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

New Magic to Do

Bye Bye Walnut Street Theatre,

Hello Summer in South Philly!

WoW!

(This is so something I would do.)

I think there is no better way to kick off the juicy first chapter of the June summer winds than with this. <3.

And also, I just cannot believe that the spring is slipping away, or more importantly, my first year as a college graduate is all a crazy haze now of memories from the White Mountains of New Hampshire to my professional acting apprenticeship at the Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia. It has indeed been a year as I settle into my new house in South Philly.

Let's play catch up!

.up next.

FLY ME TO THE MOON...

WST Studio on 3 Debut on June 28th and June 29th!!!!!

As a sweet bonus to the end of my apprenticeship, I was contracted on to cover "Woman 2" in the Walnut's closing studio production of MY WAY: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra running May 3rd to July 3rd. Frank Sinatra's voice has taken me to many day dreams of romance through out my childhood till today, getting his "Come Fly with Me" album one Christmas way back when. The album cover alone was enticing enough with Frank looking cool as a cucumber in his dapper suit, gesturing to a blue sky and a runway of planes behind him. A school girl crush immediately developed and I pretended I was the mysterious girl taking his hand on the album cover, embarking on musical adventures around the world at his side. When I was around 9, I staged a dance recital in my Nana's kitchen to all my favorites on that album with a guest appearance by my Dad in a tap duet to "Chicago (That Toddlin' Town)." I'll never forget charging my poor Dad for those tap lessons he probably only did to amuse me, but remembering how hard he focused in his debut performance will always make me grin. :-)

And for whatever reason, I think this type of intimate memory is associated with Frank Sinatra's voice and music by a whole lot of people. He's just timeless and you can almost feel his presence in your living room when you play his music-like he's there. There is just something so special about this man, so you could imagine my jubilation to be involved with a production paying him tribute, bringing to life medleys of his music- my heart did leaps!

Then to find out I was going on via my daily email checking one day- I FREAKED OUT! Not only do I respect and admire this talented cast of accomplished actors and musicians to pieces and am beyond pumped to work with them, this score is just my cup of tea, the kind of music I can just get lost in and feel like I'm traveling back to simpler, more elegant times. I have been avidly watching my favorite performers of Frank's reigning era like Dinah Shore (can variety shows like her's please come back!?), Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby Darin, Sammy Davis Jr, my favorite Carol Burnett, Judy Garland, Pearl Bailey (watch her sing "Mack the Knife" with Dinah on YouTube-obsessed!), Dean Martin- all of them snapping their fingers to the jazzy swing, living in their lyrics, cracking jokes in between phrases, and letting their voices soar. I just love how this music and these brilliant performers make me feel-my world sits still for moment in a paradise!

My Pop-Pop, a huge Blue Eyes fan, is also coming out to see me in this with my family, which means the world to me since I know how much this music means to him and has shaped his life- plus he hasn't seen me perform in years! I love my family so much and am so happy to share this with them.

*So if you are free that Tuesday or Wednesday night of June 28th and 29th, come on down to the Walnut! The shows may be sold out (these performances are the start of the extension week), but standby tickets are available and usually most standbys are blessed with good luck. If not, you can go downstairs and see MISS SAIGON- so look at that!

CLICK ME FOR MORE INFORMATION.*

.and.

I will be performing in Mazeppa Productions Inaugural Season's PIPPIN at the St. Stephen's Theatre in Centre City, Philly (Home of the Lantern Theatre Company). I will be one of the four players strutting around Pippin (played by Evan Faram, former co-acting apprentice at the Walnut I just can't seem to get rid of :-) ) and am starting to get a knack for dance captaining.

I feel like Liza Minelli when I gyrate wildly in the Fosse-inspired moves and am simply falling in love with this wonderful cast of Philly gems. Also, a huge thanks to Matthew Cloran, our director and choreographer, who is allowing me to do both this and MY WAY and for also, cracking me up non stop in rehearsal. <3.

CLICK ME FOR INFORMATION.

.farewell walnut street theatre.

