new shots.

SOUTH PACIFIC

It's official. I will be starting in South Pacific at the Lincoln Center on Broadway on April 6. The understudy for Lt. Cable, one of the leads in the show, is leaving to do an off-broadway gig where he is the lead. I will be onstage nightly in the ensemble, and oh- I have some pretty genius lines like "Who you trying to fool?" and "What is that thing?" I am grateful to be working on Broadway again this year, and in such a stunning show. I have never felt this way about a show or project, I have pretty much fallen in love with the piece. Bartlett Sher is an amazing director and I am stoked that he cast me, it has been fun getting to know him a little. He also did Light in the Piazza and other award winning shows. The set is incredible, and I would even be content just listening to those orchestrations every night in pit. But alas, I get to sing the songs and act like a member of a soldier during World War II. Laura Osnes is an incredible Nellie. And Paolo Szot who originated the role of Emile and won a Tony for it, returns to the cast to finish out the run this week.

The cast is awesome. Lincoln Center is a dream to work at, its the most beautiful place in Manhattan in my opinion. Anyway, that's the latest kids. Hard work and preparation.

GOSSIP GIRL

So, I booked an episode of Gossip Girl. It's kind of unreal how many guys they audition for two lines. I had one scene with Leighton Meester, she's probably my favorite on the show actually.

They fed me good food in my dressing room, and I actually filmed for about and hour and a half. Took a long time getting all the different angles they needed. In the end, watch out in about two weeks for my best line, "Oh yeah....You're like, really hot."

HA. What is going on....

BROADWAY

Well, many of you know that it has been a hard few months of hitting the pavement trying to get seen for shows and getting lots of call backs but nothing solidified for me. Boo.

BUT THEN, something did. After weeks of auditions, and one BIG, SCARY audition for the entire creative team (Producers, Directors, Choreographers and Casting Directors sitting behind one big table.....and then, there’s you, all alone in the spotlight), I received an offer to understudy Cheyenne Jackson (number one male broadway star currently hitting broadway stages) as the lead part “WOODY” , and dance in the ensemble on the other nights in the broadway revival of one of the most beautifully written shows ever to hit broadway- FINIANS RAINBOW! Last seen on Broadway in 1947. In other words, BUBSY IS GOING TO BROADWAY!!!! And I can’t freaking believe it. I remember dreaming about being on Broadway since I was in 9th grade. When I walked on stage that first night singing “Any Dream Will Do” as Joseph, braces shining and all, I knew that there was some truly magical and exciting about what I was doing. And now, to be able to do it as a profession, is truly a blessing. Also, to cover Cheyenne Jackson is the biggest compliment I think I could ask for. I have idolized the man’s voice since I first heard him sing. He has since led five broadway shows to sell out success. It is very, very flattering. And a bit beyond what I imagined my Broadway Debut would be. I thought MAYBE I could snatch a swing spot in some show, or some back right corner ensemble dancer or singer. But to cover a lead is another story. Those of you who don’t understand what it means to break into the Broadway world and be a part of the community that is walking around the theater district/times square every night around 6:50 to be in their dressing rooms getting ready at seven, it is a coveted experience. Make up, costumes and hair, stretching out and warming up are all key during this hour before the traditional 8:08 on the dot curtain rises in theaters all around between 42 and 54th streets. The sun goes down, the theater lights go up, and the orchestra tunes up their instruments and strings, the people from all over the country are flocking to their various historical and beautiful theaters to see some spectacle that might inspire, make them feel something, or help them forget about their everyday worries for a few hours. AND I GET TO BE A PART OF THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Needless to say, it is a huge milestone in my life. I know that it will be a fulfilling experience, and will probably just leave me hungry for more. 

I just hope you all know, that I KNOW that happiness if following your dreams, serving others, and being happy while you do both. God has such a plan for every single one of us. He has designed us to do certain things, and I know that we can all live up to our fullest potential if we take chances, risks, and put in hard work. 

I know I wouldn’t be where I am without the talents that were instilled in me by a loving Father in Heaven. I am forever grateful that I get to do what I love to do and have the means to support myself while doing so. It is a great, great blessing. 

Lastly, thanks to everyone who believed in me. Sorry if I sound like a sap, but I don’t know if any of you could possible know what it means to me. Some people were always asking “So what show you gonna do now?” or “Whats next?”. Haha. If only it were that simple. I truly appreciate you who told me always that I had what it takes, even when I doubted myself. It helped me keep going.

I LOVE YOU! Come see me dancing around the St. James theater this fall.

DREAM BIG!

-Taylor

West Side Story

Work has been a bit scarce in the entertainment industry of NYC as of late. Anyone is lucky to have a job performing, anywhere. This past January 7 Broadway shows closed. The economy is our enemy. The first thing to go is entertainment in a recession. People don't want to spend money on a sensible Broadway play or show when times are tough. Alas, I was excited to land the role of "Riff" in Virginia Beach's "West Side Story" at the Sandler Center.

Let me sum up this experience for you: PAID VACATION. Let me list a few of the things that made this contract SO sweet.

• Condos on the beach
• They gave me a car
• I was Riff, so I was not in the second act and had a week off of rehearsal to play around the beautiful Virginia Beach area. (I didnt go anywhere but the beach and boardwalk)
• "The Sandler Center" is a beautiful new facility that was incredible to perform in.

I couldn't have asked for a better contract. It was short and sweet, and perfect for a little time away from the city.

Look at the Frey Maffia taking over the upper west side! All in black!

 It was so awesome to have my family in New York with me during Thanksgiving so I didn't have to spend it alone. Besides seeing Jersey Boys and sitting behind Tom Cruise and David Beckham, we also ate at the Porter House in the Time Warner Building at Columbus Circle for Thanksgiving Dinner. It was pretty amazing. We attended the Christmas Spectacular at the Radio City Music Hall, and Christmas Shopped. On the last day, we ate at one of my favorite New York Restaurants, SERENDIPITY. They have the most amazing frozen hot chocolate. Good times with the Frey Family.