SHORE VS. CITY: STACEY FLASTER

Stacey Flaster is an award-winning director, choreographer, and acting coach on the North Shore. She has directed and choreographed numerous theater productions in the Chicagoland area including Hair, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Miss Saigon, Cabaret, Carousel, The Secret Garden, Mean Girls, the critically acclaimed Ragtime, among many others. Several of these productions have garnered her nominations for The BroadwayWorld Regional Award and the Jeff Award (Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar), with her production of A Class Act winning the Jeff Award for Best Musical. In addition to her work on the stage, Stacey has also choreographed for television ads including Lunchables and ComEd. Flaster began her career as a professional actor working at the Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook, the former Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, and many more. She also performed on the National Tour of Show Boat and is co-owner of The Performer’s School in Highwood. This talented thespian stepped away from the stage to share her city and shore favorites with Sheridan Road.

What’s on the horizon? I am directing two productions through The Performer’s School—Mary Poppins JR. at Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall and Chicago: High School Edition at The Skokie Theatre. I will also be choreographing Highland Park High School’s The Little Mermaid Mantra? Whatever doesn’t kill me makes me stronger Best grooming tip? Always smell good. I’m obsessed with Sol de Janeiro’s body sprays Guilty pleasure? Hot dog, fries, and fresh chocolate chip cookies Favorite foods? Sushi and spaghetti Bolognese Music you love? Classic and lite rock, “The Bridge” on SiriusXM; and show tunes … Best advice ever given to you? As a young professional actor, I met George Clooney. Over drinks, we talked about “the biz,” and he gave me this advice, “Stace, once you’re in the game, you’re in the game” Best advice you’ve given? Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. There is only one YOU Earliest memory? Throwing a truck into my brother’s crib when I was about 3 When you wake up, you? Make a cup of coffee in my Keurig, cream only, and check my phone Before bed, you? Check my phone and have a snack while listening to a podcast What’s on your bookshelf? Easy Sleep, a book my mom wrote in 1979, an autographed copy of All But My Life, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Howard Stern Comes Again, and my 50th birthday book full of wonderful sentiments from my friends and family You can’t live without? Howard Stern Love to escape to? London, Italy, or my parent’s house in Delray Beach Advice you would give to your younger self? Stop worrying and don’t be in a hurry

ON THE SHORE

Your style is? Sweats, a T-shirt, a zip up sweatshirt with a messy bun Can’t leave the house without? My iPhone and an armful of beverages to last me throughout the day Transportation? Car but I try to walk as much possible Driving music? My Spotify playlist with everything from Chicago, Journey, Led Zeppelin to Les Misérables Place to eat? Alex’s Washington Gardens in Highwood Shop? Marcus, Style Shack, and ENAZ Best thing about the Shore? I grew up here, so it’s nostalgic for me Worst thing about the Shore? Lack of live theater. I want to build a multipurpose theatre in Highland Park The perfect day is? Being with my favorite people and laughing

IN THE CITY

Your style is? I replace the sweatpants with jeans, wear my hair down, and put on a lot of makeup Can’t leave the house without? My iPhone, lip gloss, and grape-flavored bubble gum Transportation? I love to walk Music? I switch between Howard Stern, lite/classic rock, musicals, and podcasts Place to eat? The Drake Hotel for High Tea Shop? Anything in the Bloomingdale’s building Best thing about the City? I love the restaurants, shopping, and the lakefront Worst thing about the City? The highway traffic The perfect day is? Staying at a downtown hotel and going to a spa