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I have loved Broadway since childhood. Our house was filled with show tune albums which I was always singing along to, a habit that I have not dropped. The first Broadway show I ever saw was magical and the magic continues to reside in the Broadway shows of today. I regretfully never pursued a career on the stage but as I recently discovered, dreams can come true, even in roundabout ways.

September 14, 2000 - I see the show My friend Cecilia offered me discount tickets to Jekyll and Hyde. I readily accepted because I had wanted to see the show since it opened. The show was fabulous and every last person who was in it was super talented. I was completely blown away by the intensity, passion and power of Sebastian Bach's performance. I'm not one to wait at stage doors but that night I waited because I wanted to snap a picture of this incredible performer. The person that came out was kind, gracious, funny, real and very generous with his time toward his fans.

September 15, 2000-The piece of mail that changed my life While looking through a pile of mail , I came across the Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS auction list. I used to volunteer for the organization and was still on their mailing list. One of the auction items immediately captured my attention. They happened to be auctioning off a walk-on for Jekyll and Hyde. I would actually get to be in a Broadway show for one day. I remembered how Sebastian Bach came bursting out of the stage door and how he treated his fans (see the stage door photo section) and I just knew that if I did this, that man would make it a very memorable day for me. At the very least, I knew he would make it a lot of fun. Here's where my philosophy of life comes in. My parents died too young and I've discovered that since I really don't know when my number will be up, it's important to live in the moment and live life to the absolute fullest. I always wanted one of BC/EFA's walk-ons and decided this time to go for it! I momentarily took leave of reality, called up Broadway Cares and put in a sizeable phone bid. I bid by phone because I had somewhere else to be on the day of the auction. They told me that if someone outbids me by phone prior to the auction, they would call me and I would have the option of gasp INCREASING the bid. Later that day, I purchased "Bring 'em Bach Alive" and some Skid Row CD's which I enjoy immensely.

September 24, 2000-The Auction I'm sitting at the Animal Haven Building Fund Luncheon but all my mind can focus on is the auction and the Jekyll and Hyde walk-on. Nobody outbid me by phone but there is a chance that someone will outbid my in person. I didn't plan on leaving the luncheon early and attending the auction but I really want the walk-on and I just can't let someone outbid me. Let's see, getting into Manhattan from Queens will be an interesting challenge today. In addition to the Broadway Cares event, there is a bookfair down 5th Avenue and an M.S. Bike-a-thon. Oh yeah, I have a GREAT chance of getting to the auction on time. Well, I actually made it to the auction. They are up to lot 3. The Jekyll and Hyde walk-on is lot 38 so I have a while. I happen to see one of my very close friends in the crowd so I stand next to her and we chat during the auction. People around us overheard that I put in a bid and before I know it, I have a cheering committee consisting of my friend, 2 nice men and 3 Times Square Business Improvement District Officers. One of the officers offered to personally arrest anyone who outbid me. Some of the walk-ons had been auctioned and the price tag was high. I knew that if J & H got to that point, I would not be able to go that high and my dream of being on Broadway suddenly started to dwindle. My fan club encourages me. One of the officers says, "don't lose hope girlfriend!" They finally arrive at the Jekyll and Hyde walk-on and the bidding is fast and furious. Before I know it, my phone bid has been exceeded. I hesitantly raise the paddle and the bidding goes back and forth between me and another person. Suddenly the auctioneer is staring at me, giving me the opportunity to go higher and secure the walk-on. At that point, I did something you're NEVER supposed to do at an auction. I waved my hand back and forth and mouthed the words, forget it. Apparently the auctioneer only saw my hand motions. At that point, the hammer went down and all eyes were upon me. People around me started cheering and hugging me. At that point the walk-on was mine and I wasn't going to give it back! My heart started racing and I was absolutely stunned. I could barely sign my name. My friend and I went out for dinner as my heart slowly returned to a normal rhythm. The restaurant happened to be across the street from the Jekyll and Hyde theatre and I kept peering out the window with delight and great anticipation trying to imagine what would take place a few weeks from this night.

