Fresh Face: Messeret Stroman

Age: "Young enough to tell you but old enough to know better."

Currently: Playing LaTonya Dinkins in the Roundabout production of Blue at the Gramercy Theater. Stroman has been with the show since its 2000 premiere at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C, and has several other New York credits including her time working with the now-defunct Negro Ensemble Company.

Hometown: Stroman grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, where many of her family members still reside. "I had a great childhood," she says. "But I think I was one of those people-like so many people in this industry-who were just always thinking `I can't wait to leave this place.' But now it's wonderful to go back and relax."

Messeret the Majorette: In high school, Stroman was active in dancing and spent some time as a majorette. "My mom jokes that everyone thinks she named me Messeret because she wanted me to become a majorette!" she says. Actually, Mom found the name, which is of Ethiopian origin it means "foundation", flipping through the pages of a magazine.

Art Imitates Life: When Stroman first read the part of LaTonya, she immediately felt like she knew the character--in fact, she says she went to school with her. "I called my best girlfriend and I read her the first scene," she remembers. "I said, 'Isn't that so and so who we went to high school with?' She laughed and we just started reminiscing about that girl." So who is the mystery inspiration? "We will not reveal any names," says Stroman. "We were never very tight."

Fashion Sense: Does Stroman dress like LaTonya, who makes her entrance in a revealing pair of Daisy Dukes, in her real life? "You mean with my butt hanging out," she asks, laughing. "No! That's LaTonya! I don't wear shorts at all in fact. You will never catch me in shorts. I wear skorts, but never shorts!"

Mrs. Huxtable: Stroman was nervous about working with Blue star Phylicia Rashad, who she grew up watching as the matriarch of The Cosby Show. "Who didn't grow up watching that?" she says. "I was so nervous when I found out I got the show, but she is so down-to-earth. She's such a warm and giving actor and just a beautiful being--I've learned so much for watching her. I can't say enough good about her. I could just go on and on..."