Been a Long Day

Sorry for not posting at the usual time! I was soooo tired that I didn't feel like typing. I know that sounds lazy, but it was a totally exhausting weekend. 6 shows in 3 days! I'm glad it's over, though to be honest I did have fun.

Not much to report. Two more nails came out of the set piece and onto the stage yesterday. This time, the guy I am understudying noticed them and picked them up so as not to wound himself again. I felt bad that he had to deal with that on stage. Fortunately, still no one has blamed understudy sabotage on the nails. =-) hehe.

A couple of us tried to go to Moriarty's between shows again today, and we were once again turned away. I guess they are serious when they say you have to have a reservation. I really want to try those wings! We instead went to a place near the theatre called Coco's which on Sunday has $5 wings. They were good...not great...but good. The waitress, however, did not bring me blue cheese with my wings and then looked at me strangely when I asked for some. HELLO!?!? What would I do with the wings without blue cheese? Eat them plain? Oh no no no no no. I vowed to not eat them until the blue cheese arrived. Fortunately (unlike our meals...) the blue cheese arrived quickly and I was able to eat. Of course everyone else finished before me due to my vow of hunger...but I felt like it was the right choice.

I have ventured up to see Robert for the day off. I know I was just up here for Thanksgiving, but we ran around the whole time and it'll be nice to just rest (though he does have an audition tomorrow for 42nd Street and Sophisticated Ladies). Also, Tuesday is our anniversary. Yay! So my Monday will hopefully consist of doing absolutely nothing, maybe some writing, a movie and food. That sounds like a great day off to me...weeeeeeee!

Far From the Home I Love

So today is the day where my family gets the Christmas Tree...but I have two shows. =-( This makes me sad. But, I can't complain because if I did everything I wanted to do tradition-wise I'd never have a gig...(we are a very very very tradition-filled family!) So, they will take a picture and send it to me and I will yell timber from afar. Then they are getting Wings with Cardins...ok I'll think about something else.

An illness is going through the cast...eeeek. Yesterday, one of the supporting actresses became quite ill and was unable to do the evening show. We knew this in the afternoon, but the understudy hadn't had a rehearsal yet so she came in a did the afternoon show and the understudy did the evening show. She was rehearsed into the role between shows. She ended up doing a fabulous job! She will have to do it again this afternoon. I hope our dear castmate feels better soon.

Also during the afternoon show, there was a mishap during the end of the show. Somehow a nail came out of a piece of set, and, unbeknownst to anyone, was laying on stage. Apparently, the guy I'm understudying stepped on it during the scene, (eek) but was somehow able to not react until he came off stage. I was impressed. He then came screaming off the stage and ripped his shoe off. None of us standing in the wings knew what was going on, it was terrifying. He is fine, but it turned out the nail went right through the sole of his shoe, and he could feel it poking into his skin. Fortunately, it didn't puncture him at all.

Welp, nothing else too exciting happened yesterday. We're in the middle of our 6 show weekend. I think the first show today is probably the most difficult, and by tomorrow night we'll probably all be wild and crazy that it'll be a really fast show. haha. I love my job. Weeeeeeeee!

Food, Glorious Food.

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving! I had a nice time with Robert's family. I ate alot, drank alot and was merry. Yay! I left Robert's this morning at 10 as I was afraid of the mall traffic that I had no doubt would slow me down immensely. I, fortunately, was mistaken, and I arrive at 12 for my 1:30 call. Oh well. The Green Room couches are so comfortable, I have no problem with arriving early.

And so begins my first ever 6 show weekend. At this point, there is no end in sight--6 shows is ALOT of shows to do in 3 days. But it will be fun-and crazy and exhausting-but also fun, I think.

I'm not sure what else to write for today, so I will lay down on the couch and hap before half hour. I hope everyone is well! Weeeeeeeeee!

Glee Club Rehearsal

Ooops. Was running late this morning so I didn't get a chance to update before understudy rehearsal. So here I am, in the green room after understudy rehearsal and I will now update. The rehearsal went well. I have my lyrics down and I learned the blocking I didn't know because there are times I can't watch from backstage. I was pleased. There is this one line that still trips me up that I can't for the life of me remember, but hopefully should the need arise for me to come on I will get it--or just make it up without stuttering. haha.