September 25th-Reality Sinks in

I greet the day in disbelief. Reality sinks in. What did I do? What was I thinking? I can't even ask a waiter for another glass of water at a restaurant, I don't have the guts to get on a Broadway stage. Oh my God, I'm going to be in a Broadway show!!! Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to meet Sebastian Bach!!! Wowwwwwwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!! Life is good.

September 29, 2000 -First Contact

I called David, the stage manager of Jekyll and Hyde to make arrangements for the walk-on. He congratulated me and asks me if I want to be in the show with Sebastian Bach or David Hasselhoff. Well, it was Sebastian Bach who touched me with his moving performance. I didn't want to appear over anxious to the stage manager so I uttered in my most non-chalant tone, "oh, gee, I don't know, I guess Sebastian Bach." He said that would be fine but since Sebastian was leaving the show in a few weeks, I would have to do it pretty soon. He told me to come in on October 4th for a costume fitting and a walk-through and that I would be in the show on Sunday, October 8th. What a thrill! I'm terrified!!!

October 4, 2000-The Costume Fitting and Walk-Through Today was a very special and memorable day. I went for the costume fitting and the walk-through. At work, it was all I could think about. I came home from work and took a second shower and dressed in my black leather like outfit with my star earrings, star necklace and black buttondown dress shirt with what else, silver stars on it. I put on a full compliment of make-up and I wore new black shoes with heels that were way too big for me which I paid for later. I brought a pad and pen along to take notes and jot down questions. I found a parking spot immediately which in Manhattan was a good sign. I was a little early and a lot nervous. I rang the stage door bell and the person at the desk called for one of the stage managers, James, who was not in yet. He walked in a few minutes after I got there, greeted me warmly and told me I was a little early. He said I could wait there or go have a cup of coffee. I decided to wait there because I didn?t want to walk another inch on those heels. Well, as it turns out, Sebastian Bach walked in. I was facing away from the stage door but the voice was unmistakable. I was so nervous and intimidated about the whole Broadway experience in general that I just couldn't deal with meeting him at that point. I decided a cup of tea at the corner restaurant sounded pretty good. I closed my eyes, ducked between Sebastian Bach and the person he was talking to and scooted out the stage door. When I returned to the theatre, James took me onto the stage for my walk-through. I had the very pleasant surprise of meeting the other stage manager, Debora, who I had known from volunteering for Broadway Cares. I had no idea that she was involved in the show and it was really good to see her. James took me step by step through everything I would be doing. He said that there will always be a person assigned to me and he handed me a sheet with the scenes that I would be in and with the people responsible for me. He told me not to be nervous and just to have fun. Easier said than done. Then he took me down to wardrobe. On the way down, we passed Kevin, the person responsible for wigs in the show. James introduced me to him and he smiled and proceeded to visually and physically size up my head. He started playing with my hair and gave the back of my head a little squeeze and said, ?I have a wig for you and it?s going to look great.? When I got to wardrobe, I met Kathy, the wardrobe supervisor and Kristin, one of the dressers. The first thing I did was try on a pair of flat, brown boots that fit perfectly. I was then given a green sweater and a purple and black long skirt that was gathered to one side, sort of like a seniorita?s skirt would be. When I came out of the bathroom, I was given an apron, a scarf, a hat and fingerless gloves. I felt like Eponine from Les Miz! I looked at myself in the mirror, giggled and started to feel a little of the magic of theatre. James asked me if I was going to see the show before Sunday and I said that I was planning to buy a ticket just so I could apply what I was told today. He said don?t bother and offered me the opportunity to stay and see the show that evening. I was sitting in the Orchestra section, Row J, seat 1. It was a great seat and I was able to see all of the scenes that I would be in. While waiting for the house manager to arrange for the ticket, I struck up a conversation with 2 women also waiting for tickets. One of them asked me if I was from out of town too and I told her that I won the walk-on. Well, it turns out that she was Sebastian Bach?s mother. She was soooo nice. She congratulated me and seemed genuinely excited for me. I told her how wonderful her son was and how proud she must be of him but she already knew that. I saw her again at intermission and we chatted briefly. She said that she was trying to figure out which scenes I was going to be in. I watched the show very excitedly. I took notice of what the stage manager said and which scenes I would be in. He gave me some directions like, ? act cold and bored while you warm your hands over the fire.? The show was spectacular. I enjoyed it the first time but this time I was more familiar with the music and I felt like I had such a personal connection with it. I was picturing myself up there on Sunday. What a thrill! Before I left, I used the bathroom and sat on the sofa in the bathroom making my final notes and jotting down questions. Well, I looked up from my paper and who was grinning at me but Sebastian Bach?s mother. My face was probably crimson and I said, ?You caught me taking my notes.? We chatted briefly some more and I showed her the sheet with the scenes that I am in. She told me this may lead to bigger and better things and congratulated me once more. Now I know exactly where Sebastian Bach gets his kindness from.

