MY CITY
New York City. It’s where I grew up and it’s home. New York has a sense of aliveness that is palpable. I love the energy you feel just walking down the street, it makes you feel like anything can happen.
FAVOURITE FOOD MEMORY
The chocolate flourless cake at Il Mulino on McDougal St is the best.
FAVOURITE BAR
Bemmelman’s Bar (inside of the Carlyle Hotel) is classic New York. I love getting dressed up for no reason and going to have an espresso martini there.
DRINK THAT DESCRIBES YOU
A Paloma. A little sweet with a kick to it.
BEST HANGOVER CURE
A bagel, coffee and a nap.
BEST NYC BAR
These days, I’m actually into throwing little dinner parties and having people over. So, the best NYC bar is my apt! (I’m in my 30s and will do anything to stay home).
OVERSEAS BAR
I’m a sucker for a British pub.
FAVOURITE WINE
I’m very into Lambrusco right now; any kind will do.
FAVOURITE WINERY
I took a trip to the Napa Valley, USA with some girlfriends a couple years ago and the whole experience was amazing. The vineyards there varied in vibe and selection. Highly recommend.
NEXT DESTINATION
After Melbourne and Sydney Comedy Festival, I’m doing a little solo trip to New Zealand.
Tell us about the inspiration for your new show?
I had just come out of a horrible break-up and was watching episodes of the Cher Show and clips of Bette Midler. The combo of those two things clicked and I realizsd I wanted to make a one-woman musical show about the experience, in the vein of incredible dames like them.
How does sharing your heartbreak make you feel?
I think heartbreak is a universal experience. The picture I’m painting in the show isn’t unique which is why it resonates. My hope is that people are thinking of themselves and their own experiences while watching the show and we all get a little catharsis together.
When did you fall in love with cabaret and singing?
I’ve been performing since I was a kid. I was a child actor in NY performing in theatre, I had my first job at 12 years old and transitioned into writing my own music and doing more of a songwriter/pop focus to my project. Doing this show feels like a full circle moment with my artistry, blending my love of theatre and cabaret with pop songs and storytelling.
You’ve worked with some big names in the biz. Tell us about performing with Cindy Lauper.
I got to be a part of Cyndi Lauper’s “Home for the Holidays” show that she does every year. It was incredible to be a part of a line-up with Ani Di Franco, Sandra Bernhard and Cyndi herself. We all sang Girls Just Wanna Have Fun on stage together – a surreal and amazing moment. I’m also in a Paul McCartney music video (his video for Queenie Eye) that came out 10 years ago and features an insane cast of people including Tom Ford, Kate Moss, James Marsden – yep, it’s a wild list.
THE BREAKUP VARIETY HOUR IS HAPPENING AT THE MELBOURNE COMEDY FESTIVAL IN APRIL.
https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/the-breakup-variety-hour/
