Jodi's birthplace, the Garden State of New Jersey, played a significant role in shaping her early life, as her grandfather, a renowned bandleader in New York City during the 1940s, had a profound impact on her formative years. His band, which her mother proudly performed with, not only exposed Jodi to the world of music but also fostered her mother's passion for the performing arts, which she in turn passed on to her daughter. As a result, Jodi developed a deep appreciation for the arts, which would later become a defining aspect of her personality.
At the tender age of seventeen, Jodi decided to take the stage by storm, entering the prestigious Miss Philadelphia Pageant, where she valiantly fought for the top spot, ultimately emerging as the runner-up. Although this experience provided her with valuable exposure and a sense of accomplishment, Jodi soon realized that her true calling lay not in competing, but in performing. Undeterred, she returned to the pageant the following year, this time as a featured performer, where she could showcase her talents and share her passion with the world.
Jodi's academic journey at Penn State University culminated in her decision to major in theater, with a specific focus on classical studies. As she approached the final year of her undergraduate studies, she landed a notable role in the off-Broadway production of My Name is Pablo Picasso, a show that enjoyed an eight-week run. This experience served as a springboard for her subsequent performances, including her portrayal of Sheila in the Surflight Theatre's rendition of A Chorus Line. Her impressive display of dancing and singing skills in the iconic song "At the Ballet" left a lasting impression on audiences. Jodi's subsequent roles saw her take on the character of Maggie in the national tour of Lend Me A Tenor, followed by her dual responsibilities as producer and star in Tennessee Williams' one-act play, 27 Wagons Full of Cotton, at the Intar Theatre on 42nd Street.
Notably, Jodi's subsequent stage appearances garnered widespread critical acclaim, with a standout performance in Bodyshop at New York's esteemed Westbeth Theatre, where she embodied the complex character of an unwed mother who makes a dramatic transformation by becoming an exotic dancer.
Jodi's illustrious career in the performing arts began with a starring role in the iconic Broadway production of Jekyll & Hyde, showcasing her remarkable talent and captivating stage presence. This initial foray into the world of musical theatre was soon followed by her inclusion in the original cast of the Broadway musical Urban Cowboy, a production masterfully directed by the renowned Lonny Price. In this production, Jodi took on the complex and intriguing role of Pam, the "other woman," a character that added depth and nuance to the story.
