I had been studying ballet since I was six years old, jazz beginning at 14, and subsequently, acting and singing for several years. From the time I was nine years old, I dreamt of being on a Broadway stage. I began going to open calls, and at 14, landed the role in the national company of Bye Bye Birdie. My parents wouldn’t let me go, they insisted on my finishing high school. I thought my career was over. Finally, at 16½, after auditioning for six months, I got the ingénue lead in 110 in the Shade on Broadway. I graduated and, at 17, was in rehearsal. My childhood dream became a reality and my Equity card – a most treasured possession!
