Behind The Scenes

Current City: San Francisco, CA (“Nobody’s City but my own!”)

Current Obsession: Gap Body (my visits are weekly)

Current Inspiration: My ‘Tales’ family.

Song of the week: Scissor Sister’s I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’

Current Book: Dead Until Dark (Sookie Stackhouse series) by Charline Harris

Current Goal: To be a Movie Star.

Since we arrived in April, life has been full, surprising and inspiring! ‘Tales of The City’ not only opened with a successful Gala full of San Francisco die-hards and special guests, but we’ve been extended twice! We are now running through July 31^st with packed houses and it is thrilling! (Get your tickets if you haven’t already)

Last weekend we were given the opportunity to perform at SF Gay Pride and were also part of a special night honoring Olympia Dukakis, which benefited the A.C.T. educational program and the Richmond Ehrmet AIDS foundation.

When I took this job, I didn’t realize I would be a part of a movement. Of course I knew there were perks to being in an original piece, but didn’t realize this “original piece” had so much history and now, so much future. Our musical seems like the main event, but it is really just a new chapter in the life ‘Tales of City’ has been living for decades. Armistead Maupin’s books have been carrying the stories of the lost, the loved, the broken, the mended and the discovery of life for years. These special events and benefit performances make me realize that our musical is a transporter of these stories from the past into the next generation. Thank you Armistead. 

Here is a video made by Wesley Taylor (Mouse) capturing the behind the scenes life of our cast and crew. I think the ride this show is on is captured in the relationships of our “Tales” family. Take a look!!

Til Next Time,

Kathleen

Surprise

Current City: San Francisco, CA (Nob Hill…steepest part of the city)

Current Obsession: The Royal Wedding. (Definitely bought myself an imitation Kate Middleton engagement ring.)

Current Inspiration: Kate Middleton (Did I mention I was obsessed?)

Song of the Week: “Uncharted” by Sara Bareilles

Current Book: Armistead Maupin’s “Tales of The City”

Current Goal: To get a “Jennifer Lopez” back side from climbing all these hills!

Normally, I live my life with great vision. I see what I want or where I want to go and live life accordingly. Then there are those times when God surprises me and I find myself in San Francisco, hanging out with the Scissor Sisters, creating an original role with “big timers” such as Jeff Whitty and Jason Moore and I think, “If I would always leave it up to God, life could be that much better”.

Currently I’m in rehearsals for the world premiere of “Tales of The City” and I couldn’t be any more thrilled about it! It feels like such a wonderful surprise in my career path. If you are in the Bay area or are a fan of the book series, the incredible creative team or the all star cast COME SEE US. You will be a part of a great San Francisco event!

Frank and I arrived in San Fran almost three weeks ago after he finished a short film titled “Walk Like a Man” in post-production currently. Check out the trailer HERE. We’re enjoying this city and enjoying this “surprise” time in our life.

Til Next time,

Kathleen

Goodbye. Hello!

Current City: Manhattan, and recently an occasional Kerhonkson, NY. What I like to call “The Sticks”.

Current Obsession: My Sperry boat shoes.

Current Inspiration: Carrie Underwood (and all of her kick ass, angsty songs)

Current Song Of The Week: Since I blogged last there have been MANY, such as “Cosmic Love” by Florence + The Machine, anything Dierks Bentley sings, “Beautiful Disaster” by Kelly Clarkson, Snow Patrol’s “Hands Open” and Eva Cassidy’s “Songbird”, but I’d have to say this week’s obsession is with Carrie Underwood (fully planning a trip to see her concert in my head) and specifically “Songs Like This” and “Last Name”.

Current Word/Phrase: My sister on the phone with me while talking to her kids…”Nice Whistling Hannah…Deaner get your hands out of the oven!”

Current Goal: To write and to live moment to moment. Oh! And to Tweet more...follow me!

The last few months (that I haven’t blogged at all…oopsies) have been good and transitional. First of all, playing in Newark with Legally Blonde was a blast and what felt like a personal arrival to a new place professionally. Receiving the opportunity to perform for my 2nd home was incredible and will always be a memorable day for me. Thank you for all of you who made the effort to come out. It really meant a lot!