I've been really short-winded (is that a word?!) lately for some reason. Not much to report again. Not to much adventuring going on. After the show this evening I'm leaving for New Jersey where I will spend Thanksgiving. I'd love to be home, but it's just too much-especially with 6 shows Fri-Sunday. I haven't seen Robert in a while so it'll be a nice two-ish days with him.

Sorry to be so boring. I promise I'll force myself to write more over the next few days. Happy Thanksgiving! Weeeeeeee!

What Ought We To Do?

Well, the only adventure I participated in yesterday was going from my room down to the living room. Unless, you count my venture to the mailbox twice because the first time it wasn't there...it was raining so I did have to brave the elements...

Ok, so really it was a totally boring day. I did, however, get some writing done and I watched my Netflix movie (Get Smart, which I didn't love but laughed heartily a few times and would say overall I enjoyed it) I also watched Adaptation, which I thoroughly enjoyed for an hour or so and then as it got crazier and crazier I sort of zoned out. Ooops. Oh well.

I will say I am pleased that Joe Mauer won the AL MVP (sorry, Grandpa, I know you were rooting for Texiera or Jeter to win). His season was incredible and he carried that Twins team on his back.

All in all I'd say it was a great day of relaxation and with a very busy week coming up (including 6 shows Fri-Sun) it was probably necessary. But I was pretty bored!

Half Hour 7:30PM Curtain 8PM Sleep 12AMish Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Dog Show

Today will be a day of writing. So long as I can stay focused...it will most likely be difficult. haha. I won't lie, I just woke up about 30 minutes ago. haha. Ooops. The good news is I'm feeling very rested and almost back to 100%. I fought this cold quite valiantly if I may say so myself.

Yesterday's two show day felt less long than Saturday's. Maybe it's because I wanted to be spending time with the family so I wanted the shows to go faster, or maybe it's because the day off was in sight at the beginning of Sunday. Either way, the day went fairly quickly. Both shows were pretty solid I think, and the audiences were overall fairly typical and, well, solid. haha. Between shows I was lying on the couch when one of my new friends came and said "Want to go to Wendy's with me?" This was a very easy decision for me and we quickly left for Wendy's. The only difficulty I found in this adventure was what to actually order. I ended up getting chicken nuggets and a Jr Bacon Cheeseburger. It was exactly what I needed. I hadn't had fastfood in so long! (Err, well I guess I had checkers last week...oh well)

The best part of the day was when someone accidentally let Buddy (the dog) out of the room where he was being held in while his handler changed. He decided, it seemed, that he wanted to give the audience a pre-show extravaganza because he grabbed one of his dog bones and went straight to the stage. Then, when stage management tried to coax him off stage, he thought they were playing with him so he bolted around the stage, running back and forth around the stage trying to escape everyone that came near him. I unfortunately did not have the pleasure of seeing this happen, I just heard the story when the ASM came to us before we went on stage and said "we couldn't find the dog bone that buddy dropped on stage, so if you find it pick it up." hahaha. One of the ensemble members did find it right at the beginning so it was never a danger. Gotta love doing theatre with a canine actor!!!

Geek alert! I can now solve a Rubik's Cube. Yeah, I know, I'm a loser. I have alot of down time though. haha.

Still thinking about how much fun I had this weekend with the family. It was packed to the brim with new adventures for everyone and I loved it. Weeeeeeeee!

Fun

I have had such a fun time this weekend. The family just left to return to CT/NY and I've come to the green room to recap the weekend (and hopefully nap!) before our two show day.

It all began Friday, as my parents and grandparents arrived around 5PM after my first understudy rehearsal. (Which, by the way, went well. It was just music so we ran through the three songs my character is in and that was that. I already know the music so it was pretty simple.) Anyway, we walked up the street to Jones-which was recommended to me by a friend in my last show. He not only recommended the restaurant but said I HAD to get the Meatloaf. So I did just that. Boy was it the absolute correct move. Twas delicious. I accompanied my meal with a Jones Cream Soda-made with pure cane sugar, for those of you who have never heard of Jones. The parents and grandparents also enjoyed their meals, though we all agreed it was a little dark and cold in the restaurant.

After that meal, they went to check into the hotel and I headed back to the theatre for the first show of our 5 show weekend. It was also the 'opening' night for the weekend team of children. The show went well, though it was a bit of a lackluster audience. Meanwhile, I had to pull all I had within me to find energy for the show, as the meatloaf definitely was food coma inducing but there was no time for a nap. booo. haha.