October 8th, 2000-The Big Day-This was my Moment! Today was the day filled with magic. Today was one of the most amazing and unforgettable days of my life. I arrived at the theatre early. I had a bounty of goodies to deliver to the cast and crew. I put together some gift baskets. I bought so much stuff to put in them that ordinary wicker baskets just wouldn't do, I had to buy laundry baskets. I have a reputation of being generous and I tend to go overboard sometimes. This was definitely one of those times. I made Sebastian Bach a basket filled with beer , Godiva chocolate, Ricola Lozenges, Biscotti and comic books ( Hulk and Kiss Psycho Circus). I made the cast a basket filled with herbal tea, Ricola Lozenges, Baklava, cookies, biscotti and apples. In addition, I purchased a beautiful display of lollipops in the shape of stars in white chocolate and milk chocolate wrapped in gold and silver paper. For each of the actors who were assigned to me that day, I made up a tiny bag with a Godiva chocolate bar wrapped with pens since they probably sign lots of autographs. For the stage managers, wardrobe people and hair person, men got a box of Godiva chocolate and women got a picture frame with a Godiva chocolate bar. I was talking to someone in the costume department who commented on all I brought and I just said that I feel happy and I wanted to share some of that happiness with everybody. At that point the person in charge of the stage door said, oh, she?s happy, she?s happy! I left for a while took one of my close friends to the Marriott Marquis to ride the elevator for the first time. It was a real thrill for her. I didn?t get in the elevator because I was worried it might get stuck and I wouldn?t make it for the walk on. I got back at 2:00 and was met by James and Debora. The actors were coming in at that point and I got to meet some of them, especially the ones who were to be my designated babysitters for the evening. They all welcomed me so warmly and thanked me profusely for the goodies. Sebastian Bach's lovely wife Maria also thanked me and wished me luck. One of the actors named Juan Betancer was so nice, every time he saw me he smiled wide and would say, ?yay, yay for you?. Another one of my babysitters, Russell B. Warfield saw all the goodies and said, "when are you coming back?" They took me down to the wig department to get fitted with a wig but the wig supervisor was out that day and nobody knew anything about a wig for me. They decided to put my hair up in a bun. A lovely woman put my hair up and a nice gentleman put make-up on me. I remember it being very quiet and relaxing there. That was probably the only point in the day that I felt calm. Various actors took another make-up chair near mine and chatted with me. One very sweet cast member was Rebecca Spencer. She had such a sunny and cheery disposition. The man who plays Poole the butler, Peter Johl, sat down and sang to me in a deep voice, ?Welcome to Broadway?. Many of the cast said, have a good show. At various points they asked me if I was having fun. The answer was always an enthusiastic yes. Once the hair was done, I put my costume on. We took pictures throughout the hair, make-up and costuming which you will see on this site. One of the stage managers came to get me and asked me if I wanted to meet Sebastian Bach. I said no because I was just too nervous but the other stage manager said it was a good idea so he could see who the new person on stage was. I went upstairs and waited outside his dressing room. I was also a little reluctant to meet him because I wasn't fully costumed yet. I looked like a fashion disaster. On top I was wearing the peasant sweater, scarves and hat and on the bottom I had on my leopard print skirt. Rob Evan ( member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a very important band in my life), the other actor who plays the lead role, who was a very lovely person, was sitting there with his 2 year old son . We talked while waiting for Sebastian to come out. Earlier in the day, I attached a note to Sebastian's basket and Debora pointed out that he put the note on the bulletin board. Finally the door opened and he was still putting on make-up. He thanked me for everything. He came out ready to go on stage and slapped me on the back (this became a regular occurrence throughout the night). He said, ?You and me baby on stage, You Rock? and ran down to go on stage. He came back after one of his numbers and said, ?You look great, are you ready to kick some ass?? I went backstage to hang out with James, one of the stage managers which is where I stayed for most of the day. He was calling the show. When I'm nervous, I tend to talk a lot. Poor James was trying to concentrate on calling the show and I probably talked his ear off. I watched the