On May 17th, I wined and dined with the fabulous people of the Education Office and my fellow acting apprentices, celebrating and toasting an 8-month apprenticeship coming to a close. Eight months of consistent performing in schools, libraries, churches, synagogues, malls (oh yes :-) ), and event halls through out the Delaware Valley region and of course on the magnificent main stage of the Walnut Street Theatre. We have reached over 54, 400 students within our Outreach season, performing 240 shows on the road, plus conducting 5 workshops! We also were covered by local media television stations and papers when we reached the 1 millionth student in our last week of tour.

Man oh man has it been a whirl.

The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley became one of the highest grossing kid series musicals to hit the Walnut Stage, adding additional performances to control the school field trip masses. I could have ran FLAT STANLEY until the end of our contract- it had that JOSEPH...DREAMCOAT energetic pace and varied eclectic musical stylings about it and was a giant party to perform. Jennie Eisenhower, our director, was a genius and created a playlist of tween hits for a pre-show pump up that really got these kids jazzed. It was truly amazing to hear 1000 kids belt out Katie Perry's "Fireworks" as we all giggled and readied ourselves at places for the top of show- instant adrenaline rush! And Jenn Rose's choreography, especially our number involving giant beach balls resembling globes, was terrific. I was also absolutely in love with my Donna Reed inspired house dress as Mrs. Lambchops (pictured below) and treasured all my other wacky characters I got to play from Sneak Thief to Bikini Wahini. I also met my current roommate, Miss Sarah Gafgen, in this show, so it was just an all around treat from rehearsals to performances.

Meet Mrs. Lambchop!

The tour kept on trucking alongside FLAT STANLEY performances, our understudy obligations for the short run of the Studio 3 production Speaking in Tongues, and my completion of my Walnut Street Theatre Classes all the way up to May 16th. Here are some favorite winners of life one the road:

Favorite Broadway-torium (def.: fierce school auditorium): Pottsgrove Middle School

I can't find a good picture of the inside, but it was simply exquisite and held over 1000 students. We called that day of 3 NO EASY ROAD TO FREEDOMS in the bitter cold our National Tour Day, complete with a wonderful mic and light system provided by the school, a lunch in their cafeteria (starting my chicken patty addiction) that had a view you would think to get from the top of ski mountain lodge, and a loading dock into the giant wing space. BROADWAY.

Favorite Spot on Between Shows/School Break: Chestnut Hill

We were so fortunate to have a 3 hour break here, a quaint, quiet little village of a town right outside of Philadelphia, and I was even more fortunate to have my boyfriend visiting me on his own tour layover to spend it with. We ate amazing crab nachos, got ice cream, and just explored all the little wonders of this delightful place.

Favorite Food Pit Stop on Tour: Tuckahoe Cheesecake Factory

This day was just magical with their 5 dollar deal of a coffee/beverage with a slice of their homemade award winning cheesecake to eat as we watched the waves crash on the Jersey Shore in Ocean City. I was also so happy to share the Jersey Shore with my tour mates since I grew up vacationing along it.

Favorite Performance: NO EASY ROAD TO FREEDOM on a Model Cat Walk

We arrived at this high school in Delaware to find out we could not use the stage due to a LES MIZ barricade taking the whole thing up and had to perform on wooden cat walks wrapping around their orchestra pit. Also, this school introduced with a drum line concert and that set the whole "America's Next Top Model" mood.

WoW again.

Every school looks like the other as I look back on it all. Times got hard, but still, nothing beat hearing those kids bust out in uncontrollable laughter and answering their well thought out questions in the talkbacks. I was always on my toes, ready to adapt to any change or challenge thrown our way, even when I was under the weather and/or tired. Learning to perform in all types of circumstance was definitely a huge skill to come from all of this. I thank the Walnut for my actor bootcamp this year and will indeed miss it all. I forged amazing relationships at this theatre, especially with the talented apprentices in all the departments, fellows cast mates of A CHRISTMAS CAROL and FLAT STANLEY, and my fellow classmates in my WST classes. I hope to work at the Walnut in the years to come!