After the show I went to the hotel, but the stupid bar closed at 11 so we went to the one across the street. It was strange to say the least. Very modern with strange punk-ish music playing loudly. The bar was filled with a strange and very eclectic mix of people. Not a place I saw myself returning to (except for the next evening, when we once again found ourselves without a close bar to go. haha) In the end, it provided the place we needed to sit, drink (Jack and Cokes for me!), and be merry. So it worked out!

The plan for the next day was to get up semi-early, get breakfast and then head to the corner of 9th and Passyunk for some Cheesesteaks at the famous Pat's and Geno's! We chose Pat's, as I like it better. Though, we did discuss how when the UConn women played Tennessee for the National Title in 2000 in Philadelphia and there were jokes made about Pat Summitt, the coach of Tennessee versus Geno Auriemma, the coach of UConn. So maybe it is blasphemous for UConn fans to eat at Pat's, but it's better so we had to deal with it. haha. (Also, UConn trounced Tenn in that championship game, just so you know!)

After steaks, the family went over to the Franklin Institute but I had an afternoon show. The show was a bit blah, very matinee-ish. Oh well, it happens. For dinner, between shows, we had planned to go to Moriarty's-which apparently has phenomenal wings. I, however, did not realize one needed reservations. They were not on OpenTable.com nor did it make it clear on their website reservations were needed. So, we found ourselves looking for another restaurant after my attempt to sweet talk the hostess failed miserably. Across the street from Moriarty's (which is an Irish Pub) is another Irish Pub cleverly named 'Irish Pub' (I wish I could be THAT brilliant!) We decided it would serve our purpose (it is also where we saw the defeat of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish by UConn! Go Huskies!...sorry Dan) We all thoroughly enjoyed our meals (except Jenna's was too spicy so she and Brian switched.), and my disappointment over not getting to eat the wings at Moriarty's was gone for the moment. (I still want to try them!!!)

Then it finally came time for the family to see the show! I was very excited to have people in the audience. Unfortunately, they were sitting in pairs in different parts of the theatre, but that made it more fun for me to try to spot them! (I mean, I'm always focused on stage...yeah...) I think we had a great show. I know I was really pleased and proud to be out there performing. Everyone seemed to love it. After the show I got to give them a tour backstage, which was fun! The Green Room, the wings, the stage and the dressing room were some of our stops along the tour. Twas fun!

This morning we went to Marathon for brunch before they hit the road. It was a wonderful brunch. I had such a fantastic time this weekend. I'm sad to see everyone go. It is always nice to get a dose of family when you've been away for so long. This will be a much shorter amount of time between visits though, as Christmas isn't too far off, and then I'll be home for a month before I go on tour. Yay family. Yay! Yay! Yay! Weeeeeeeeeeeeee!

My Favorite Moment of the Bee

Well, I wasn't as successful during the day today as I'd hoped. In fact, I didn't really do much of anything. It was nice to relax and since I've been a bit ill and quite busy the last few days I suppose it was appropriate to relax. I did change the supporting character's name in my children's play from Nicky to Jimmy. That's it though. My relaxing included watching what is probably my favorite movie musical of all time Fiddler on the Roof. I think Topol is a genius. Furthermore, it contains one of my favorite lines in movie history. Tevye says in response to "Money is the root of all evil"..."Then may the Lord smite me with it, and may I never recover!" Tis a lovely movie, though quite depressing at the end...so I didn't watch the end. haha.

I hit traffic for the first time driving into the city today. The rain was probably the major issue, but it was also rush hour (though one would think driving into the city during evening rush hour wouldn't cause that much of a problem. However, since I've been driving in DC for the last 2 years, I know better than to assume anything when it comes to traffic situations.) Despite the traffic, I was not worried because for some reason I've been extremely good about leaving myself plenty of time. This is new for me, though I do enjoy it so hopefully it will continue.

The show went well, though the audience wasn't the best we've had. It will be very interesting over the next 8 weeks to see the different audiences. Usually (at least in my experience with smaller audiences) you can judge how the audience is going to be based on a few things. First, the day of the week/time of the show. A Sunday night crowd is going to be anxious about working the next day and maybe not as into it. A Friday night crowd is excited about the weekend, but probably tired from work and had to rush to eat and get to the theatre on time. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday night crowds are probably mostly subscribers who like the cheaper subscription possibilities (which is TOTALLY when I would go so kudos to them. haha.) Matinees (Wed, Sat or Sun) are probably a mix of older couples and families with young kids. Leaving us, of course, Saturday night which I guess are well rested people enjoying their weekends and ready for the theatre. These are all stereotypes based on assumptions...but stereotypes come from somewhere, right?! haha.

