When Tara Mallen asked me to join this new cast of WRENS, I balked. The original production of WRENS was such an important moment in my own Chicago theatre history that I was just terrified to try to re-create any of that magic. I could not imagine how I would get the original cast members’ voices out of my head. And I had the added pressure of taking on Gwyneth – which as you may know, was the role Tara played and won a Jeff award for Best Supporting Actress for…that’s all. EEEEEKKKK!

However, with Karen Kessler back at the helm as director and an incredible cast on board, I soon began to relax in the rehearsal room. These new voices are original and beautiful and smart and funny. I think Karen and I have both been surprised at how much we have learned this time around -- learned from a script that we both thought we already knew so well. These characters are so complex, the story is so beautiful, and I am so grateful to have been given a chance to be a part of it a second time around.

So, thanks, Tara!