THE STAR SCOOP:
What was your initial reaction to the spin-off – to having a much larger role, too, for your character? What have been the challenges and what have you enjoyed most?
PHILLIP KEENE:
I think I can say that we were all excited at the prospect of spinning off “The Closer” into “Major Crimes” and we are so very grateful for the opportunity to stay here in Los Angeles and continue working with such great people. The fact that Buzz’s role has become larger is a definite plus for me as an actor, I mean who doesn’t want more screen time? Buzz lives!
Getting used to a new dynamic is always a challenge, I mean when you lose a family member it is always a tough transition, and I do look to my fellow cast-mates as family. Losing many members of a family is especially hard so there was a period of adjustment for us and for the audience as well. We are thankful that our audience has elected to stay with us and bring their family along for the ride too.
A little off point here but I think this is important. I really like hearing from our fans that this a show that they watch together with other family members. So often there will be a show for the husband or the wife and and another for the kids ( hey we all have our guilty pleasures ) but our show seems to bring people together in that there is a little something for everyone to connect to.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What are the perks of working on a show on cable network like TNT?
PHILLIP KEENE:
I believe that working for a cable network allows for the writers to fully exercise their muscle and it seems that they have more creative freedom in the types of stories that they can provide us so that we in turn can relay a more believable 42 minute, hour of television. Much of Network television seems so focused on sensationalism and violence and not so much on charter and story.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What impact has your character, Buzz had on you as an actor?
PHILLIP KEENE:
Wow, good question. I would have to say that Buzz has allowed me to see the life from another perspective. His story is very different from my own and I have had to make allowances for that. Buzz has helped me to learn to be more patient and become a better observer. I never really considered just how hard a job being a civil servant was until our show.
I mean there aren’t many jobs where you go to work knowing that many of the people you are working for actually hate you or see you as the enemy. That can’t be easy. Having a job where you are forced to contend with some of the very worst behavior people can exhibit has to take its toll on you. Also, I never knew just how complicated the justice system was.
Luckily I have never really had to deal with it from a true insiders point of view. The amount of time , energy and expense that goes into defending someone is astounding and exhausting not just for the accused but for the victims and their families as well. And through it all, these men and women of the justice system keep showing up and doing their jobs, showing a kinder side of humanity.
Hopefully Buzz’s kinder nature is rubbing off on me.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What can you tell us about season 3?
PHILLIP KEENE:
Well, every season revolves around a central theme. Season two was about identity and many questions surrounding this idea were explored. Season three is about expectations , just think of the possibilities there!
THE STAR SCOOP:
Is it too soon to ask about season 4?
PHILLIP KEENE:
Oh my gosh, we have just started shooting episode two of this season! We are doing 19 episodes this year and hopefully another 19 next year.
THE STAR SCOOP:
The show’s had excellent ratings. What is it about this particular show that’s made it so successful with viewers? Has it been the impact of “The Closer?”
PHILLIP KEENE:
I would have to say without question that “The Closer” has certainly been a huge reason for the success of “Major Crimes.” Without the creative minds of James Duff and Kyra Sedgwick and every other single person involved in bringing the characters to life there would not have been a “Major Crimes.”
“The Closer” certainly brought us (“Major Crimes”) instant recognition because so many of the characters stayed with the show, not to mention a majority of our crew. We have one of the highest crew member retention rates of any show in the business I think. While “The Closer” was a mainly single point of view, through the eyes of Brenda Leigh Johnson, “Major Crimes” takes the audience through a variety of viewpoints.
Each one one is unique to the character and partly for this reason I feel the audience ha stayed with us. There is somewhere for nearly everyone to hang their hat if you will. I know what the created of the show, James Duff, wanted the show to looks much like Los Angeles as possible.
I remember watching a show not too long ago set in Miami, it was a police drama and there was not one Latino in the show! I mean really? I think the diversity in our cast is reflective of the true nature of the viewing audience and that has a part in our success. Our audience looks like us.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Who would you love to have guest-star on an episode, and why?
