Hello Broadway World! I'm am finally back for another blog after a long summer of theatre withdrawals. I have been so busy since the beginning of school, with college applications, homework, and just senior year in general. However, now that the applications are in, and my Broadway series tickets have begun, I went and saw Rodger's and Hammerstein's Cinderella Saturday night. It was the national touring cast, and the roles were casted perfectly. It encompassed the spirit of the original Cinderella story while also adding in some comic relief. Tatyana Lubov and Hayden Stanes shined as Cinderella and Prince Topher. It was very interesting to see that Rodger and Hammerstein decided to have one of the step sisters,Gabrielle played by Mimi Robinson, become Cinderella's friends rather than having them both be against her. Although that was the case, the other step sister, Charlotte played by Joanna Johnson, stole the show with her comedy and her Stepsister's Lament. Chris Woods also had the audience's attention with his great performance as Jean-Michel. The Fairy Godmother, Leslie Jackson, had a beautiful voice, which was showcased in "There's Music In You". The dancers were the highlight of the show for me. The choreography and the costumes took the show to a whole new level and made the props and scenery come to life. At some points I found myself watching the dancers more than the actual story because they had been trained so well. I had been in a school production of Rodger's and Hammerstein's Cinderella and it is interesting to see the huge differences between the actual Broadway musical script and the teen version. Also, there is nothing like going to a show at night. You can feel the excitement throughout the lobby and in the audience. Everybody is dressed up and ready to see the show. That's the magic of theatre.

In our highly competitive day and age, students in every school across the nation push themselves to succeed. From five to six college level classes to multiple clubs and activities to family obligations, students find themselves stressed and nervous about managing it all and finding balance. Kids who put themselves through it all deserve recognition for their dedication, but no one deserves praise more than the theater kid. Theater kids raise the bar for all students.

Finding out you didn't get the part you wanted always stings a little. You could be jealous, hurt, angry, or just plain old sad. And all of these things are okay, and are normal emotions. Never suppress your emotions because it could lead to some pretty unhealthy emotional/mental habits.

What can I say about Speech & Debate???

A reflection of the Broadway show that captured my heart, in honor of the closing of the North American Tour of Newsies.

In today's blog, I discuss THE ILLUSIONISTS at The Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando.

Rewrites. A word that stares writers down as the cursor blinks expectantly. This is the immense task I am facing-and an assignment I would not trade for the world.

Hello to all 5 million of my amazing readers (because there are DEFINITELY that many of you)!!! Sorry for my lack of blog last week...I know how emotionally difficult it was for you to deal with...but I'm back now, so you can wipe away the tears.

A cornerstone of American Theatre has just reached another benchmark of its legacy, and we are the ones lucky enough to observe the mastery. Bartlett Sher's hailed Fiddler on the Roof is the most fearless revival of a classic that Broadway has seen. A revelrous company and a class of principals that were born to play these roles paints a Fiddler that will simultaneously warm and haunt the hearts of all who pass through the Broadway Theatre's doors.

For some time now I've been in a funk.

On September 18, 2016, I was afforded the opportunity to attend the NJACT's 43rd Annual Perry Awards. I was extremely honored to be present supporting my twin brother, Joseph Laurino Jr. who was nominated for his role as Patsy in a production of Spamalot with the Chatham Community Players. His appearance in the show was an unexpected surprise that resulted in a comic and memorable performance. Our high school director and choreographer, James Mosser and Jennifer Williams branched out to this community theatre project and somehow knew that Joseph would be the perfect fit. This 16 year old boy took on the role of Patsy, the loyal companion to King Arthur, exuding charisma and a sense of maturity that captured the audience. With a stellar triple - threat performance, he left critics speechless with a smile from ear to ear. 

Although she's only a freshman in high school, Shelby Jones (who attends Murfreesboro's Middle Tennessee Christian School) has already amassed an enviable theater resume and established a reputation as one of the finest singers to be found onstage.

