One Singular Sensation Was A Huge Hit!

It finally happened, people! Last week I did something that truly terrified me and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. For the past eight months, I’ve been rehearsing and training at what I call “cabaret university.” I trained hard with the brilliant cabaret director Mark Nadler, pouring my heart and soul into my very own one-woman cabaret show — One Singular Sensation. Right next to Mark was Gregory Toroian, my musical director, who made the show come to life through his amazing piano playing and orchestrations. And let’s not forget my voice coach David Sabella

Some days I would come out of rehearsal feeling proud and confident and other days I would be confused, wondering “What the hell did I get myself into??” Let’s just say, it’s been a roller coaster. I chose to listen to that voice inside my head telling me to take a chance and jump . And the encouragement I received from my team of professionals, kept me going!    Sometimes you have to do the things that scare you most!

During those eight months of training, I learned how to interpret a song, how to treat an audience, how to use a microphone, what to do with my hands while I’m singing and everything in between. It was all brand new to me. The art of cabaret requires serious dedication and multitasking, to say the least!

On the day of my performance I had a slightly stressful start. I had to get comfortable with the whole performance space and on top of all that, I ripped my tights twice and had to go on a wild goose chase to find the buckles for my shoes. While my nerves were kicking into high gear, it was my catering experience that brought me back to reality. In the catering business, you’re always getting curve balls thrown your way and you have to figure out a way to make everything work behind the scenes. I knew that no matter what happened that night, somehow I would make it work. And I did!

Once I got on that stage, the adrenaline kicked in and I was on cloud nine for the rest of the night. Knowing that I had such a supportive audience cheering me on gave me the energy boost I needed. Let’s not forget, I had the company of my brother Tom, who was right there on stage with me playing his heart out on the piano. We had so much fun performing together! One of my favorite parts of the night was making the audience laugh, thanks to the brilliant writing and directing by Mark. All of that hard work was worth it!

When I first came to New York, I had dreams of being a professional singer and dancer long before I started my culinary career. To be able to perform in front of my friends and family, sharing my most vulnerable self, was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve ever had.

My performance wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing work of my glam team. I have to thank Red Carpet Rocks for my fabulous jewelry, Marco Maranghello for my awesome hair, Montgomery Frazier and Malan Breton for my gorgeous wardrobe and Zann Parker for my brilliant makeup. It takes a village!!! And I also want to thank my husband for letting me have my space!  It took total concentration and focus  to be able to create this show.

Thanks to all of your support, we sold out opening night at The Laurie Beechman Theatre! And guess what? They want me back for a second show on May 7^th so get your tickets here while you can!  I hope to see you all there. I can’t thank everyone enough for the continued support and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Cheers!