PHILLIP KEENE:
There are so many people that would be great to have on our show! I keep asking the writers to bring in Buzz’s mom. For that I would love to have Judith Ivey come play my mother. She is such a wonderful actor and I would love the chance to work with her. I can just see her playing the Marijuana prescription card carrying mom to Buzz’z by the rules character.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Do you have any other projects we should know about?
PHILLIP KEENE:
I keep myself busy with fundraising opportunities and continually adding to my Pan Am collection. I worked as a Purser for Pan Am in the 80’s and 90’s and have amassed quite collection of memorabilia ranging from uniforms to ashtrays and nearly everything you can think of relating to Pan Am. I am looking for a space to eventually house my collection so it can be displayed full time.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Are there any charities or organizations close to your heart you’d like our readers to know more about? We’d love to help spread the word!
PHILLIP KEENE:
Thanks for asking. I work with two organizations primarily, one being The Sunshine Kids helping kids with cancer and the other is CARE through the auspices of an organization made up of former Pan Am flight attendants; World Wings International.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Anything else we should know?
PHILLIP KEENE:
I’m not sure, but thank you for the opportunity to chat with you.
THE STAR SCOOP: You have been working so long! What is it about being an actor that you like so much?
COLE SAND: I like that you can make so many friends! You can also make so many enemies, but you can also make those enemies turn into your friends. To me it feels like a game to play. Which game will I play first? When I get a script, I’m like OK, I’m at this stage. I learn the lines and if I get a callback for it and I get the job, I think, great! On to the next stage.
THE STAR SCOOP: Do you prefer to be in movies or TV shows?
COLE SAND: I like every one. If you say, hey want to act in this? Or, you want to audition for this? Yeah! Of course!
THE STAR SCOOP: You’ve got some different movies in the works. Tell us about the characters and projects you’ve recently started working on.
COLE SAND: I am on a show called “Heart of Dixie.” I just shot my third episode. I will be playing Little Harley on the show. Very exciting. And, I play Henry on “Masters of Sex.”
THE STAR SCOOP: Is there a TV show or movie franchise you would like to get to work on in the future?
COLE SAND: Yes. I would love to be on the Ellen show. I saw this little kid singing on it, and oh man, I wished I was that kid. I really want to be on the Ellen show.
THE STAR SCOOP: You get to work with your brother a lot. What is that like for you?
COLE SAND: I think that’s the only time where we act like true, real big brother and little brother just helping each other out. I think that’s the only time you could call us brothers exactly, because, at times, we’re the complete opposite.
THE STAR SCOOP: You both like acting!
COLE SAND: That’s actually the one thing that we both like. Even though we’re twins, we’re the exact opposite. Jaden would just sit down and read a book, and I would just go outside and play ball for like two hours, and when I come back in, he’s still reading that book. I’m like, Jaden, want to play ball with me? And he says, nah.
THE STAR SCOOP: You’ve been acting for a long time. What do you like to do when you’re not acting?
COLE SAND: I love to play sports and nothing but sports!
THE STAR SCOOP: What’s your favorite sport?
COLE SAND: I only play competitive soccer so that’s my favorite sport to play but my favorite sport to watch would be College football or basketball.
THE STAR SCOOP: Is there anything else we should know about you?
COLE SAND: Let’s see…I am 10 years old and most people would guess I’m seven. I’ve just tested that out. I just got a new pair of glasses and I don’t know if Jaden told you, but I’ve been acting since I was nine months old. I can’t even remember my first job! I can’t even remember yesterday!
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THE STAR SCOOP:
You’ve been acting your whole life practically! What is it about acting that you like so much?
JADON SAND:
What I really like about it is the way you become someone completely [different]. It’s so much fun to be able to design a character, bring something new.
THE STAR SCOOP:
You’ve gotten to work on movies and TV. What’s your favorite?