show from backstage. Every time Sebastian Bach saw me backstage or near the steps he said something nice or funny to me, touched me or kissed me. He kept telling me that I rocked. It was finally my time for me to go on in my first scene. One of the actors came to get me and we lined up ready to go. Naturally my first millisecond out, I tripped on the step. I was having a lot of trouble walking in the costume because I kept tripping over the apron. I don't think anyone saw it because it happened behind the curtain. Somebody helped me and I sat on the step during ?Good and Evil? and watched the show as if I was actually at the club. One of the actresses playing a showgirl knelt down and talked to me. When the scene was over and it was time to exit, it went much smoother than the entrance. Throughout the day, all of the actors in between each scene, smiled at me, patted me on the shoulder or said something nice. It seemed that nobody on that show ever heard the word ego. It's so unusual to find such a collection of nice people in one place. In my next scene, I did a walk across the stage down in front. The actor, Russell B. Warfield said to me, ?I?ll walk slow so you can milk it.? The walk across was thankfully uneventful. The only thing that I wasn't expecting was that people were walking in the opposite direction of me. I saw Stewart Marland coming at me and panicked a little. I didn't know if I should look at him and smile or just ignore him and keep walking. I just nodded at him and continued to walk. At the end of the stage, there were 3 steps going up and 3 steps going down but I didn't have to worry because, just as James assured me, there was a hand extended that helped me navigate the steps. 4 hands in fact, Juan Betancur and Russell B. Warfield rescued me. In my next scene, John Schiappa took me on. We were behind a glass partition. One of the actors told me I could spin around if I wanted to so I did. Another one told me that I could move my hands in slow motion, so I did. We then walked off. In my last scene, I helped push out a garbage can with Craig Schulman. I was a fan of his and it was a real thrill to meet him. I had seen him in Les Miz and he was phenomenal. He had a very good sense of humor. He asked me if I brought my marshmallows because the next scene was with a garbage can and fire. I helped push the garbage can onto the stage. We got out and I stood on stage staring into the fire and warming my hands over the fire. Craig Schulman gave me a few encouraging nods and looks like what I was doing was o.k. A funny thing happened after that scene. I was told that I was supposed to follow Craig Shulman off stage but suddenly a hand grabbed me. It was Robert Jenson. I thought that he just grabbed my hand to squeeze it as if to say "good job" so I squeezed back and proceeded to follow Craig Schulman off but I guess there was a little change of plan because he held onto my hand and yanked me off stage the opposite way of which I was going. Surprisingly, I wasn't really nervous while I was on stage because you couldn't really see the audience from up there. Later, I got to watch Sebastian sing "This is the Moment" from full view backstage. That was just unbelievable. I was already starting to get misty from the whole Broadway experience which led to a few tears escaping here and there while I was backstage but this particular song just pushed me over the edge and the tears started flowing. I dried them quickly before anybody could see. I was embarrassed and didn't want everybody to think I was a total basket case. Debora, took me up to the orchestra pit where I stayed for a few numbers. I had to climb a spiral staircase to get there. The orchestra members were also really nice. It was so interesting to see all the inner workings of a Broadway show. During intermission, the stage manager called all the actors onto the stairs to take a picture with me. I walked out from the dressing room area and there they were, assembled on the stairs, waiting for me with smiles on their faces. That was another incredible moment from that day. They were all there, waiting and smiling at me. I felt such warmth coming from them. Sebastian was there and he said, ?Hey Freaky?. Then he said, let?s hear it for Jennifer who spent all that money for a good cause. The whole cast applauded. That was just a small foreshadowing of what was to come later. Then he said, "thanks most of all for the beer." First, Debora said, why don't you take an individual picture with Sebastian. I had no problem with that. After that I took a picture with the cast. It was so cool, everyone was in full costume. I went back to watch the show from the other side of backstage. Brandi Chavonne Massey who was playing Lucy was singing ?A New Life?. I was really enjoying watching