After Jersey, we hit Louisville and then a three-week break! What a wake up call and almost culture shock to be off tour for that length of time! I’ve enjoyed the break and have discovered a lot about myself. The first day of our time off, I realized I needed to follow my gut and decided to move on from the tour and get ready for the next great thing! Although I really miss the show, I feel good about this time and this process to what life has next. If you still haven’t seen the tour, it is running until the middle of August. Get tickets before its too late! It is such a wonderful show and has been a ground breaking part of my life.

So that being said, I am still on a break! Kinda:) I’ve had some really fun auditions, became a gardener (who knew?), enjoyed a night out on the town with Kiefer Sutherland, attended the American Idol 2010 concert and am heading to Italy in a few weeks to enjoy life! We have a lot of things cooking right now with our company, Mt. Lion Entertainment and future projects. 3DRevolution has been partnering with WB for the release of Cats and Dogs 2 coming out July 30th! Run, don’t walk…it’ll be good! 24Savvy.com is moving into the TV realm and has been busy developing this new addition. And we have been developing a new show (can’t tell too much) that we’ve had stirring for a while. I’ll keep you posted!

Last weekend I went to a creative conference focused on being your best creative self (sounds cheesy, but can’t explain it in any other way). I was so moved by the speakers and was changed really. I had to share this link with you because it spoke to me so clearly about who I am (or am not) as an artist. If you’ve read and liked “Eat, Pray, Love”, you’ll like this. It’s a word from Elizabeth Gilbert. Enjoy!

Til Next Week!

Kathleen

The Update...

Current city: Hollywood, CA/ St. Louis, MO

Current book: The last song (yes, I've started another Nicholas Sparks novel, but according to Tiffany Engen it doesn't dissapoint.)

Song of the week: Pocket book by Jennifer Hudson featuring Ludacris. Favorite line: "Tell your baby daddy he ain't holdin' the weight cause he got a cake and no knife." Classic.

Current obsession: Tangerine (competing with pink these days)

Current inspiration: Frank

Current word/phrase of the week: "totesies", "duhzies", "byesies"... Anything with an "ies" attached the end. That's what happens when you live your life on tour. You create your own language. Definitely found myself saying to a waiter the other day, "can we order some foodsies?"

Current Goal: catch a revelation

I'm standing in the delayed security line at LAX hoping I won't miss my flight to St. Louis (along with the other hundreds of passengers around me), as we have an 8:00 show tonight! We've had the last three days off after our week in San Diego, which was filled with good weather, old college friends, family, Easter (including my 3 nieces!) and an earthquake! Noticing your room is shaking while getting out of costume is quite surreal. Last Sunday, Jonathan Rayson and Barry Anderson were on for Emmett as D.B. had a personal day. Both of the guys were incredible (and different) and it made me realize that although people can be the same "type", every personality, heart and perspective of a person is unique. I love it. Congratulations guys! It was fun.

Hollywood has treated us well the last few days. I certainly had my fix of pampering. Mani/pedis, hot spot dining (thank you Drew at The Little Door) and of course a Brazilian Blowout thanks to Val (our Savvy partner). It's not as scary as it sounds- it actually made me feel like I was receiving one of Jen Aniston's regular hair treatments. And last night, Frank and I attended American Idol to support our friend Michael Lynche, who was on the bottom and SAVED with the judges' only save card! Yay Mike! Do not forgot to vote for him next week!!

Frank had an incredible meeting with Warner Bros for 3D Revolution and will be staying in L.A. for the next few months to launch, build and see the company seal deals! Being on th WB lot was like arriving in a vision we've had before. Quite a moment for us.

Savvy has been super fun as we launched our red carpet to real life series. We're in the works for our next celeb and I'm very excited over the rumors of who it could be! Stay tuned to find out who it is. Also, if you haven't signed up as a member on the site, DO IT! You will be able to earn points that will get you all kinds of free product and gifts! I want to thank Dearfoams sending slippers my way! I've been wearing them backstage and in every hotel room. They are super cozy and sturdy. Not to mention ultra cute! I received 3 pair in pink (to match my current nail polish and half my wardrobe... I know, I'm officially a Delta Nu) if you are looking for slippers, join us Blonde girlies and get Dearfoams!