JADON SAND:
Well, I do not have a favorite between commercials, movies, TV and voiceover. They are all so different! And…unique in their own ways, which is very hard to pick which one you want if you like them all.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Tell us about some of the different characters you’ve gotten to play and the roles you are currently working on.
JADON SAND:
Right now, I’m on the Disney Junior. animated show, “Jake and the Neverland Pirates.” I play a little pirate named Cubby who loves coconuts.
I’m also working on “The Lego Movie” but I cannot say my character. He is secret but everyone is going to love him!
THE STAR SCOOP:
Is there something you’re hoping you get to do next?
JADON SAND:
I read this book called “Peter and the Starcatcher” and I heard they were making a movie of it. And they have not cast it yet. So I’m really hoping I can get to go in and audition for it.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Your brother (Cole) is an actor. How do you get along working together?
JADON SAND:
It’s really fun because we don’t really have to pretend we’re friends or pretend we’re related, we actually are. We can just interact naturally and it won’t seem a little bit weird because we are us, if that makes sense.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What do you do for fun when you’re not super busy acting?
JADON SAND:
I usually do a lot of artwork. I love art. I like reading a lot. And I love making movies. I edit them, I film them on my iPad. It’s a lot of fun.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Do you think you want to be a director or a producer or a writer when you’re older?
JADON SAND:
Definitely. Actually, I want to be all three of those when I’m older. I’m gonna be a director-writer-producer!
THE STAR SCOOP:
Is there somebody who is your inspiration who you want to be like?
JADON SAND:
I do not actually study who they are, but if I had to pick the movie that gave me the most inspiration, it would be “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” because they mixed the dark tone and the light tone together.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What do you think is the way to be successful as an actor because you’ve been doing it for so long already!
JADON SAND:
By bringing something new to each character, changing it up a little. Because you can put a better impression on people if you can actually change your personality, which is why I think I’ve done well.
THE STAR SCOOP:
IS there anything else we should know about you? Any interesting facts?
JADON SAND:
My brother and I, when you look at our picture, you might not be able to tell, but, we’re actually twins!
THE STAR SCOOP:
So we first found out about you via your awesome fans on Twitter! Do you have a sense of how people are coming to hear your music?
PLAY FOR KEEPS:
Nice! We’re doing our job then ;). Well it says we have 35,000 followers but not all of them 100% attentive. However we get hundreds of new followers a day and are constantly having people talk to us and tell us they love our music. I’d say we’re doing something right. It’s truly amazing the way twitter allows us to make fans all over the world so easily.
THE STAR SCOOP:
You describe yourselves as an Indie/Rock/Alternative band from Las Vegas, NV. Does being from Las Vegas have any influence on your music?
PLAY FOR KEEPS:
I definitely think so. We’ve all grown up in a town that never closes. We’re used to being up all night and doing things till the sun comes up. I think it brightens up our vibe. Makes us more lively. Like if we had grown up anywhere else we would not sound the same.
THE STAR SCOOP:
How did you come together as a band?
PLAY FOR KEEPS:
I (Cameron Dettman) started the band back in 2008 with some other friends. Eventually after many member changes the final lineup came to be about a year ago. Our guitarist Brian Jones came from a number of bands in the Vegas scene growing up and joined in 2008.
Our drummer Joseph Gilbert came into the band in 2009 after one of his former groups went south. Jon joined us last October just in time to help us start recording our latest EP “A Different Pace”.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Where does the name “Play For Keeps” come from?
PLAY FOR KEEPS:
It comes from an old term used when playing marbles. When you “Played for keeps” you kept whatever you won. I think it’s very applicable to our lives and the lives of our fans.
We encourage people to chase after their goals and aspirations in life and keep winning the small victories (for keeps). They all start to add up with time and patience.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What message are you trying to convey to listeners through your music?
PLAY FOR KEEPS:
We try to be honest in our music. Most of our songs are about real life situations and emotions. But if we were to convey a few short messages to our fans… I think we’d say… Be yourselves, don’t give up on your dreams ever, be careful with your hearts and take chances in life… otherwise what’s the point?