Road Kill. Puppet Down.

.miscellaneous news/updates.

I really have fallen in love with Philly, especially the theatre community and the mixed variety of productions to get produced about town. I am so excited to be here for Mazeppa's first year as a new professional company, offering lesser produced musical theatre for all ages. Wanting to start my own theatre company someday, this will be an invaluable experience in seeing all the dots connect. After meeting with my college showcase coach Gary John La Rosa earlier this spring on marketing my corky actress image, I am also planning to start a new website design plus expand my repertoire this summer in music and monologues- GET IT. I have been coaching music in Philly with FLAT STANLEY director Miss Jennie Eisenhower, and Stephen Purdy and David Wolfson in NYC. My current plan is to hang out in Philly into the fall as well as manage auditions/classes in New York. This really feels right and I know I have the gusto to make them both work. The Mega and Bolt buses will be my best friends through it with good books, magazines, and music to keep me company on the travel. :-)

.music/literature inspirations.

Speaking of good music, I have indeed been on an oldies kick listening to a lot of Margaret Whiting, Virginia O'Brien (dead pan comedic genius), Louis Prima and Keely Smith, Connie Francis, Laura Nyro, Frank Sinatra, the Andrew Sisters, Teresa Brewer, Helen Forrest, the Artie Shaw Orchestra, Louis Jordan and his Tympany 5, and the Moonglows- all of different eras and styles, but all quickening the beat of my heart. I also can't help sneaking in Adele and Florence + the Machine amongst my vintage songbirds- those ladies are out of this world. Laura Nyro's "Stone Soul Picnic" is my summer anthem and I play the film Blue Valentine's "You and Me" by Penny and the Quarters when I miss my boyfriend. <3. Who would I be with out music.

I am also nearing the completion of the Anne of Green Gables series, my personal Harry Potter, but have taken breaks to read The Red Leather Diary by Lilly Koppel, which I recommend to any old soul like me who wishes they were a Manhattan socialite in the 1930s, and Frank Sinatra: The Voice by James Kaplan, which is just an inspiration to any performer when feeling stuck in the mud, making the iconic singer so human and relatable in his struggle and triumphs.

But seriously all, Anne of Green Gables is my girl. These books have me tearing up time and time again and daydreaming of Prince Edward Island. I feel like I'm also growing up with her and paralleling a lot of her hopes and desires. Bella in TWILIGHT did not do that to me.

-------------------------------------------------------------

As I am auditioning and job searching, taking in the summer air and the tons of Italian pastry shops in my new neighborhood, living for laughs with my friends and family, and excitedly awaiting the next big thing to take hold of me, I am always so amazed by the wave of emotions that flow through me on a daily basis. I need things like music to ground me, and so I leave you with that summer anthem of mine: Laura Nyro's "Stone Soul Picnic."

Have amazing summers everyone. Its been a cold winter, you deserve it!

Love, Tara Tag

The Year of the Rabbit is Off and Hopping!

HAPPY 2011!

(My Model Hunch Face Minus The Hunch)

Hello 2011! I’ve been pretty busy already, dashing between New York City (got to see American Idiot on the Broadway and Playwrights Horizon's A Small Fire New Year’s weekend, which started off the year oh so right), visiting my parent’s home in Jersey for Tag love, and my current home base in Philly. So here’s some stuff that’s been going on worth blogging about:

Up Next…

I will be playing Mrs. Lambchops in Walnut Street Theatre for Kid’s main stage production of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley come April! I am stoked to work with the fabulous Jennie Einsenhower again (our director of Mean Girlz and private vocal coach), be back in a Walnut rehearsal studio, and watch Evan Faram, the acting apprentice playing the title character, become as thin as a pancake. I suggested Weight Watchers as soon as possible. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON SHOW TIMES AND TICKETS.

