real estate value.
Q: What books are you currently reading? A: I’m actually reading Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship by Robert Kurson. It’s about these guys who are actually deep sea divers in search of pirate ships. For my travels, I’m looking forward to getting into The Agony and the Ecstasy which is Michelangelo’s life story and we’ll be in Italy and looking forward to checking out everywhere that’s mentioned in the book.
Q: What’s next for you in your career? A: I’ve established myself as a true artist – I’ve had a certain amount of accolades and I think I’ve gained the respect of my peers. I will always want to come back to the stage, but after coming off of Finding Neverland with such a grueling schedule, I’d like to do some more TV and film for a while and then come back to Broadway. My focus now and hopefully going forward is also on the philanthropic side of things. Dr. Ralph Opacic launched the performing arts school I went to, Orange County School of the Arts, and he and I are working very closely in 2017 to open two new schools in California including San Diego County and probably in North Hollywood. For 2017-2018, we plan to roll out two more schools and make this a nationwide performing arts charter school. I wouldn’t be where I am if I hadn’t had the education I had. They have a culinary arts program, visual arts, film, media, creative writing and so many different outlets that the school provides and I’m truly excited for this venture. Our eventual goal is to get into New York as well.
Q: What was your go-to audition song in your early years? A: “On The Street Where You Live” from My Fair Lady. It’s actually the one song I sang for every audition, including Glee. That song shares such great storytelling, and I appreciate that a lot since you don’t find that quality as much in music today.
Q: If you weren’t a performer, what would you be? A: In my junior year of high school, I was met with a dilemma – to pursue the arts or athletics. I was a pretty good soccer player, and had some opportunities to continue with it as a career. However, as you can see, I chose to stick with the arts. With that being said, the answer would be athlete.
Q: Who’s one famous person (dead or alive) that you’d like to have dinner with? A: Gene Kelly.
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