THE STAR SCOOP:
What are the two or three songs of yours (including covers) that we have to check out to really get a sense of what you’re about?
PLAY FOR KEEPS:
As far as original music goes…
“Selfish” is a really solid rock song about the struggles of accepting that we’re all flawed somehow. Instead of being hard on yourself you should carry on and become better from it.
For covers, we do a cool version of “Applause” by Lady Gaga on our YouTube that we’re real proud of. Also our acoustic/reggae “Wrecking Ball” by Miley Cyrus is pretty out there.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Tell us more about the process you go through when making music.
PLAY FOR KEEPS:
We love to collaborate on music when we write. Cameron comes up with a majority of the song ideas but each member is encouraged to throw anything out there. Often times a song will start one way and be almost unrecognizable after a long writing session.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Can we expect a full-length album anytime soon? Will fans have any upcoming opportunities to see you live?
PLAY FOR KEEPS:
We’re currently working on our next installment. It is still yet to be determined if it will be an EP or a full length. Either way we are going to try a lot of new things. We plan on playing more out of town shows in the coming months.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Tell us something we don’t know yet about each of you.
PLAY FOR KEEPS:
1. Jon loves Metallica.
2. In Brian’s debit card photo he looks exactly like Justin Bieber.
3. Joseph has a Blink 182 tattoo on his shin
4. Cameron was on a reality show called “Switched” on ABC Family when he was 15.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What would you like to say to your fans? And thanks so much for doing this interview!
PLAY FOR KEEPS:
We love you guys so much and can’t thank you enough for your support! Love you #Keepers.
![Matt Jaffe[2]](http://www.thestarscoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Matt-Jaffe2.jpg)
THE STAR SCOOP: Hey Matt! Tell us a few things we should know about you.
MATT JAFFE: I’m a singer/songwriter who fronts the band Matt Jaffe & The Distractions. We are based in San Francisco, although I currently live in Connecticut. I started out on violin, but now mainly play guitar and pretend to be a singer.
THE STAR SCOOP: You go to Yale – that’s pretty impressive. What are you studying there?
MATT JAFFE: I am hoping to focus on English, as I feel studying other forms of writing will complement my songwriting, but I’m just getting started and I’m not sure exactly what will happen academically.
THE STAR SCOOP: How did you go from college-student-normal-guy to an up-and-coming-singer-songwriter
MATT JAFFE: I’ve been a singer/songwriter much longer than I’ve been a college student, so it’s been more a process of figuring out how my studies can co-exist with my music than reconciling separate identities. I’ve made being a singer/songwriter the predominant part of my identity by devoting a lot of time to it, from writing and recording to performing and listening. A few years ago, I realized that I wanted music to be as central to my life as possible, so I allowed it to take over.
THE STAR SCOOP: What was it like working with Jerry Harrison?
MATT JAFFE: Having been a huge Talking Heads and Modern Lovers fan long before I knew Jerry, it was somewhat surreal to be in the studio with him. Even months into our collaboration, there were moments when I would glance at him in the studio and be stunned to see the same guy that I’d seen on stage in Stop Making Sense many years ago. Beyond the sheer shock of getting to work with him, he has been an excellent collaborator. He has transformed my understanding of how to write songs, how to work in the studio, and how to play with a band.
THE STAR SCOOP: What can you tell us about your music and sound?
MATT JAFFE: A lot of people think we have a vintage, retro sound, and while I think there’s truth to that, I think we get that simply because we still play real instruments. Right now, we pursue a fairly minimalist sound, with the instrumentation of a basic rock band. However, I think we are able to extend beyond that genre constraint, as we play plenty of other styles, like punk, reggae, and folk. In a way, rock is a lens through which we explore everything else.
THE STAR SCOOP: Who are your influences musically?
