1992-1999
#HB70 I moved to NYC in 1992 specifically to go to HB Studio. Took Elizabeth Dillon’s acting master class. And took song performance classes with Michele Grace, accompanied by Noel Katz. Still picking the Hoosier hay out of my hair, I was so lucky to be recommended for and then cast in the benefit cabaret that year, directed by Charles Nelson Reilly and staged by Donna McKechnie. I got to share a spot at dressing table with Anne Meara. The years at HB were a superlatively formative for me and led directly to my work today, every day singing Illustrated Songs (and writing a blog about it, Sing Books with Emily) to children in classrooms and libraries, still using everything I learned from the amazing and inspiring teachers at HB. I am grateful and always delighted for the chance to pass it on.
My tribute to Charles Nelson Reilly and my first cabaret at HB Studio: