Star File
Word of Mouth Panelist Michelle
Meet Michelle, one of the regular theatergoers that was chosen to be a part of the Broadway.com Word of Mouth panel for the 2011-2012 theater season!
How far do you live from Broadway?
In New Jersey, about 35 minutes away.
What do you do for a living?
I like to think of myself as the "Anti-Housewife" of North Jersey.
What's the best part about your job? And the worst?
I don't know where to start! Raising teenagers is BRUTAL! But, watching them grow into young independent young adults is pretty cool.
Who first exposed you to Broadway?
My first theater experience was in 1978 when my high school boyfriend saved up enough money to take us on a road trip to NYC from Maryland. We saw A Chorus Line. I remember that we were so close to the stage that you could see every expression, breath and drop of sweat on the dancers. In the day it was a little provocative for a 17-year-old to experience and that even made it more thrilling.
Any special childhood theater memories?
Since I wasn't exposed until I was a senior in high school, I've been lucky enough to expose all my kids at an early age and it has been so much fun to watch them enjoy shows as much as I do...Sometimes I've had to stop watching them so I can concentrate on the show. They are pretty much grown up and my son has a real interest in the performing arts (he's also very talented..this coming from his mom). That is very exciting!
What do you love about Broadway?
I love that even when you think you've heard everything about any production, something always surprises you! It's never the same every night! Always in flex and constantly changing. New blood and reinventing old classics or new stories to be told. It's also fun to see so many talented performers move into other areas, be it music, film or TV. It's fun to say that I saw them when! (Hello, Kristin Chenoweth!)
Have you ever acted? Had aspirations of being on Broadway yourself?
I act at home every night! My family thinks I'm hilarious when I'm not yelling at them!
Who do you like to go to the theater with and why?
I usually go with my husband Gary, who works a few blocks from Broadway. However, I have a BFF who lives in Connecticut who is "chomping at the bit" to go with me! I keep telling Gary to watch out...She's tenacious and gets into the city about once a month to see a show...A theater geek as well.
What are some of your all-time favorite Broadway shows?
Billy Elliot (WOW WOW WOW!), Jersey Boys, Wicked, Sister Act, Phantom, A Chorus Line
Why should Broadway.com viewers listen to your opinion?
I can appreciate all kinds of productions and performances. I'm insightful and have a good attention to detail. I like all types of music and have a good feeling of what information a person would want to know (without giving away the goodies). I'm diplomatic and know how to work the weakness's in a kind way as well as being excited about wonderful performances. Everyone has different tastes.
What was your reaction when you found out you'd been chosen for the panel?
I was SO EXCITED!!!! It'll be great meeting all kinds of other people that enjoy theater and are up to trying something new. What a wonderful opportunity!
How far do you live from Broadway?
In New Jersey, about 35 minutes away.
What do you do for a living?
I like to think of myself as the "Anti-Housewife" of North Jersey.
What's the best part about your job? And the worst?
I don't know where to start! Raising teenagers is BRUTAL! But, watching them grow into young independent young adults is pretty cool.
Who first exposed you to Broadway?
My first theater experience was in 1978 when my high school boyfriend saved up enough money to take us on a road trip to NYC from Maryland. We saw A Chorus Line. I remember that we were so close to the stage that you could see every expression, breath and drop of sweat on the dancers. In the day it was a little provocative for a 17-year-old to experience and that even made it more thrilling.
Any special childhood theater memories?
Since I wasn't exposed until I was a senior in high school, I've been lucky enough to expose all my kids at an early age and it has been so much fun to watch them enjoy shows as much as I do...Sometimes I've had to stop watching them so I can concentrate on the show. They are pretty much grown up and my son has a real interest in the performing arts (he's also very talented..this coming from his mom). That is very exciting!
What do you love about Broadway?
I love that even when you think you've heard everything about any production, something always surprises you! It's never the same every night! Always in flex and constantly changing. New blood and reinventing old classics or new stories to be told. It's also fun to see so many talented performers move into other areas, be it music, film or TV. It's fun to say that I saw them when! (Hello, Kristin Chenoweth!)
Have you ever acted? Had aspirations of being on Broadway yourself?
I act at home every night! My family thinks I'm hilarious when I'm not yelling at them!
Who do you like to go to the theater with and why?
I usually go with my husband Gary, who works a few blocks from Broadway. However, I have a BFF who lives in Connecticut who is "chomping at the bit" to go with me! I keep telling Gary to watch out...She's tenacious and gets into the city about once a month to see a show...A theater geek as well.
What are some of your all-time favorite Broadway shows?
Billy Elliot (WOW WOW WOW!), Jersey Boys, Wicked, Sister Act, Phantom, A Chorus Line
Why should Broadway.com viewers listen to your opinion?
I can appreciate all kinds of productions and performances. I'm insightful and have a good attention to detail. I like all types of music and have a good feeling of what information a person would want to know (without giving away the goodies). I'm diplomatic and know how to work the weakness's in a kind way as well as being excited about wonderful performances. Everyone has different tastes.
What was your reaction when you found out you'd been chosen for the panel?
I was SO EXCITED!!!! It'll be great meeting all kinds of other people that enjoy theater and are up to trying something new. What a wonderful opportunity!