her performance. Sebastian was talking with Debora waiting to go on and suddenly he turned around, took my hand and started dancing with me and twirling me around. Then he kissed my cheek and he said, ?excuse me, I have to go murder somebody now.? He is just something else. Well, the time came for curtain call. Juan Betancur pulled me out and we bowed. He told me to hold up my right hand and acknowledge the orchestra. I was told to stay right near the red pole. Sebastian Bach came out and the crowd went wild. He naturally got a standing ovation and deservedly so. Then he did something totally unexpected and unbelievable. He stopped his standing ovation, quieted the audience down and told them to sit. (I have to thank my friend Marilyn here, she has an amazing memory and remembered verbatim what was said.) Then he said ? I want you all to sit down for a minute I?m tired and I know you must be tired too but a couple of weeks ago there was a charity event from BC/EFA to raise money for aids. At the Jekyll and Hyde table we raised over $12000 and this girl named Jennifer donated a lot of money to BE/EFA for a chance to rock with us today so come on over Jennifer and take a bow. The whole cast turned to me onstage and started applauding along with the audience. You just can't imagine what I was feeling at that moment. Warmth and chills broke out all over my body. My heart was just overflowing with joy in its purest form. Then Sebastian held out a hand to me, kissed and hugged me and pulled me to the front of the stage. He held my hand up high, took a bow, held it up high again and gave me a high five. Then Andrea Rivette and Brandi Chavonne Massey took my hands as the cast left the stage. I was about the get off the stage but they pulled me back on and I took yet another bow. I couldn't speak, I couldn't breathe, I couldn't think, I could just feel and the feelings were of a profound magnitude. I was deeply touched and overwhelmed. I got off stage and those darn tears started flowing again. I was completely overcome with emotion due to the kindness that was showered upon me that day. I spoke with the woman who did the Jekyll and Hyde walk-on last year and she told me that they didn't do that for her at curtain call. The stage manager said, we didn't know he was going to do that. It was all Sebastian's doing. He is just an angel on earth. I saw Sebastian as I came off stage and he said, ?look she?s crying, why are you crying, I used my deodorant? He thanked me and kissed me again. I went downstairs to change back into my clothes. Nobody knew this but I was just sobbing in the bathroom. Believe me, while I am a sentimental and sensitive person, I'm not a sappy, weepy person who cries at the drop of a hat. I was just completely overcome and overwhelmed by what took place that day and probably needed a release of emotion. Sebastian Bach and the cast and crew of Jekyll and Hyde just extended themselves beyond reason. They did everything in their power to make the day phenomenally amazing for me. To quote a song from the show, "Goodness and sweetness and kindness abound in this place" If I had written the script for how I wanted the day to go, I would not have changed a thing. The experience absolutely exceeded my expectations. I put my clothes back on and got a few more pictures with a few more cast members. George Merritt who plays Dr. Jekyll's best friend really went above and beyond the call of duty. He asked me if anybody came to see me in the show. I said I have about 7 people here. Then he said, "well, I would like to meet them." There is just no end to the kindness of this cast and sure enough, he met them and said the nicest things to them. Debora and James escorted me out the stage door to meet my friends and family. My best friend Julie brought me purple flowers. A woman from Nova Scotia named Sioni asked me to sign her playbill. That was just too thrilling. We waited for Sebastian to come out of the stage door because I just had to say thank you again. One of my friends, Andre, went over to him and said, Jennifer would like to have a word with you. He saw me and said "Hey, let's hear it for Jennifer" and he began to applaud. He was mobbed by his fans but he parted the crowd that surrounded him and walked over to me. I said that I just wanted to say thank you, this day was so special and yet AGAIN, he kissed and hugged me and told me that I totally rocked, that I was awesome and thanked me. I went out to dinner with some friends after the show and just basked in the glory of the experience. This day has no rival. The only downside to all of this is that life will be pretty bleak from here on in because I can?t think of another thing that I can do in my lifetime that will equal the positive intensity of emotion that this day held.