Secondly, you can often judge an audience based on how they react to a certain line or scene. I remember when I was in Plaid Tidings last year, there was a line (which I happened to deliver) in the beginning of the first scene which I used to judge the audience. Big laugh, means the audience would be eating out of the palm of our hands the rest of the night. A smattering of chuckles meant we needed to warm them up, but we could probably get them. If we heard nothing but crickets, I knew we had to speed through the show because this audience wasn't going to be amused by the corny fluff that it was. I haven't yet figured out which lines or scenes will be the test for audiences in this show, but I think most shows (especially comedies or at least shows that contain comedy) have them. This audience seemed to enjoy the show overall, but didn't seem that focused on the little things. One of the ways to get through doing a show over and over again is to analyze the audiences, and I enjoy it thoroughly.

Tomorrow (well, today I suppose since it's after midnight) is my first understudy rehearsal. We are only doing music tomorrow so it won't be that long for me. In fact, I'm only scheduled for half-an-hour. Which is fine by me since the family is coming down!!! WOOHOO!!! I'm so excited. It's been a long while since I've seen my parents and brother and sister-in-law-to-be and Grandparents. Actually, I've seen Jenna more recently than anyone else. I have some excellent plans for food for the next few days. I planned out each meal based on recommendation and online reviews. The family is seeing the show Saturday night. I have the tickets, so I really hope I remember to bring them with me. The worst idea in the world was to not either send the tickets to my mother, or leave them at will call. Though, to be honest, there is a lovely story about tickets to see me in Mikado 4 or 5 years ago which you should ask my mother about. It's amusing.

Anyway, it's late so I'm off. I'm so excited for this weekend! Weeeeeee!

Open Sesame

The show is open!!! What a wonderful evening! The audience seemed to love it. (And, don't worry, I didn't lose my coat!) Opening nights are usually a very friendly audience (family, friends, staff), but even so they still seemed to love it. I got a ton of chills during the curtain call while we were singing as I realized my first Union show was now open and getting a standing ovation! Yay!

The after party was a little strange cause I didn't really know anyone except the cast, but it was fun. I used my two drink tickets for Jack Daniels. Yum! Also, there were cards, flowers and gifts galore in the green room and dressing rooms. I got a small bottle of champagne and a small bottle of brandy, one from our lovely dresser the other from a castmate. Twas very nice of them. We opened our bottles of champagne in the dressing room and toasted. The brandy I think I will save for another time. I imagine there will be a moment when I say to myself "This is when I should drink that brandy from opening night!" And then I will do it, and it will be good.

1 down 65 or so to go! Yay! No more rehearsal (except when Understudy rehearsals start-which is Friday) so I don't have to be there until half-hour tomorrow (This is where Robert would tell me I should say 'today' since it is after midnight and technically Thursday, but whatever...)! Hopefully I will get alot of writing done. Since I won't have a day job, I told myself I had to use the time to work on my writing, so I will start that tomorrow (ok, ok, today)!

Half-Hour 7:30 Curtain 8PM Weeeeeee!

You Never Say 'Good Luck' on Opening Night!

It's the day of the show, ya'll! Opening Night! Last night's preview went really well. The director and everyone seemed happy. And, the only rehearsal before the show today is for the kids, just to drill things, so I get to just rest all day! Yay!

I had one mini-disaster last night during the show. I have a blue coat I wear when I'm moving set so my white sleeves don't catch the light and draw attention. Well, I lost mine during the second act last night. I couldn't find it anywhere. After the first act finishes I hang it on a hook stage right, and come get it after the opening of the second act. It wasn't there. I ran to the dressing room, looked in the green room but it was nowhere to be found! Finally, I looked backstage, just in case, and there is was. Apparently, after the first act, I never grabbed it and brought it to the hook. I swear I did, but clearly it never happened. That is probably the exhaustion. Anyway, it worked out fine. I borrowed someone else's coat for one of the changes, and for the other I just did it without. Hopefully this scare will keep me from losing it again!

