We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Lerner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, let’s talk legacy – what do you want yours to be?
I want people to remember how versatile I am and how in the face of scary change, I create solutions through my art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a singer, first and foremost. I have always been the kind of person who loves performing for an audience. I went to college to become an opera singer and along the way, I fell back into my first love, musical theater. I’ve been singing, directing, music directing and teaching technical voice in musical theater for quite some time and have met some incredible people along the way. My first big role came as I was looking for something to do in the summer my freshman year of college. I was cast as Hodel in Fiddler. The moment I stepped onstage and sang with a live orchestra, I was hooked. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of singing everywhere from little bars to Mainstreet Theater. I am looking forward to getting back to that the most.

When the pandemic hit, I didn’t know what to do, so I threw myself into creativity. My podcast partner and I really made a name for ourselves as Producers and Co-createors of Wines and Dolls, a musical theater podcast. I’m so proud of that venture that began as a joke and turned into a really fun and viable business.

Speaking of jokes that turned into another business…my partner, James and I were joking about a YouTube series where he plays the iconic Ash Williams from Evil Dead, but with a twist. He threw out, “what if it were a cooking show and I battle my food?”. I said, “Why not? Let’s do it” and a week later, we had a script, a small crew, and a vision. Our Youtube Channel, Evil Spread now has three episodes and a whole lot of fans! We have such a great time filming and coming up with one liners for his character. I’ve learned how to storyboard, produce and direct for film and I am so excited to see where this venture takes me.

I want the world to know that in the face of adversity and nay sayers, there is ALWAYS art. Even though we can’t perform like we could before, there is always art. Art is not biased. Art is love. Art is you. There is not wrong. Just create something!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite spot in the city is definitely the Museum District. I recently just did an Airbnb adventure in Houston. I’ve lived here all my life, but I haven’t super explored recently and COVID had me bored. My partner and I did this adventure scavenger hunt through Airbnb at the Museum District and discovered so many more fun things I hadn’t been to before. The Japanese Gardens, the Bean and other sculptures, The chocolate bar, and so many other fun places in walking distance! That area is 100% my favorite place in town.

My recommendation for best place to go out for drinks and food, though, is Theodor Rex in Eado. It’s pricey, but make a reservation at 5pm for the best prices. It’s intimate and definitely the best food in town (next to Squabble).

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to a few people! My family; who think I’m nuts, but encourage my adventures anyway, Emily Beth Lange, who is my podcast partner and butt kicker, Tori Murphy Mann who has taught me so much about the world of film and is fierce in her knowledge, Kristy Edgar, my best friend and creative soul-mate, and James Duncan, my partner in life and in co-creation of our Youtube Series.

Website: https://www.chelsealerner.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/i_chelsea_what_you_did_there/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelsea.lerner

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY1H31Yxmmy6dVjNlOptZXw

Other: Evil Spread Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY1H31Yxmmy6dVjNlOptZXw Wines and Dolls: https://www.winesanddolls.com/

Image Credits
Tasha Gorel

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