MATT JAFFE: There are a lot, but some big ones are The Clash, Elvis Costello, X, Talking Heads, The Flaming Lips, Dylan, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, the Velvet Underground, the Pogues, David Bowie, Tom Petty…I hope that I’ve had enough distinct influences that we don’t sound too much like any of them, but even so, I’m sure there are trace amounts of many of them.
THE STAR SCOOP: Tell us more about “Fear of Flying.”
MATT JAFFE: That song was a sort of sequel to an earlier song called ‘Irrational Fear,’ which itself was an ode to the Talking Heads album Fear of Music. ‘Irrational Fear’ dealt with the concept of fear fairly broadly and did not zero in on one, so I thought it’d be interesting to flesh out a particular fear. I’m not very afraid of flying anymore, but I used to get pretty nervous. I think it’s actually a somewhat rational fear, but it seemed like the right topic to go with the melody I had. The structure of the song was based on Elvis Costello’s ‘This Year’s Girl,’ with the main riff interspersed with the rest of the song.
THE STAR SCOOP: How do you plan to manage the opportunities that come your way with being a college student?
MATT JAFFE: In general, a musical opportunity will supersede an academic responsibility. Education is not something I want to abandon for no reason, but I know music is where I want to be, so I see no problem with acting in a way that will take me there.
THE STAR SCOOP: Do you have plans to release an EP or album?
MATT JAFFE: Currently, we are planning to continue releasing individual songs and videos until we can figure out the most effective way to release a larger collection of music. However, we hope to have a record or EP put together in the near future.
THE STAR SCOOP: Where can we learn more about you/your music?
MATT JAFFE: Please feel free to visit our Facebook, YouTube and SoundCloud pages! There is more information, music, and video there than you are likely to want. But if you do want more, stay tuned, because it’s coming.
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THE STAR SCOOP:
Hi Mark! We’re so grateful that you’re taking the time to give us the scoop on “Home and Family.” How did you come to be involved in “Home and Family?” What piqued your interest?
MARK STEINES:
I was in London on assignment when I got a call from my manager telling me about this show that was coming back to television.
I was told legendary producer Woody Frasier was resurrecting the program he had made a hit back in the 90’s. I met with Woody and Michelle Vicary of Hallmark over a 3 or 4 hour lunch an we hit it off.
I don’t think we stopped talking. The lively conversation ended with a hand shake and promise to send me a highlight reel of the show back in the 90’s.
I hadn’t watch the show back then and was happy I didn’t because I wanted to have a fresh take on it. About a minute into the highlight reel I knew I needed to do this show. It was different, casual, informative, entertaining and about family.
I was very much attracted to the “infotainment” aspect of the show and the humor. I felt that this show would allow me to access an entirely different skill set that I wasn’t able to approach while at ET.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What do you think draws people to a show like “Home and Family?” Is this a show you’d watch at home with your wife/family?
MARK STEINES:
What I love about this show is that we really do have a lot of fun and I think people who watch like to see people having a good time.
Laughter is contagious and we know how to have a good time. We also know how to inform people in an entertaining kind of way which keeps them around for 2 hours a day.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What can viewers expect in the upcoming episodes?
MARK STEINES:
I don’t anticipate any big changes in season 2. We are adding some permanent family members who contribute to our show on a much more regular basis. Our viewers have come to know our family so there is a comfort level already built in as we get the new season underway.
We are planning on building on the things that worked well and resonated with our audience. We will also look to reach out to connect with our viewers even more and getting them directly involved with the show.
THE STAR SCOOP:
There are so many amazing stories on “Home and Family.” Which ones stand out the most to you so far?
MARK STEINES:
We have addressed so many subjects and tackled so many issues on our show that it is impossible to single out one over the other, but the ones that seem to move me the most are the ones that showcase the human spirit.
We have had guests who have shared their incredible stories with us, wether it was how they came to accept living life in a wheel chair after a horrible accident, or how they battled a terrible disease head on and beat the odds.
As a journalist/storyteller I’ve always gravitated to those kinds of stories…..the ones were we celebrate a community for coming together to help those in need….I don’t know why, but the extended hand of help intrigues me.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Are there any particular topics you would like to see covered on the show?