In other news…

The reviews are in and I refuse to spell check them:

"I wish there was even more, thats how much I liked it. I loved all the characters. Sam (Tara Tagliaferro), the bully, and Zoey were so diffrent, even though they were the same person." Student at Westfield Friends School on The Boy Who Cried Bully

"My favorite part is when Sam was pretending to beet up Nate. Its fun to see a real play out of TV. Yours Truly, Aiyanna"- On The Boy Who Cried Bully

"Wow! You're play that was preformed for us was cool! I loved how it was funny, while you can learn from it. You all played your parts very well and if you messed up, (which I don't think you did) I couldn't tell. Your acting was HILARIOUS and the puppets were perfect. I especially liked the puppets and how Tara did their voices."- Renna T of the 6th Grade on Mean Girlz...

"I really enjoyed your play. The songs were nice. It looked like your really enjoy acting. Good Job!" Bryan of the 7th grade on Mean Girlz

"Dear Walnut St. Actors, I like the play soow it was niec." Micayah at Westfield Friends on The Boy Who Cried Bully

"If Sam wus the bulle what beusuces she took her hat ffo, Wus you in class whit her." I hope this one is favorable, but I'll take it anyway!

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaahaha!

Leslie Nevon Holden, fellow acting apprentice, and I photocopied a ton of the letters we received from the kids for our own personal Outreach press packet aka decorations for our fridges. Its all too endearing and makes me just love this job! The New York Times review should be coming soon...

____________________________________________________

"If You Breathe, It Breaks..."

Jillian Louis in The Glass Menagerie at the Walnut Street Theatre Studio on 3

The Glass Menagerie embarks on its tour route this week after a nearly sold out run at the Walnut, becoming the theatre's 1^st National Tour to take wing. I had the fortunate invitation to slip into GM rehearsals whenever I had free time, watching the four gifted actors work through and explore scenes before it hit the intimate studio space. It became my rock after long days of touring, sucked immediately into the dreams and conflicts of these characters. I began understudy rehearsals shortly after opening and had an amazing time getting to taste Laura’s world. Finding my Laura opened up tiny little doors inside me, these terribly fearful ones that I always try to keep shut. Growing up, I was exceedingly shy and let peoples’ hurtful words, stares, and/or judgements cut through me like a knife. Theatre became my medicine and it lead me to find my voice, stemming a confidence, but without it, I could see myself falling to Laura’s frail nature, so easily breakable. The staging of the play, directed by a favorite Bill van Horn, is really quite something too because it allowed me instantly to find grounding and to not feel like I was working. It’s a solid road map that completely serves every character- I just had to ride it. Jillian Louis, the actress playing Laura in the production, is just incredibly moving and natural, breaking my heart every time I’ve watched. Watching her has been a master class in itself; she is the type of actress I aim to be in her commitment to her scene partners and never-ending discovery.

With all this backing me, I definitely do feel ready to go on and am proud to say that. Evan, the Tom/Jim understudy, named us the JV Menagerie. It has simply been an honor and pleasure of an opportunity. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE TOUR.

ON TOUR...

The Educational Outreach Company went through many alterations and adjustments with the arrival of the new year, saying good bye to our company member Carlos Aviles, whom moved back home to Puerto Rico, and welcoming aboard our new acting apprentice Brian “BK” Elam from West Philly. BK quickly learned all his tracks over the holiday lull and we were back on the road, new van and all, in no time. We lead our first round of workshops in January on Diversity with junior high kids, in which we devised our own lesson plan full of theatre games and activities. SUCCESS! On the many snow days stuck inside the office, we read through letters from our adoring fans (refer to above), many accompanied by awesome stick figure drawings of the four of us in which we never looked better, and wrote personal messages back. I’m starting to gain a reputation as the Bully of the Delaware Valley, tomboy tough in The Boy Who Cried Bully and nasty blonde bitty in Mean Girlz R Bullies 2: The Musical. My mom and dad are so proud. Also in the office, we have been researching and reading plays for next years Outreach Season, which has become a fun hunt, and application processing next year’s hopefuls for the 28 apprentice positions offered amongst all the departments. It’s a little scary to think that pretty soon, I’ll be waving good-bye to this job. What will life be like without a jam-packed van, I-76’s traffic, looming smells of cafeteria lunches, school bells belting during scenes, yearbook papparazzi, pre teens in UGGS, principal offices, and hallways papered in finger paints?

