Jennifer Naimo

Well I’m packing and getting ready to move to another sublet. My current subletee is returning from the Lion King Tour. I’ve loved living here and walking to work. But on New Years Eve when I came home, I went to the kitchen sink to fill up my steamer (I try to steam nightly) and out of the corner of my eye I see this mouse jumping from the water, hot, scalding water, he was being flooded and instead of me turning off the water in a logical way, I jumped on a chair and squealed not knowing what to do, watching this poor little mouse trying to escape. Finally I grabbed a whole foods plastic bag, after turning off the water, and saw he wasn’t moving. I placed him in the bag and gently threw him down the trash chute.

I felt awful and I was shaking from adrenaline, and from SEEING A MOUSE IN MY KITCHEN SINK!!!!!!!!. I felt so bad until an hour later I saw another little creature running across my floor, and then an hour after that, while on the toilet, another, maybe the same one, run through the bathroom…Yipes! I hardly slept…the next day I bought huge plastic boxes to put my clothes in, that were in my suitcase on the floor…I didn’t spot any mice, thankfully the next day, but yesterday morning, I went back to the same sink, and there was another little mouse, DEAD, in my strainer/drainer…Needless to say, I’m ready to move…I refuse to put those glue traps down, because they cry really loudly when caught, and the next place best not have mice.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU TOO…

Well on Christmas day I got up early and walked to St Malachy’s, the Actors Chapel, in Times Square for Christmas Mass. After mass I jogged for a short spell in Central Park to prepare for my Christmas meal. Peter Gregus, our wonderful Bob Crewe, invited a few homeless cast members over for a sumptuous dinner. I was in charge of the appetizers and so Peter had to instruct me on the different cheeses that were needed. I had a great time at Fairway and Zabars posing questions to the frommagers (sp?) about the best mild, hard, semi-hard and stiltons…I also brought humus, sun dried tomatoes, pate and crackers. Aaron provided a lovely Italian champagne, perseco?? and that was just appetizers. Peter had perfectly timed out the dinner. We began with a procini risotto, proceeded to a tri colore salad with a blood orange vinagerette, pan roasted potatoes, green beans, turnips, parsnips, carrots and pearl onions and the most tender and juicy prime rib I’ve ever devoured. Steve Gouveia was in charge of the wine and perfectly complimented each course (even a red Portugese wine to celebrate his heritage). Michelle Bosch provided her amazing array of baked goods…even a homemade peanut butter cup, and peppermint butter cream chocolate sandwich…and other desserts from Venero’s bakery…All in all, the meal was delicious and the company scintillating. I even fit in my costume last night. I think because I laughed so much at the entertainment from my friends. I hope your Christmas was beautiful too.

Between shows yesterday we gathered in the theatre lobby and had a potluck dinner. Pizza, several different salads, chips, guacamole, humus, papa beard cream puffs, and Michelle Boschs amazing baked goods (especially the peppermint stick butter cream stuffed oversized oreo cookies!!!). Everyone who played exchanged names and for a few weeks gave each other gifts. I didn’t play this year cuz I went on vacation all last week, but I did play an elf delivering the gifts and so I knew who had who on some. It was a lot of fun. Christian Hoff’s entire family was there for Christmas. Elizabeth is beautiful at 9 weeks old. Eli and Erica performed Christmas tunes for us on the trumpet and guitar, and Daniel Reichard put on his lounge Christmas CD and danced for us. We had so much leftover food and everyone was pumped up for the 2nd show. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you and A beautiful New Year…here are a few photos…

Well I got back just in time for last nights show. I had a fantastic time with my husband TIm. It was nice playing husband and wife again. Our place in Pasadena felt like a mansion. We live in a townhouse with 3 separate floors and a 2 door garage!! Now to many of you that may seem mundane , but after living in a NY apt you really begin to appreciate space.

California was lovely. The weather in the late 60′s to mid 70′s for the week and than when we went to Fresno it was like NY weather…freezing!Tims mom turned 80 so we took a train 4 hours there , spent the weekend, and returned on Sunday night.The party was catered with fantastic gourmet food, but I cornered the chips, guacamole and 7 layer dip the entire afternoon.

His mom , Jessie, loves me singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow ..so that I did. I followed a cowboy from the group Pioneers of the San Joachim..he serenaded Jessie and also sang a gorgeous rendition of “Mary Did You Know’ an amazing Christmas song.

My last night at home TIm and I celebrated Christmas, and New Years by having a 3 hour dining event at the Melting Pot…a cool fondue place..in Old Town Pasadena..we got up at 4 30 am the next morning and I was on the plane at 7am…with stuffed up nose and swollen eyes(from leaving my sweetheart) ..Pictures to follow

ALso everyday I ran around the ROse Bowl which was cool cuz they were making preparations for the Rose Bowl Parade.. I love Pasadena..My first night back I went to Mexicali in Studio City with my best girlfriends Tricia and SHerry…we always celebrate our bdays there..

All in All it was a great time and now I leave for 2 shows today and in between a Christmas party at my agents.

Well, this past Monday night I was invited to be a part of Tisch on Broadway. It was a huge Gala of NYU alumni, grads and undergrad programs that honored Gerald Schoenfeld, Felicity Huffman, George C Wolfe and Tony Kushner. I initially was going to sing but so many celebrities wanted to participate that instead I presented Mr. Schoenfeld with a lifetime achievement award and than onstage presented Tony Kushner (who was in my NYU Grad Acting year as a director) his award. John Levelle (The Graduate, Burleigh Grimes) and I walked on stage together to give my award to Tony and he gave his to George C Wolfe…honoring their achievement with Caroline or Change…when Tony realized it was me he grabbed me and swooped me back in a fantastic dance move. When they introduced me…it was none other than Alec Baldwin, who said I was an NYU grad acting grad and wowing them every night as Frankie Valli’s wife in Jersey Boys.