We had notes after the show last night, and once again free pizza and beer! Yay! I unfortunately wasn't feeling well. I was coughing, though trying to do it discretely so no one would get paranoid that I was sick, and my head ached. When I woke up this morning I felt worse, so I decided to go back to sleep. I feel better now, though not 100% by any means. My plan is to eat soup in a little bit. Yay!

The show this evening begins at 7 because there is an after-party in the lobby which the entire audience is invited to, apparently. An envelope was on my dressing room station last night with two tickets for free drinks at the party! Yay Free Things!!! Then, apparently, there is a bar the cast traditionally goes to on opening night. If I'm feeling well enough (which I hope I am!) I'm going to go there too for a bit. I don't want to get back to DE too late though, as the only thing that will cure me of this illness is SLEEEEEP!

Half-Hour 6:30 OPENING NIGHT! 7:00 Party 9:30 Weeeeeeeeee!

Soup's On

I think I'm starting to get sick! Ah! I'm feeling very sluggish and everything I do feels like I'm doing it stuck in 74 gallons of molasses. Bleh. I hate having a cold. I hope I can stop it. Lots of Vitamin C and such. I must not get sick! MUST NOT! eeeeep.

Anyway, my contract, script and score came in the mail yesterday for the tour I'm going on. Interesting is a word I would use to describe it. Dan and I gave the CD a listen as we travelled in the car and immediately became obsessed with one of the songs. It's sung by the Aunt Em character who is bitter that she spent all morning making soup for everyone for lunch, but when lunch time comes no one is around to eat it so she threatens to throw it away. Neither of us can understand why she would throw the soup away. Why not just put it in the fridge? Or let it stay in the pot and then warm it up when everyone returns. Dan has decided there should be a musical about how much food Americans waste based around this song. I think it's a brilliant idea. haha. Anyway, the tour is coming to Connecticut! The Ridgefield Playhouse to be specific, on May 22. We will also be stopping in Florida, Georgia, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, DC, Virginia and North Carolina. All told it will be around 11,500 miles of driving over 90 days. Insanity!

As I stated yesterday, I was craving Pho so we went to a Vietnamese restaurant. I decided, instead of the regular Pho, to get something similar-a Spicy Beef Soup. The broth was a little spicier (though honestly not that much...) than Pho and the noodles are a bit thicker. The insane warmness and deliciousness of it, however, were exactly the same. Twas exactly what I needed. To be honest, since I'm not feeling that well I want another bowl today. Maybe I'll make that happen between rehearsal and the preview.

Our last preview is this evening. They do have the possibility of having a rehearsal from 1-6 tomorrow before Opening, but then that's it. The show is set. It is currently unknown if they will call that rehearsal...I honestly wouldn't mind resting all day tomorrow since I'm not feeling well, but we'll see how today goes.

Rehearsal 1-6, Dinner 6-7:30, 7:30 Half Hour, 8PM LAST Preview! Weeeeeeee!

A Rested Body is a Rested Mind

Hello hello. I'm posting a bit late today, but that is due to the fact that I was so tired that I slept until almost 2. Ooops. At least I feel quite rested. Yay!

Yesterday was another long day, but it was quite successful. The audiences seem to really be enjoying the show, and the director seems pleased. We do have rehearsal on Tuesday before our final preview to finish some stuff up, but hopefully it won't be a chaotic one. I'm getting quite used to my track and I'm really enjoying myself. I'm so pleased to be on this adventure.

Jenna is in town, though I unfortunately can't see her today. Hopefully we will be getting pre-show and/or post-show meals tomorrow and/or Wednesday. She is at a conference. I'm really in the mood for Pho (a Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup that is insanely warming and delicious) I hope to get that in the next few days (hint hint wink wink, Jenna) No but seriously, the last time she came to a conference (when I was in DC) we had a lovely time. So that should happen again assuming our schedules work out.

Otherwise there isn't much to report. We had an amusing discussion yesterday in the Green Room about how most civilians talk about how they hate Mondays or they "have a case of the Mondays" whereas theatre people sit around praying for Monday to come faster. It's amusing to have a different day off than the rest of the world. Anyway, this week we have 1 preview on Tuesday and then we open Wednesday. I'm really looking forward to it. Weeeeeeee!

