Issue date: 3/4/08 Section: Aggielife

Media Credit: SOLOSHOE COMMUNICATIONS 'I absolutely love the people that I have worked with. We are like a close knit family,' Elizabeth Pawlowski says. Pawlowski is touring with Mel Brooks' comedy-musical 'The Producers,' which will be performed Tuesday and Wednesday through MSC OPAS. [Click to enlarge]

Have you ever had an opportunity you just couldn't pass up? This is exactly what happened to an actress who had the nerve to dream.

Elizabeth Pawlowski grew up performing in plays in school and church. She always loved acting, but never considered it for a serious career until her early teen years.

At age 14, Pawlowski, a New York City native, was bitten by the acting bug - so hard, in fact, that she decided that acting was her life's calling.

"When I was fourteen I did 'Cinderella' and I knew that this was what I really wanted to do with my life," Pawlowski said. "Nothing had ever made me feel the way acting did."

After obtaining a bachelor of arts from Wagner College, Pawlowski set her sights on the big stage. Like any fame-seeking hopeful, Pawlowski had a few odd acting jobs before her big break in "The Producers." After college, she worked at the Lincoln Ampitheater in Indiana for three months. Later, while working at a family diner in Arizona, she tried out for "Funny Girl" and received the part of a showgirl. She was cast as Florence in "Chess" and Mrs. Astor in "Titanic."

After polishing her talent, a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck, she finally got a break - a big break. After being cast as Ulla in Mel Brooks' "The Producers," a whole world of opportunities fell at her feet.

"Being a part of this production is incredible," Pawlowski said. "I never thought I would be in such a great show. I feel so blessed to be in this show. Our current choreographer and director have worked really closely with Susan Stroman, and every dance and song is from the original, which is really special."

Stroman was the original choreographer of "The Producers," and a five-time Tony award winner.

"The Producers" is the biggest Tony Award winner in Broadway history with a total of 12 Tonys. After Pawlowski finishes touring with "The Producers," she said she plans on going back to New York City and trying out for anything and everything she possibly can.

"I don't have my sights set on anything specific, but I'm always looking and listening for bits and tips," she said. "In New York City, you never know what opportunities will arise. I have to be ready for anything."

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