I got to share this night with Tim, which always is perfect. Billy Crystal hosted the entire night and he was hilarious and his timing impeccable. Marc Shaiman wrote his script and students from Cap21 led by Frank Ventura in choreography and Artie Masella (Hal Prince’s 2nd hand man) in direction of the evening.

I met Felicity Huffman and her sweet, humble, enormously talented husband Bill Macy (who gave Felicity her award and such a moving, funny speech about her) Marcia Gay Harden gave Tony and George their speech. I performed with Billy Crudup, Jesse Martin, Manuel Feliciano, Jenn Gambatese, Matthew Morrison, Danny Pino (Cold Case), Victor Williams (King of Queens), Steve Kazee, David Costable, Bernie Telsey, Catherine Kellner…It was amazing. And after we were escorted to a private party at Blue Finn in the W Hotel. Clive Davis attended, Margo Lion produced it…check out the photos here and at Broadwayworld.com and Broadway.com.

Hi, Sorry I haven’t written in a bit. Let me see what has occurred since last we spoke. The Jersey Girls took Erica Piccinnini out for her bridal high tea celebration at Alice’s Tea Cup. I highly recommend this whimsical restaurant on 73rd and Columbus. Pumpkin scones, chocolate raspberry scones, assorted tiny sandwiches, and cakes..A carbo lovers wonderland! It was a sweet time and then, we proceeded to do the show in a sugar haze..

Getting ready to be part of Tisch on Broadway…an NYU Gala this Monday hosted by Billy Crystal honoring Tony Kushner (Angels in America, Caroline or Change), George C. Wolfe, and Felicity Huffman and Gerald Schoenfeld. I believe I’m presenting an award to Tony who was in my year at NYU Grad School. Michael Longoria should be singing “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You”…and a whole slew of performers, actors are in attendance. I will tell you who was there after I meet them alright, and to top it off my husband is coming to town…Yahoo…

Right after Sundays matinée we rushed to get ready for our First Year Anniversary Party. Luckily, we only had to walk across the street to Gallagher’s Steak House, as it had been pouring all day and our stage manager Michelle had the fun idea for us to wear our Opening Night dresses again.

We had so much fun getting ready and the four of us girls made our entrance together. We thought there would be more photographers but I think I took more photos than anyone there. It was nice getting to talk to some of the cast of the tour company. Almost all the guys are either wed, about to be wed, or thinking about getting wed. The girls are single!

It was a fantastic turnout. Even Dana Tyler from CBS 2 was there and our dialect coach Steve Gablis. Des came in a bit later. I’ve never seen him so happy. Enjoy the pictures..here’s to many more parties, anniversaries and cast members…

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Yesterday, before the evening’s performance, the cast of Jersey Boys and the touring company were invited to celebrate the unveiling of Des McAnuff’s caricature at Sardi’s. The room was packed with both casts and director Michael Greif (Rent, Grey Gardens), Rocco Landesman, all the Dodger’s family, and tons of friends. It was a special event, and Des as always, gave a stirring speech about how proud and excited he was to wake up every morning and work with actors. It was cool meeting our tour counterparts, too. This Sunday, we’ll have a bit more time to get to know them, as they are invited to celebrate our One Year Anniversary of being open. Yahoo. Enjoy some of the photos.

Also, my friends Brigid Brady and her husband Larry Yurman attended our show last Sunday. Larry was my pianist at the NYU Grad Acting Program and at Williamstown Theatre Festival, and is now the Musical Director of Grey Gardens. Besides their combined talent, they’re also wonderful friends. P.S. Larry played for all the Bway and tour auditions…

Well, last Monday on my day off, I headed to LaGuardia Airport bright and early to fly to Grand Rapids, Michigan to surprise my Mom on her big birthday. Everyone in the family knew except my Mom and Dad. I don’t know how 17 nieces and nephews, three sisters, and one brother kept in a secret. I don’t like to fly, and I like to call my parents before getting on the plane and when landing so they pray for me and I can hear their voices…so it was hard not doing this little ritual of mine. But, I did talk to my husband Tim and my sister Jody, who works at the airport in GR, and they helped me immensely, along with my brother-in-law John, who works for Nwest airlines, get me there when everything was delayed going there and getting back.

My folks were shocked to see me and I told them it was their bday, anniversary and Christmas present combined. We went to a great restaurant and took up the whole back room with 30 of us. I love my family and wanted to stay so much longer. I was a nervous wreck trying to get back to NY before the show Tuesday night. Everything was delayed, and Detroit had a fuel farm fire??? Anyway, I made it and it was well worth it…Here are some photos of my family.

All I can say is wow..We were mesmerized by her beauty. She was taller than I had imagined and tiny and gorgeous!!! All the girls were transfixed and we apologized for staring at her. But she was completely comfortable with the ogling. She said the minute the lights went down she was transfixed and wanted to be up on stage again. If we’re lucky, she’ll be on Bway again soon. Michael Douglas is so handsome and warm. Both of them graciously put us at ease and made it a point to compliment us individually. Bruce Glickas, from Broadway.Com took the photos…so hopefully they’ll be on that site soon.

Also to come–photos of my 14-hour?? trip home to Michigan this past Monday to surprise my mom on her birthday. Almost all of my 17 nieces and nephews were there along with my brother and sisters and mom and dad. It was so wonderful being home for that short time…photos soon…