Highlights On The Road:

*TAP-SPEARE- Leslie (other female acting apprentice) and I’s program of trading shuffles off to buffalo for soliloquies- has become a brilliant alternative to sleeping in the van or reading trashy magazines on lay over time. We need to make T-shirts.

*Coining the phrase Broadway-torium, which are the FIERCEST auditoriums on the school circuit

My Current Winner: St. Martin de Porres

*Performing on an Into the Woods set at Brian Lowdermilk’s old high school (of the Kerrigan-Lowdermilk MT composing team)- He wrote their Alma Mater!

*Our First King of Prussia Mall Pit Stop- Window shopping only restrictions.

*Drinking Evian water bottles during Catholic School Week (in honor of Mary Catherine Gallagher, the SUPERSTAR of catholic school girls)

Aside from apprentice life, I have been filling my free time full to the brim! On the stage I got to see the exquisite Meg Buzzard star as Marian Paroo in The Music Man National Tour with good friend Seth Eliser shipoopi-ing his life away as a River City youth, the Liberty to my Bell Rachel Camp of my MSU graduating MT class rock out as a falcon in the hilarious The Three Musketeers (The Later Years): A Musical Panto at People’s Light and Theatre, and another beautiful MSU grad Ashley Tobias be absolutely adorable Off Broadway in the The Ohmies, which made me feel like I was on a pre-school play date. I also have began classes at the Walnut Street Theatre School, which include Audition Technique with Kate Galvin, the casting director at the Walnut, and Advanced Acting Scene Study with the theatre school coordinator Jose Aviles. You can barely see the wooded floor in my room as it is covered in scripts and scores. I will need a warning for visitors.

I am looking forward to a few upcoming auditions, a giant list of shows I want to see (which includes a trip back to MSU and also my boyfriend’s Thomas and Friends tour stopping in Camden, NJ and Madison Square Garden in NYC), and celebrating Valentine’s Day with said boyfriend. I also cannot wait for sunnier days and warm weather. I want excuses to frolic and go to the art museums!

Finally...

My New Year’s Resolution (stolen from Anne of Avonlea):

I’d like to add some beauty to life. I don’t exactly want people to know more…though I know that is the noblest ambition…but I’d love to make them have a pleasanter time because of me…to have some little joy or happy thought that would never have existed if I hadn’t been born.

With that said, stay warm and beautiful!

Love, Tara Tag

A Peppermint Mocha Flavored Update

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

The Walnut Street Theatre Mezzanine Lobby during the Opening Day A Christmas Carol Cast Party

Licking stamps in between sips of warm peppermint goodness, I have been finding myself making up any excuse to kick back during my spare time in a snuggly coffee shop this holiday season, eager as ever to write to my family and friends about my life at the Walnut St. Theatre and send my best wishes to the new year ahead. I have some exciting news that is already making 2011 look pretty darn good and feel blessed to be leaving 2010 behind with one of my favorite Decembers yet!

THE UPCOMING NEWS:

I have been cast in the Walnut Street Theatre Independence Studio Production/National Tour of The Glass Menagerie as the LAURA understudy! I remember studying the Tennessee William's classic in an English Lit class in high school, voicing Laura out loud in the classroom group readings and instantly entranced by her sweet fragility. I had no trouble imagining this woman off the page; I remember just understanding her and feeling for her so deeply. I haven't reread the play since nor have seen it live, but it had such a lasting impression on me that I am ecstatic to be involved with this professional production! The show will begin a short run on the 3rd Floor of the Walnut in mid-January and then will hit the road and travel through March as the Walnut's 1st National Tour. CLICK ME FOR MORE INFORMATION.

