I love new theatre works, especially musicals. Luckily for NY, there is the 2007 New York Musical Theatre Festival, which presents a wide variety of new works each year to satisfy my appetite. Now in its 4th year, The New York Musical Theatre Festival is the largest musical theatre event in America. NYMF premiered 99 new musicals during its first three seasons, with more than a dozen of these shows transferring to successful off-Broadway and regional productions. Hailed as "the Sundance of Musical Theatre," NYMF is widely regarded as the premier source for new material and talent discovery. 
This year, a new work called Like Love with book and lyrics by Barry Jay Kaplan and music by Lewis Flinn and directed by Lisa Rothe will be featuring the very talented Danielle Ferland. Most theatre enthusiasts may remember Ferland for her role as the rambunctious Little Red Riding in the original Broadway production of INTO THE WOODS.
So what's been going on with Danielle and what's this new show about? Well, fortunately, she talked with me recently and I am sharing her thoughts with you now.
TJ: How long has it been since you were on stage in New York?
FERLAND: In June and July of this year, I performed in the New York Premiere of a play called Hate Mail with Monday Morning productions. This play began as an idea to spoof Love Letters, and then took on a mind of it's own as it explored the love/hate/lust/vengeful relationship between two polar opposite personalities. Much of it was written as the authors corresponded through fax, letter and email.
TJ: How does it feel to be back performing in New York?
FERLAND: New York is the best place to perform! I did She Stoops to Conquer at the Irish Rep about 2 years ago, shortly before the birth of my son in November of 2005. Noah is my greatest production to date, and he makes everything, including work, more fulfilling.
TJ: Tell me a little about your role in LIKE LOVE?
FERLAND: I play the role of Love, actually--a woman who does her very best to bring a man and a woman together despite various emotional circumstances. I am somewhat in control, and often am not as their relationship evolves and different obstacles present themselves. It is my duty to try and cajole, coax, chastise, and subliminally convince them they are indeed meant to be together, and that love is the only way to go.
TJ: How did you get involved with this project?
FERLAND: I worked with the show's producer, Dennis Grimaldi, on a project a few years ago and he called and asked if I would be interested in the piece. I am very happy he thought of me for this.
TJ: What is it about this show that caught your interest?
FERLAND: Many aspects of this show caught my interest. I loved the idea of playing a sort of cupid, and was attracted to how different it is from other roles I've played. The music also intrigued me very jazzy/bluesy with some musical theater thrown in, and I haven't had the opportunity to sing that before.
TJ: Is it tough to get people to think of you for roles when you get became famous for your role in INTO THE WOODS?