Over the past week, I have been in the process of recording, rehearsing and being coached for my pre screen audition videos for applying to college. I was also scrambling to meet deadlines I had set for myself to finish my college applications. I spent an hour and a half recording the vocal part of my auditions, two hours recording one mandatory dance combination, introductions to my video and my monologues. I also worked for an hour on the optional/technique jazz combination video.

I was never one to sit still. I always tap a foot in the air while I'm sitting cross-legged. I twirl my pen while taking notes in a lecture and make typing motions with my fingers while trying to figure out what to write. But I surprised myself. I have done more sitting still in the last week than I have in my entire life, and it was nothing less than enlightening. 

It's the fall, which means thousands of high schools across the country are beginning their spectacular seasons of theatre. From Shakespeare to Carrie, drama clubs are performing some very complicated and complex musicals and plays. The same goes for Fort Lauderdale High School, where the Stageplayers have officially begun rehearing one of the most underrated, hilarious, and intricate shows, The Drowsy Chaperone. 

Matthew Morrison is the prime example of a Renaissance man. From getting his big break as Link Larkin in Hairspray to starring in the cultural revolution of Glee to his time as J.M. Barrie in Finding Neverland, Morrison has showcased his ambition, passion and dedication as one of Broadway's leading men. 

We can all agree that there's no season more hashtag aesthetic than autumn. But, as is for everything cool, you need a playlist to bring it full circle.

Pumpkin spice lattes, candy corn, apple pie-what do these things make you think of? First and foremost, YAAASSS (obvi), but also…fall! As I struggle to get back into the swing of school, there's one thing that keeps me going: my superhumanly high level of excitement for THE FALL 2016 THEATER SEASON!!! (*fireworks*) There are so many truly incredible offerings this year for audiences of all ages…but, for now, let's focus on what's out there for teens! So, now, I present to you (*drumroll)* My Top 5 Picks for Teens Fall 2016 (*confetti explosion*)! 

As a vocalist, sickness is my worst nightmare. I don't want to have to postpone voice lessons, practice or other rehearsal when I lose my voice. 

During my week in New York, I had the opportunity to interview Tina Stafford after watching the off broadway show she is in called Liberty. Tina is a working actress in New York City and was a part of the tour of Once the musical. It was really interesting talking to Tina and learning about what it's like to be an actress in New York City. Here are the questions I asked her and her responses!

As we head into the new school year (*rolls eyes*), all of us are still reminiscing about those summer nights (yes, that was a purposeful Grease reference…obvi). Some teenagers chose to spend their summer relaxing on the beach, working on their tan…I am not one of them!! I spent my summer at the legendary theater camp, Stagedoor Manor, where I performed in two full-fledged productions over the course of 6 weeks. This was my 3rd year at Stagedoor, AKA, 'Heaven on Earth for Theater Geeks', and it just gets better and better each year.

Every year at Upper Dublin High School, the theatre program puts on a get-together where they reveal the three shows to be done throughout the school year. Before they're revealed, though, you can guess what they're going to be. Last year the theatre director gave hints in the form of colors for the shows: black, green, and blue. If you can't figure all of them out, don't worry, we only managed to get two: Wizard of Oz for green, and The Little Mermaid for blue. Black, then, was The Importance of Being Earnest. All three ended up being incredible to perform, and the contrast between the two musicals and The Importance of Being Earnest was a great dynamic.

I tried out for my first play in several years. In prior years, I told myself I was too busy to take on another show, and let audition opportunities pass me by. To this day, that is my biggest regret of high school: not auditioning for everything.

I can think of only one thing that's better than theatre outreach--and that is using said outreach to welcome freshmen. 

I take my craft too seriously. Yes, I said it. Every theatre kid takes their craft too seriously. Now, I know how misleading that sounds. It sounds like I'm claiming we should all relax and stop working on our pieces. Trust me, that is NOT WHAT I AM SAYING. What I am saying is something that is built on advice hundreds of people have told me. From vocal coaches to directors to fellow cast members, basically everyone I know has told me that I take my craft too seriously. And I do. But I think we all do. I think we all spend far too much time worrying and questioning rather than doing. Thus, I present new advice for a new school year: stop taking your craft so seriously!