*I was doing some online research of The Glass Menagerie and could not get over how stunning the original Laura, actress Julie Hayden, indeed was. Va Va Voom!*

A CHRISTMAS CAROL AND WHITE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY COMBO

Leslie Nevon Holden and I backstage for A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol had a fantastic run, playing to mostly sold out audiences and adding performances to suit even more bus loads of children and families. Performance wise, it was like running a mini-marathon of Christmas cheer, engaging the entire ensemble on stage for its' one hour time, only scurrying off stage for quick changes as we bounced from past to present to future. I was very proud of what our creative team and cast accomplished, feeling like a Hallmark Season's Greeting card come to life. I also just loved twirling in my hoop skirt, hearing the little kids lose it over Marley's ghost (you'd think we were in a haunted mansion haha!), feeling like a Jane Austen romance, and full belting "GOD BLESS US EVERYONE" in unison for the final moment. I looked forward to my favorite dance and scene as Belle with Young Scrooge every show as well as the the little squeals of delight bursting out of the audience during the final song when it snowed right above them. It was a magical experience for both the audience and us.

Speaking of snow, I had a u/s run of White Christmas, in love with the coy and controlled 1940s style choreography, feeling like an old movie musical chorus girl. It has been an amazing test for my feet and my brain learning dance numbers so quickly and the whole process has felt like a privileged master class. White Christmas plays until January 9th and is just a treat. CLICK ME FOR MORE INFO.

OTHER NEWS:

*My WST School Advanced Musical Theatre Class presented our Fall Showcase on November 30th, in which I sang "A Little Bit in Love" from Wonderful Town and "Sing Happy" from Flora, The Red Menace. Both pieces were two songs I may never have sang without our instructor Heidi Hayes' push to challenge ourselves with material out of our comfort zone. I was so glad that my parents and a handful friends got to come see me do non-traditional Tara numbers and thanks this class for making my fall Tuesday nights a paradise and for all the ounces of support and encouragement. In the new year, I will be taking two classes, Audition Technique and Advanced Acting, plus a specialized musical theatre audition intensive a few Saturdays in January. Heidi's class inspired me to load my plate full, always fueled by the possibility of growing and unlocking new doors inside! I also will keep up with my weekly Ballet Tone, Zumba, and newly added Yoga classes at the gym and will also be trying to get into the city some days off to visit Broadway Dance Center or take some possible master classes.

*The Touring Outreach Company has been on our condensed holiday leg of our touring schedule, going out on the road alongside our A Christmas Carol schedule and now right before schools go on break. Its so nice when faculty and the kids themselves come up to us after shows or in between sets to let us know how much our show means to them. We have been feeling the love especially this week in the Vineland, NJ middle schools, having amazing talk backs after Mean Girlz R Bullies 2 and feeling very welcomed by the guidance counselors. Leslie and I have also begun this new lunch break program in which I teach her tap in exchange for Shakespeare monologue coaching on tour, prepping us for spring auditions and keeping us in shape. Today it was hilarious flap ball changing in our character taps through the cafeteria lunch line to the teacher's lounge- haha! It really gives us something to look forward to and keep us active on our days with long breaks!

*I got so extremely close with my cast of A Christmas Carol-baking and decorating my first ever sugar cookies for them (they must have been special people if I ventured into the kitchen)- and fall into even more laughing attacks with my fellow acting apprentices everyday on our adventures. I just love when I'm in good company and that I am. I had a bunch of friends also come out to see A Christmas Carol, which meant the world, also proud to be giving them a live tour of my new Philadelphia life. My boyfriend, who lives in Astoria and will be going on tour come January, got to spend a week in Philly and it was the delicious icing on a perfectly frosted cake of a December. One of our high lights of his trip was walking through Dickens Village at the Macy's on Chestnut because I literally turned four years old.

So many friends and family members to love this holiday season makes me feel like

one happy WALNUT roasting on an open fire.

Wow its late.

I shall leave you with a beautiful montage the yet again amazing Jesse Havea put together from my summer production of HAIR in New Hampshire and also the debut of my long overdue acting reel.

All is calm. All is bright.

Here's to the Happiest of New Years! Love, Tara Tag

"HAIR Montage" and "My College Acting Reel"

Please Watch and Enjoy!

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