I'm looking forward to getting back to tour life tonight. The next few weeks will be fun. I will be playing 'Elle' most of the week in Omaha, Nebraska and through the weekend in Appleton, Wisconsin. Get your tickets! Can't wait! Also, tonight the cast of Legally Blonde will be putting on a Risque Cabaret to benefit Broadway Cares: Equity Fights Aids. So, if you are in the St. Louis, MO area, COME!! Support, enjoy a great show and meet the cast!

I look forward to report the scoop next week, because I've noticed life is getting packed and happening faster each week! 

Til Then!

Kathleen

"Don't Stop Believing"

Current City: San Jose, CA

Current Book: So I’ve been trying to read a book on motivation for months and can’t seem to get through it. I think I’ll pick up the books with vampires and teens.

Current Obsession: Victoria Secret Swimsuits (I'm living in Spring Break mode...in my head at least)

Song of the Week (I've added this because I literally have an obsession with a song or two each week. Sorry to all those who room with me): "All I Want to Do" and "It Happens" by Sugarland

Current Inspiration: Sarah, Frank, Laura, Michael, Christa and Rhiannon

Current Word/Phrase: "Ah-maw-zing" Inspired by Sara Shepard. Thanks Shepsies.

Current goal: work out and eat like I care about my body.

Today on Oprah, the band Journey told their story of loss and gain as they described the search for their new lead singer, who has brought them not only an incredibly flawless voice BUT a strong heart.  Their song “Don’t stop believing” was the hit theme of the day as Oprah interviewed many special guests on their “don’t stop believin’” attitudes and their success stories. I thought it was such a parallel to the week I’ve had and all that has happened around me. My sister, Sarah was recognized for her incredible leadership and influence, and was awarded with “Coach of the Year” last night at the Oregon State Dance Team competition. I am so proud of her, because she is a woman of perserverence and vision! She has been coaching for over 10 years, she was my coach and every year offers her dancers a new challenge, opportunity and reason to step up. Congratulations!

Today, Frank (my husband) launched his new 3D conversion company3DRevolution in L.A. and experienced a miracle as his belief for being a part of creating blockbuster movies came to pass! I am ecstatic for him and proud to be his wife.

And Tonight I said goodbye to a friend and confidant, Laura Ellington. She has been the star dresser with “Legally Blonde” from the very beginning and has decided it is her time to move on to her next great thing! I admire her for her continued passion, gift and vision. And although it was hard to make a decision as she did, I believe she will be rewarded for shutting one door in order to open another. I look forward to her future!

And our friend Michael Lynche is killing it on American Idol! After our wedding in 05', Michael and his wife Christa decided to move to NYC from Florida to pursue his dream of singing and songwriting. Its been a long road for them and they have faced the many challenges of living in NY, being newlyweds and continuing to believe in their dream. They wanted to leave NY many times, but they stuck it through knowing there was more to be had and now he is shining on America's biggest show. You guys definitely have the "Don't Stop Believin'" attitude. Don't forget to vote!

This week marks 6^th months for me with “Legally Blonde”, it’s a turning point as I look on to the next 6 months. I’m excited for new challenges, growth and opportunities.  If you have not seen our musical yet,YOU SHOULD. It’s a story of vision, passion, discovery and BELIEF. Not to mention lots of pink and fun.

As I sat at the pool today with the cast and chatted with Rhiannon (Margot in the show). I was SO touched by her words. We were discussing the final note in “So Much Better”, which is very challenging but also a fake pressure that takes over your whole being in the moment. She said, “Kathleen? You know how you picture the baby Jesus when you go for that note? Well, I’m going to picture you because you believe in me.” I have nothing on God (obviously), but the tiniest bit of belief in someone will change their world. Don’t miss her incredible performance in Salt Lake City, UT Sunday March 28^th. 

Who are you believing in?

Til Next Week! “Don’t Stop Believin’…” Thank you Journey.

Kathleen