"I would like to take the time to say how proud I am of this young beautiful girl. She had the honor of bringing to life an amazing, unique character in our recent production of "JOAN" at the Pheasant Run in St. Charles. And I know everyone involved, and all our audiences, can agree when I say that she not only brought the character to life, but also became Joan herself. She put her all into this character and rehearsed endless hours for nearly 8 months preparing for this role. Not because she needed to, simply because she wanted to perfect the role and really make it her own. And I can truly say that I believe she did exactly that. She nailed it and portrayed the character flawlessly. From her singing, to her acting to all of the small things, she simply made this show one to remember. I personally have been in a very interesting position, because I got to be there from day one, when she picked up the script, to the final performance last night. And might I say, it was an honor to watch her grow and transform into this very iconic character. It was such a beautiful thing to watch all of her hard work come together. I remember there were days where she felt it was nearly impossible. I remember there were days where she wondered if she was the right fit. Geeze, I remember there were days, where she thought it was a mistake that she got cast as the role of Joan. But not once do I remember her giving up at all. And like I said from day one, 'it's going to be a challenge, but I know you are more than capable and more than talented to be able to pull off this role. Not just pull off, but to make it your own. I know you're going to do amazing things with this character and bring her to life... I believe in you.' And these last two weeks, she proved my words to be right. I really am proud of you. I got the special opportunity to watch this whole role come to life. And I got the opportunity to even help you along the way! Even though you clearly didn't need it, haha. All of your amazing, precious talents never fail to surprise me and leave me in awe. Your voice is truly one from heaven, your acting is beyond that of Broadway, and your commitment is truly something unreplaceable. I am very lucky to have been a part of this production with you. From portraying your father, to one of your guardian angels in the show, I got to see many different sides of your portrayal of Joan. And might I say it truly felt like I was speaking to her during all of our scenes. Congratulations Heidi. As one of our scenes quoted... 'Don't worry Poppa, I will be ok!!' 'I know, daughter, there are great forces at work here,... but there is also great strength... in you.' "

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Testimonial written by Brian Louie Cruz (Joan's Father, Jaques, and Joan's guardian angel, St Michael, in "JOAN" the musical at Pheasant Run Resort in St Charles IL March & April 2018). Review written April 2nd, 2018.

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