Favorite Quotes – Andrea Bertola Shaw

Bluer Than You — Jessica Stewart, Cindy Keenan, Justine Beirne

So what IS the message of this show…

At the Top of Our Lungs aims to create a crack in the infrastructure of female stereotypes and standards. It is about many aspects of being female, good & bad, and that nothing is simply black and white. Through these pieces we will playfully expose female objectification, address issues women face every day, and push a boundary… or two.

Stereotypes are powerful and omnipresent. They perpetuate positive or negative meanings and are rarely accurate; nevertheless, it is through that subjective response be it by race, gender, body type, hairstyle – that stamps a first impression. Stereotypes stand in the way despite our intention to be objective. Although we may acknowledge the consequences of such sweeping generalizations, the practice continues.

Andrea Bertola & Lauren Balaban

Tonight’s show challenges you to examine the core of our humanity. Once labels, stereotypes, “Us vs. Them” mentalities are stripped away, there are no boundaries or borderlines. The possibilities are infinite. The cost, priceless. We know that when we empower women, helping them develop their voices and confidence, everyone benefits—girls, men, boys, families, and communities.

When we started this journey back in February of 2011, we had absolutely NO IDEA what was in store… We wanted to put on productions that would give us a creative outlet and enable us to raise money for important local organizations in the arts. What we found was so much more. Through this process we have unlocked a door into what is now a beautiful, supportive community of creative women.

Our message is simple; our mission steadfast. Join us, as we raise awareness through an eclectic mix of pop songs, Broadway favorites, spoken word poetry, monologues, burlesque and more! Thank you for coming out tonight to support our mission to empower underserved women and girls through this theatrical event. Every donation makes a difference and NO amount is too small. Tonight these women perform at the top of their lungs for you, and for women everywhere.

Your Creative Team,

Andrea Bertola &

Lauren Balaban

……………………………………………………….

Performance Dates:
December 8th at 7:00pm
December 10th at 9:30pm
December 11th at 3:00pm Click here to buy tickets:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/209106Our proceeds will go towards viBe Theater Experience, a local organization that empowers teenage girls through the creation and production of original performances.

In honor of seeing Gaga tomorrow….
(Thanks to my sister for the AWESOME B-day present).
Here are some of my favorite Lady Gaga quotes.

Dream big. Be true to yourself. And kick some ass while you’re at it.
– Andrea

“I had a boyfriend who told me I’d never succeed, never be nominated for a Grammy, never have a hit song, and that he hoped I’d fail. I said to him, ‘Someday, when we’re not together, you won’t be able to order a cup of coffee at the fucking deli without hearing or seeing me.” – Lady Gaga

“I’m just trying to change the world, one sequin at a time.”
— Lady Gaga

“‎Do not allow people to dim your shine because they are blinded. Tell them to put on some sunglasses, cuz we were born this way bitch!”
— Lady Gaga

“I used to walk down the street like I was a f’ing star… I want people to walk around delusional about how great they can be – and then to fight so hard for it every day that the lie becomes the truth.”
— Lady Gaga

“I’d wear any of my private attire for the world to see. But I would rather have an open flesh wound than ever wear a band aid in public.”
— Lady Gaga

“I would rather die than have my fans see me without a pair of heels on. And that’s show business.”
— Lady Gaga

“A middle finger is more New York than a corporate ambush.”
— Lady Gaga

“That’s the most Warholian thing about what I do… I embrace pop culture. The very thing that everybody says is poisonous and ostentatious and shallow, it’s like my chemistry book… and I make what I believe to be art out of it.” — Lady Gaga

“I am a feminist. I reject wholeheartedly the way we are taught to perceive women. The beauty of women, how a woman should act or behave. Women are strong and fragile. Women are beautiful and ugly. We are soft-spoken and loud, all at once. There is something mind-controlling about the way we’re taught to view women. My work, both visually and musically, is a rejection of all those things. And most importantly a quest.” — Lady Gaga

Do you have a favorite Gaga quote? Or just an inspirational quote in general?
Leave it in the comments!