Some Thank You's

I thanked the cast and crew of the show already but they deserve another big thank you for all they did and for the way they made me feel. It was truly an honor to be in the presence of such talent. Thanks especially to James and Debora. James and Debora provided me with guidance and support throughout the entire process. Without Debora, I would not have a set of wonderful pictures to treasure. Thank you to Tom, the house manager for giving me a ticket for the show prior to my walk-on. A huge thank you to David, the head stage manager who arranged everything for me. Thank you all. Thanks also to Julie, Marilyn, Carol, Judy, Andre, Shona and Bay for coming to see me.

The Aftermath It's amazing how one life experience can have such a major and positive impact on a person's life but my day on Broadway did just that. I'm sure the cast and crew of the show were just being themselves but I was hit with such a concentrated amount of kindness and affection that it was like a shockwave. I'm still riding the wave of euphoria. It's been 4 weeks since I did my walk-on and all of the warmth and joy contained in that day still lives within my heart, keeps a constant and radiant smile on my face, motivates me to no end, puts a spring in my step and makes me a better person overall. I was a happy person before but now I'm ridiculously, deliriously happy. I'm giddy and giggly. Lately, people tell me constantly that I beam and glow. On top of all the warm and fuzzy feelings associated with the show, the positive attention that I've gotten and continue to get from family, friends, acquaintances and co-workers has been nice. The flame of my fondest memory burns brightly and continues to glow and shine. All the fire companies in the world could never put it out. Now, if only I can stop crying when I look at the pictures, I'll be in good shape. NEVER underestimate the power of kindness. It goes a long way.

(A little sidenote: Today is 1/1/02, over a year later and I am in the process of moving this webpage from one server to another. Well, I just re-read the story and rest assured, those tears started flowing but it's a beautiful kind of crying and not a sad one. This experience has not lost an ounce of amazement or intensity over time. My heart is forever touched in the most deepest of places.) .

Another Little Sidenote (Another little sidenote) Here I sit nearly 4 years later so thankful that one experience has brought so many amazing, happy, thrilling and positive changes into my life. I was inspired to lose weight which in turn gave me the confidence to pursue my musical dreams. The walk-on led to an amazing chain of events which I believe in my heart was meant to be. Here is the chain. I did the walk-on, became a fan of Sebastian, started seeing his concerts. Al Pitrelli played with Sebastian for one of his mini-tours. I met him, thought he was an incredible guitar player and nice person and didn't think about him much beyond that. I decided to buy an electric guitar, I played acoustic as a teenager. I needed a teacher so I looked online to find one which led me to a place called,THE STUDIO, a place where they record, hold rehearsals, hold weekly jams and most importantly, facilitate people getting into bands and produce shows in high profile NYC Nightclubs. Guess who their in-house guitar teacher was? Al Pitrelli! I knew at that point, this was meant to be. He taught me the coolest things and along the way, told me about a little band he was in called the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I vaguely heard of them but always assumed they were a one-hit wonder band from Russia. Shame on me! I had no idea of the scope or the wonderment that was TSO. He told me to come see them so I did and the start of a beautiful and amazing relationship with one of the most incredible bands around had begun. A little more time passed and with enormous encouragement and gentle pushing from the head of The Studio and others, a diva was born! LOL Well, not really but I formed a rock band and another unbelievable journey and chapter in my life had begun. In addition to guitar, I took voice lessons and even drum lessons. I attended jams where I watched, learned and participated. I took a lot of baby steps and a lot of good people were there to help, guide, support, teach and encourage me. I used to perform rock concerts for my stuffed animals. Now I have very real and very enthusiastic audiences. I've been in and continue to be in several bands and got a job hosting and performing at an open mic/live band karaoke! Not only is that gratifying but it validates all my hard work and accomplishments. Not many people can say their dreams have come true but two of mine have. I've always wanted to be on Broadway and I was. I dreamed extensively about performing in rock bands and here I am living my dream every day. It's an incredible continuing journey. I never ever lose sight of just how lucky I am!