Where did you grow up?
Tenafly, NJ and NYC.
Were you a good student? Did you like school?
I’d like to think so. Sometimes.
What type of jobs did you work?
When I wasn’t working on Broadway, I worked in a Bat Mitzvah dress shop and was the Cinderella of the shop — always cleaning and vacuuming!
What was the worst popular trend when you were going to school?
Trucker hats.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I knew what I wanted to be at 8 years old — an actor!
What is the craziest thing you ever did to get a guy to notice you?
Nothing. I actually had a great boyfriend in high school.
What was your style when you were 17? Now?
Lots of Juicy Couture. Now, no Juicy Couture.
What kind of clique were you in back then? Now?
The least cool of the cool kids, but actually I was friends with everyone. Now, I’m in a glee club!
What were your hobbies back then? Now?
Being Shprintze in Fiddler on the Roof. Now I love cooking and baking.
Who was your best friend? Is she still your best friend now?
Danielle Press. She is still one of my closest friends, but my best friend is Jonathan Groff.
What did you do for fun then? Now?
Go to the mall. Now I collect records and love to go hiking at Runyon Canyon in L.A.
What advice did your parents give you when you were 17? Now?
To be myself and be happy. Now, the same advice.
What did you worry about back then? Now?
I worried that people wouldn’t like me. Now I try not to worry and focus on being happy.
Who was your idol back then? Now?
My mom! Now, still my mom.
What advice would you tell your 17-year-old self?
I would tell 17-year-olds to be proud of who you are. Don’t try to change yourself for others. Focus on school and your future. Boys and friends will come and go, just focus on you and your future.