MARK STEINES:
I personally enjoy building things and repurposing old discarded items and giving them new life. We are making a effort to keep that pattern going, but finding items that the mothers and wives who are watching can do and not be intimidated.
I teach my boys how to use all my power tools and not to be intimidated by them. They have grown to understand how the right tool can make or break the job. I would very much enjoy sharing that with our audience. I would also enjoy sharing my passion for photography, however that is a little more complicated.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What other projects do you have in the works?
MARK STEINES:
I am always looking for ways to expand my photography. I enjoy that more than most people realize. I’m also passionate about raising my kids and living a healthy lifestyle.
I recently lost my father and being with him as he drew his last breath made me realize how quickly and easily life and slip away from us, so living with a lot of passion has moved back to the forefront of my conscientiousness.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What advice can you offer to young, aspiring journalists?
MARK STEINES:
Be factual. Be curious. Be unbiased. Its a tough profession these days with over saturation and it doesn’t pay well. Don’t get into it for the money. There can be tremendous sacrifice so be prepared for that.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Thanks so much for taking the time! Last question, and we have to ask, who has been your favorite celebrity to interview and why?
MARK STEINES:
Cher. Why, because she is Cher!
Plus, check out info on this charity event Mark is emceeing!
Artworks For The Cure is presented by American Airlines and the Universal Music Group. Other major event sponsors include Accenture, Code Advisors, Live Nation, Mediacom, Microsoft, Spinlet, and the Wasserman Foundation.
Artworks For The Cure benefits the T.J. Martell Foundation to continue its funding of innovative cancer research at twelve top research hospitals in the United States. In Los Angeles, the Foundation funds pediatric cancer research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.
The event is open to the public. Tickets may be purchased online at: www.2013artworks.org or by calling 310-449-7627. Additional information on the Awards Dinner, tax-deductible sponsorships and donations can also be found on this website.
TWO-TIME GRAMMY WINNING SINGER SONGWRITER COLBIE CAILLAT CONFIRMED TO HEADLINE AND MARK STEINES TO HOST!
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THE STAR SCOOP:What do you like best about playing Tandy Hampton? What challenges are there for you in this role?
JUDITH HOAG:
I like that she’s complex. No one really knows what she’s really about and that’s fun – the possibilities are endless. The challenge is that I sometimes have very little screen time to convey my intentions so I’ve got to make every second count.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What can we expect from her in the future?
JUDITH HOAG:
Personally, I’m hoping she takes over the Universe, but I’ll settle for Nashville for starters.
THE STAR SCOOP: Do you think Tandy’s relationship with Rayna continues to improve?
JUDITH HOAG:
Absolutely. But having said that there will be definitely be some obstacles in our path.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Is there anything you can tell us about season 2? Spoilers please!
JUDITH HOAG:
It will be even more addictive than last year! And it will have an even deeper emotional core.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Why do you think viewers like “Nashville” so much? It drew a lot of buzz in its first season.
JUDITH HOAG:
The writing. The actors. And especially the music. It was just a delicious stew.
THE STAR SCOOP:
What has been your favorite episode to work on so far?
JUDITH HOAG:
I loved being on tour with Rayna and the girls in New York. And I loved our second season opener.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Tell us more about working with Connie Britton.
JUDITH HOAG:
She’s absolutely dedicated to her vision. I have no doubt at some point she’ll move into directing – she has a directors eye. We have an absolute blast together and I do feel like we’re sisters, I certainly love her like a sister.
THE STAR SCOOP: |
What other projects do you have in the works?
JUDITH HOAG:
My next movie is called “Bad Words” for Focus Features. It’s Jason Bateman’s directorial debut and it’s dark and hilarious. And I’m about to start work on an indie film called “Destroyer” that I’m squeezing into my “Nashville” schedule.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Are there any charities close to your heart you’d like to spread the word about?
