Elaine Orbach. Jerry wrote her a poem every morning before heading out to the set of LAW AND ORDER- its probably the most touching book I’ve ever read. I LOVE love.

*Nearing the end of my ANNE OF GREEN GABLES Collection. I hope to finish “Rilla of Ingleside” in lovely New Hampshire where it all started.

*Finally caught up on MAD MEN. Peggy Olsen is my new favorite. Plan to re-watch the whole series before Season 5 airs next year. Anyone want to join?

*More in love with my fabulous friends, old and new. I want to list all your accomplishments and what you mean to me, but it would be another blog entry on its own! I am truly surrounded by outstanding individuals and artists. Thank you to all of you for inspiring me.

*And I'm just in love with the best man I know, Patrick Roberts. I couldn’t be happier or luckier.

Ha, I’m a sap, but truly feel so blessed. So I’ve packed my Rodger and Hammerstein Movie Collection and a picnic basket to put to use in New Hampshire underneath the clear blue skies and moonlight nights. Summer is so good. And then the fall with its burnished leaves dancing in the fresh autumn wind will be a tasty pumpkiny treat! I want time to stand still the next few months. I look forward to updating through out all of my upcoming endeavors and of course, to stretching and expanding myself as a person and artist.

I leave you with Keely Smith and Louis Prima.
Laugh and dance the rest of the summer away!
Love, Tara Tag