Denise Payne’s Journey from Niagara University to Being a Jersey Girl!
May 9th, 2010
Denise Payne talks with theater students at Niagara University (Photo Credit: NiagaraGazette.com).
While in Buffalo, ’99 Niagara University alumna and JERSEY BOYS national tour cast member Denise Payne spent some time talking to NU students about how her life has changed dramatically from her comfortable days in Buffalo to her up-and -down lifestyle as a young Broadway performer. Here’s a sneak peek to the article:
After graduation, she didn’t waste anytime. That November she said farewell to her friends and family and set off to the musical theater mecca of the world, NY, NY.
She began waiting tables to pay the bills, keeping an open eye out for any auditions that could land her a foot in the door.
“Once you get to New York, the options are endless.†Payne said.
“I’ll never forget my first audition. My lips quivered like Elvis for the entire song.â€
Only four months passed by when Payne got her first of many stints of good news.
“‘Footloose.’ I was in Vegas for 3 months … at 21. Yikes!†Payne says looking at friend and mentor Brother Augustine Towey for a reaction. She adds, “but I was really well-behaved … comparatively.â€
Read the full story on the Niagara Gazette website.
