Broadway BUZZ

Meet Jill, 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?
I live in New York City (the best city in the world!), about 40 blocks from Broadway.

What do you do for a living?
I work at a PR firm and do marketing and internal communications for my company.

Who first exposed you to Broadway and how?
My mom sings and I started dancing at a young age so I don’t remember a time when music and show tunes were not in my life. As a kid, I watched The Sound of Music over and over again. (To the point where I can still recite almost the entire movie verbatim.) Once I learned that you could see movies like The Sound of Music LIVE, I was hooked!

Any special childhood theater memories?
When I was a kid, my aunt directed local plays at her church and my grandma made the costumes. (She made a mean Pink Lady jacket--which I still have and pull out for a last minute Halloween costume!) I have memories of them doing Grease and You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown. They also did cabaret-like shows where my mom, cousin and others sang Broadway hits. That was the first time I heard Pippin’s "Corner of the Sky"!

What do you love about Broadway?
Everything! On Broadway, you can see some of the best actors, singers and dancers in the world. From singing puppets and movie adaptations, to true stories and heavy dramas, Broadway has it all. Not to mention you get to watch someone live out their dream.

Have you ever acted? Had aspirations of being on Broadway yourself?
I played a PR girl (foreshadowing?) in my high school’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. Singing in public terrifies me so I kept the speaking part and gave the solo to a cast member. Since singing goes with the territory, I’ll stick to being a fan!

Who do you like to go to the theater with and why?
I love going to shows with people who love shows! My friend Sandy is my favorite Broadway buddy. She’s up for seeing anything, so if we can get an inexpensive ticket, we’re there. No matter what it is about!

What are some of your all-time favorite Broadway shows?
To date, I’ve seen over 90 shows so I have a lot to pick from. But, I’d have to say my favorite show is Rent (which I’ve seen seven times and will soon see off-Broadway). Close seconds are Hair (five times) and Wicked (two times).

Why should Broadway.com viewers listen to your opinion?
I’m a Broadway geek! I read articles about the latest shows, actors and reviews and am always up for seeing something. (Even if I’ve seen it before.) I’m very lucky to have gone to a lot of shows, so I have seen the great, the good, the bad and the ugly. I know Broadway can be expensive, so while I tend to like a lot of what I see, I will only really recommend a show when I think it’s something worth while.

What was your reaction when you found out you'd been chosen for the panel?
I was ecstatic and immediately texted my friends and family!