Scarsdale’s Got Talent

(Updated April 28) Scarsdale mother of 3, entrepreneur, MBA and vocalist Rebecca Gabin just released her own musical video version of “Little Girls” from Annie. She stars in it with help from her adorable brood of three little boys from her kitchen. Check it out by clicking here or on the photo above and meet Rebecca here:

What is your background? Are you a professional singer/actress?

Definitely NOT a professional! I've always loved musical theater but stopped pursuing any kind of performing around Middle School... went the "responsible" route and got my MBA. I took a few years off to stay home with the kids, but eventually went back to work and actually had just co-founded a new venture about a week before everything started shutting down. We will have to see what the climate is once the restrictions start to loosen up- hopefully we will still have a company to build post-virus!

Tell us about your experience in voice/theater?

My experience is limited. As I mentioned, I was actively performing until I was about 12- a convenient time to stop since I was spared from unnecessary scrutiny during what seemed like an unending awkward phase. I took some voice lessons in college, but just for personal enjoyment. Some of my family friends had heard me singing over the years, so I've pinch hit for charity events when they needed someone to squeak through an anthem. I had the great honor of being invited to sing Hatikvah at the U.N a few years ago and was told it was actually the first time that it was performed on the stage of the General Assembly.

Now that you’re a busy mom - are you able to continue to sing and act?

I stayed at home for a few years and was desperately in need of a creative outlet. I found a singing app (Sing! by Smule), and joined a community of really talented people, who like me, wanted to connect over music in whatever spare moments we could carve out of our busy family lives. My friends in town nicknamed me "Julie- Smuley" because they'd catch me in the car singing into my phone (don't worry- it was parked!) They were so supportive and encouraging that I actually decided to audition for some local theater- my first time in more than 20 years. It was incredibly daunting! My first audition, I got a callback but embarrassingly crashed into a piano numerous times during the dance segment...needless to say, I hobbled off without the role (or most of my dignity). But a few months later, I saw an audition for a production of Avenue Q in Wilton, CT and ended up getting cast and having an incredibly rewarding experience. It was a LOT of work, the rehearsal schedule was exhausting, and the kids complained that I wasn't there to put them to bed 3-4 nights a week. But it was 12 weeks, we got through it, and I will treasure the experience. A whole bunch of Scarsdale friends rented a bus and come out to cheer from the audience, which was really touching!

How did you get the idea for the video? On what song is it based?

I've seen so many memes about how moms in the time of COVID-19 are feeling more Miss Hannigan than Mary Poppins, and that immediately made me think of "Little Girls" from Annie. But I have 3 boys, so I had to work with what I had. I've actually done a lot of these types of videos through the app over the past few years (much too embarrassed to reveal how many!) Not all of them are parodies, but it's a way to get out some of that creative energy.

How did you get the musical background? Did you write the lyrics?

I used the singing app on my phone, it has all the backing tracks and lets you record your voice over them using just your regular headphones. I wrote some new lyrics and kept what made sense in this context from the original. I'm probably violating all sorts of copyright laws, but my cousin texted me to let me know the original lyricist had passed away, so I should be in the clear)

Who shot the video?

I just propped up an iPad, pointed it in our direction, and hoped it would look ok. Actually, I wrote a message on our pantry door, and thought that the camera would flip it so I wrote it backwards...but it turns out Apple is savvier than I am.

It looked like the boys were having fun! How old are they and what are their first names? 

The boys absolutely had fun! I had actually originally recorded this on video without them- and when they heard me singing it, I played them the original Carol Burnett clip from the movie. They said they wanted to make a video with me, so we grabbed an iPad and had a video an hour later. They helped with planning the shots, and very happily did 2-3 takes of each sequence. I also taught my oldest how to use iMovie to edit it. The boys are Ethan (9), Zachary (7), Jonah (3).

How has the video done on youtube? Have you heard from old friends far and wide?

I initially put it on youtube because the file was tricky to send to some family members, and they were not on social media to see it otherwise. It's gotten a few hundred views, not viral, but very touching since I probably only sent the link to 15-20 people who I thought wouldn't see it on my social media page, which was private. Friends have been incredibly kind- most of them didn't see it on youtube, but rather on my social media, so they've been leaving lovely comments. One very generous friend shared the video with you, which I think is a great example of the kind of community we are lucky to be a part of. Most of the emails and texts are (playfully) calling me out as a fraud, since I'm not actually a big drinker and used to spend most of my time at home with the kids anyway.

What did you like to do before the crisis?

I liked to send my kids off to school. Every weekday. That was my favorite. I am really starting to miss restaurants, theater and (the prospect of) travel- all of the experiences that are better as a shared connection.

How are you managing these long weeks at home?

We are incredibly fortunate in our resources during this time, and I think it's a great time to teach our children about perspective through the example that we set every day. Dad is working, safely at home, while so many others are either out of work or in compromising situations. We have food, and Amazon, and space to spread out and run around. Our families are healthy and able to connect regularly. There are moments throughout the day that we have to breathe through, and we are all learning how approach each other with more patience and grace. And music. It really is the greatest stress release, and I think everyone should download the App and come sing with me!

Any ideas for additional performances?

We do have some ideas in the works! We're hoping to get some of our friends and family to participate (remotely) in the next one, so we'll keep you posted on how it comes out. It makes us smile, and honestly, sometimes that can be a small but powerful thing to share.

(April 28) Gabin released a second pandemic video today, this one to the tune of "Be Our Guest." Check it out on Youtube here: