For those of you who follow me on Twitter, you probably noticed I was in New York this past weekend. It was just a quick weekend trip to visit some friends. BUT, my main reason for flying up was to see a friend, Janine DiVita, who I used to do community theater with here in Kansas City. At the time we were younger and she had hopes and dreams of “making it on Broadway”. I promised her then and reiterated over the years, the moment she made it big on Broadway — I’d be there ASAP.

She is on Broadway now.

…playing lead for the part of “Rizzo” in Grease the Musical! I’ve been to more than a handful of shows in New York — but this time around, seeing a close friend performing on Broadway — it was enough to get me all choked up. For real.

We talked about her super-duper-awesome success in great length after the show and she reiterated a life principal she personally believes in, “Embrace what you’re passionate about in life.” Janine certainly didn’t have Broadway handed to her on a plate. Heck no. She had to work hard for it. Crappy jobs, hard months of living — all waiting for her big break. It’s hard for me to say in words how proud I am, but she’s one awesome person, a heck of a performer and dear friend that has a great outlook on life.

After the show we went back stage and I was fortunate enough to video blog it! Not only did I get footage of Grease backstage, but I met Taylor Hicks (you know from ‘06 American Idol, he’s “Teen Angel” in Grease) and had a chance to interviewed him! He’s a sincere guy and really easy to talk to.

**UPDATE** Read all about Janine in the Kansas City Star, they ran an article about her journey to Broadway.