JUDITH HOAG:
Fraxa & National Fragile X Foundation are dear to my heart since Fragile X runs in my family. I also support APLA, Planned Parenthood & Nashville Cares.
THE STAR SCOOP:
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us. Last question – and we have to ask – how often are you recognized from”Halloweentown?”
JUDITH HOAG:
All the time. Almost as much as “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
THE STAR SCOOP: You’ve made a career on stage performing in front of people. How do you think being a judge (on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition) compares to this kind of performing? RACHELLE RAK: Well, coming from a dance school background sure helps. My mother had a studio for 58 years so, I competed at a young age in dance competitions and pageants and went on to a career in show business. As dancers, singers and actresses we get judged every day. I am used to receiving the criticism in my life so, I feel comfortable sharing the knowledge I have about dancing and performing. I hope to help these young students prepare for life in show business and in just setting new goals and going for it. THE STAR SCOOP: How would you describe the type of judge you are? RACHELLE RAK: I am a reasonable judge with a whole lot of sass. I get up, I tell the kids to Bite the Apple™ which means to finish you number and then take a big bite, a button. I am 100 percent in their corner to do well so, I hope that my positive energy goes right to them. THE STAR SCOOP: Why did you want to be part of “Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition?” RACHELLE RAK: Well, I was a guest on “Dance Moms” and after that show aired my website blew up with visitors and I don’t really know why. I was good to the girls, they learned a little of the style of Fosse and I gave them a shot to compete with it and they did great. I got a call the next day.”Are you interested in interviewing for the position of the new judge on Abby’s Show?” I of course said yes. One week later I was in L.A. filming. Hollywood look out. THE STAR SCOOP: Tell us more about the dynamic between yourself and the other judges. RACHELLE RAK: Well, Abby’s and I have known each other for a while and Richy and I just met. We all have very different opinions and different ways of working with kids. I think there is a good dynamic between us. We definitely don’t always agree. THE STAR SCOOP: Will we see any dancing from you at any point in the series? RACHELLE RAK: Oh yes! I will teach the competitors on the Broadway Tribute show coming up in a few weeks and in the Finale Episode 12 I get to perform my singe SAS co-written by Martyn Axe on the show. Singing and dancing my song for the kids and now all of my friends across the county. So excited. THE STAR SCOOP: What other projects do you have in the works? RACHELLE RAK: Well, I am now headed to the Norwegian Cruise Line ship The Pride of America to put my new cast on the ship. It sails the Hawaiian Islands. Not a bad gig and then I have tons of teaching, some judging and living my life. Life is busy and I am very thankful. THE STAR SCOOP: What are your thoughts on shows like “Glee” and “Smash” that bring a little bit of the musical theater to the small screen? RACHELLE RAK: I think they have been amazing for all of the musical theater kids across the country. It has brought musical theater and the Broadway dream into your living room and it helps to show the kids what you can accomplish if you work hard and to believe in the arts and your talent. I think both series have had a great impact our youth. THE STAR SCOOP: Can you share with us a few of your best memories from your 25 year-plus career? RACHELLE RAK: Well, I was 17 in 1988 and I went to an open call of Cat’s the Musical at the Benedum Center in Pittsburgh. I went for practice to see how I measured up to the college students. They hired me. I left for the road a week later and at 17 I was ready to make my way across America and 8 years later I opened Cats on Broadway. Fosse was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I am inspired my Liza Minelli, Ben Vereen and Gwen Verdon. I think young students need to have role models and performers that they connect and strive to be like. One last thing: The movie “Every Little Step” (the making of “A Chorus Line”) changed my life. Watch it. Get to know me and get to know what life and competition can be like on Broadway. THE STAR SCOOP: Is there a (Broadway, television) show you would love to be a part of someday? RACHELLE RAK: Yes. I hope to work on it this coming year. I would love to be a guest on Ray Donovan because I love it – ahaha – but, seriously I want to create and develop a new idea on a dance show and see what we can come up with for the future. Create it and do it. You never know what can happen.
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