NR: So, what's the best part of this job?

AL: I think all the friends I've made, and the money. (laughs)

NR: What's the worst part?

AL: The worst part? The worst part ... I don't know.

NR: How about being tired? Or not being able to go out with friends on a weekend?

AL: Yeah, not having more than a day off is tough. You have to squeeze everything into Mondays. That's probably the worst part.

NR: But it's worth it?

AL: Totally!

NR: What advice would you give someone who wants to be an actor?

AL: Go to school if you can. Try to learn a lot about things other than actual theater knowledge. You need good technique and good teachers. Do a lot of plays and readings but have life experience too because the life experience helps. It can get intense and sometimes you have to roll with things, so you'll be able to cope. You'll be able to go with it if you're solidly grounded.

NR: What's the best advice you were given?

AL: I had two professors in school who said, "Just go for it. You should just do it. Just go and don't hold back." I had a tendency to hold back and they told me to just go and just dive in.

NR: Now, you probably answered this already. I was going to ask if you weren't a performer, what would you be. I guess you would be a teacher.

AL: I guess so. I think drama in schools is just so important. I think the fact that they always cut the arts first is not very good at all. It's very good for children. Even if you're not necessarily performing, if you can take anything in a classroom that the kids are not getting and then break it down into something by doing a skit, or turning something into a song, or doing something creative with it, I just think it's so important. And also, doing the plays and all the shows and stuff. But, mainly, if teachers can bring it to the classroom as much as possible, it helps.

NR: Does it surprise you that the League supports the ensemble too, and not only the leads?

AL: (enthusiastically) No, I think it's great! I think it's so great. I love it.

NR: I heard that you went to the Wildhorn brunch the other day.

AL: Yes, I stopped by for a couple of minutes on my way over.

NR: Does it feel kind of strange to have this big group of fans?

AL: Yeah, it was a little overwhelming.

NR: What do you wish you had more time for?

AL: I wish I had more time to see my family and to see other plays.

NR: What would you like to do in the future?

AL: I want to do everything. (laughs)

NR: Do you want to do a lead?

AL: Of course. I would love to originate a lead. That would be really fun. A little character part would be great. I would love to do a sitcom. I would really love to do a half hour sitcom. I'd really love to do a straight play, like Noel Coward or something.

NR: Have you ever thought of recording, or anything like that?

AL: I'd love to do that too. I don't know. I'm not as familiar with the music industry. But I think that would be great.

NR: Well, good luck. Thanks so much.

AL: You're welcome.

Alison is so sweet and you always see her with a big smile on her face. She's had the good fortune to get to Broadway in a very short period of time and she's aware of what a great opportunity she's been given. She has her entire career ahead of her and I wish her the very best in the future.

Questions suggested by:

AJ Jacobsen, Frank Boemio, Susan Luchey, Amy Lovett, Gillian Girvin, Andrea Galeno, Megan Marod, Talia Krispel, Renee Girard, Anna Wilson, Evan Gadda, BarbaraAnne, Stephanie Henkin, Lauren Teweles, Anne Teitelbaum, Josie Smith, Kate Scibal, Jan Kolb, Nesha Sellers, Kathy Thurlow, Leona Hoegsberg, Bridget Hester, Tom Robson, Andrew Reith, Nicole Albertson, Jessica, Lois and Elizabeth Colpo, Lisa George

Interview conducted and photographs by Nancy Rosati.