Ashley Harrell

I have to say, it’s been absolutely wonderful to officially be back in New York City in 2013. My taxes today might disagree with that, but it’s truly one of the most fabulous places to live as an artist. It’s not an easy life, by any means, but it’s definitely interesting. Since being back, it’s been my biggest ambition to ‘land’ as a singer/actor… and one of the unforeseen outcomes has become my reality… the trials and tribulations of not actually sticking any ‘landing.’ Despite acting classes, coachings, private lessons, new headshots, new repertoire, auditioning every week – life has not yet yielded the outcome I was necessarily expecting.  Don’t get me wrong, this is not me whining or teetering at the brink of insanity, I’m actually fine with it all because I am learning so much about myself.  But time after time, I am coming within inches of booking something.  How much longer can one accept that before taking matters into their own hands?

So about a month ago, or so, I decided to start routing the cabaret scene in NYC, trying my hand in these venues and hopefully starting to show people who I am.  I decided to channel my thoughts on the difficulty of life as an actor into one character-y piece and, with the help of my dear friend Kelvin, re-wrote the lyrics to a song from Spamalot.  It’s gone well the three times I’ve sang it at various clubs, and now TONIGHT I will be singing it at 54 Below as a part of a new competition called “The Callback,” hosted by Christine Pedi.  I am beyond excited for another chance to sing at 54 Below (twice in one week!) and thrilled at the possible outcome in this equation = my own cabaret show at 54 Below.

So yes, it’s a little difficult to live this life, but it’s beyond rewarding when small victories come along, such as this.  I really hope to move on to the next round of the competition because it is taking place on Monday, May 6th and my parents will be visiting me on that day! So if you have it in you tonight to stay up late and head on down to 54 Below, please come and grab a seat by me!

“The Callback” at 54 Below
254 West 54th Street
Monday, April 15th, 11:30pm, Doors at 11pm
(Show should be about an hour)
$20 food/drink minimum, with happy hour from 11:30-12:30!

Here is me singing at a couple cabarets recently, to give you a sneak peek!