Crazy World

It's been a crazy last few minutes. One of the delightful guys in the ensemble hurt his back and since we haven't had an understudy rehearsal yet, we have to go down his track in all of the numbers. People have been running around and making sure things work. Poor guy, I hope he feels better soon. Lots of happy thoughts for him.

Yesterday went well. It keeps getting smoother and smoother. In the afternoon, one of the ensemble girls comes on and rings a belI...well, she grabbed the rope, rang it and ended up with the rope in her hand no longer attached to the bell. Ooops! Haha. They fixed it for the evening show though. Overall the word to describe the day was (per usual for the last few days) exhausting, so I took a nice hour and a half nap on one of the couches in the green room during the 3 hour break between shows. I also spent time planning the food situation for next weekend when everyone comes down. I think I came up with a great lineup! I'm so excited. This week can't go fast enough.

We have another two show day today. I realized it is my first ever 5 show weekend (1 Fri, 2 Sat, 2 Sun). It is exhausting (I keep using that word. But don't worry, I'm not complaining. It's worth it)! I've done many a two show day, but not two in a row. I'll get used to it. I have to though, since later in the run we have days where we have 3 two show days in a row. woah! I'm fairly certain this couch I'm currently sitting and typing on will host my between show nap again. Yay!

Dan went up to New York with his mother last night to see the final performance of the current cast of God of Carnage-which is one of my favorite things I've ever seen on stage. It has one of the funniest moments I've ever experienced as an audience member-though I won't share it with you as I don't want to ruin it. Feel free to ask if you really want to know! Anyway, they brought me half-sour and sour pickles from 2nd Ave Deli for my lunch today! So I'm pumped for those! (Actually, I already ate one! haha...ok two...)

Alright, they just called places so I have to go on stage now. #1 of 2 and down a person. I really hope he feels better. Alright, here we go! Weeeeeeeeee!

Racing with the Clock

The preview last night went really well. The director said it was the first time he felt like we were "driving the piece" as opposed to it "driving us." That was nice. To be honest, I have no idea how it ended up going well last night. The cards were stacked against us (that's the cliche, right?) in a big way. To start with, the kids going on last night had never run anything on the stage before. We did have that put in rehearsal during the day, but we didn't finish everything by 6. So once again we were paid overtime from 6-7 so they could throw everything together last minute. The kids did brilliantly. They'll keep getting better and better. The other issue, since we didn't finish the put-in, is Nancy's understudy and the Swing didn't get to go through everything. So we are having rehearsal from 1-1:30 before our preview so they can go through the things we missed. Wild.

So they once again had to feed us because they took our dinner break away last night. But, who am I to complain about free pizza. The funny thing, was they planned on having pizza after the show too and my guess is they had already placed the order because after the show another 20 pizzas came. I ate alot of pizza yesterday. I love pizza. Yum.

I have some bad news for everyone who enjoys "Overheard on the SEPTA" Due to the lack of trains that run on the weekend, and the amount of money I would have to spend to only drive those two days and park in the garage, I decided to purchase a parking pass. It is 40 bucks a week (which I realize sounds like a pretty decent amount of money) but I was spending almost 50 a week for the train, plus I'd have to add 20-30 bucks to park on Saturdays in the garage for the day. So, though I'll have to spend more on gas, I'll probably be saving a bit of money. Plus, I can leave later and get back to DE earlier cause I can just hop in the car, as opposed to waiting for the train. So I'll save time, and let's face it-THAT is the best thing. I'm pleased with these things. Very pleased. I will use the theme music you all invented in your head for Overheard on the SEPTA for another fun game, like Overheard on the Stage or Overheard on the Streets, or something fun. But, for now, Overheard on the SEPTA is officially retired. (duhn duhn duhn duhn duhn duhn duuuuuuuuuhn!)

Today during our break I'm going to look for restaurants in the immediate area for when my parents, grandparents and brother and almost-sister-in-law come down next weekend! I am sooooo excited to see them. It should be a great time. And, the show will probably have settled in a bit by then.

1-1:30 Rehearsal, 1:30 Half Hour 2:00 Preview, 4:30ish-7:30 Break, 7:30 Half Hour, 8PM Preview. First two show day. Weeeeeeeee!

Paciencia y Fe (Patience and Faith)

The preview last night went pretty well! Best so far...still things to accomplish, but it's well on the way now. Today we again have rehearsal from 1-6, but it is a put-in rehearsal. The role of Nancy is being played by the understudy for all Saturday Matinees and the Swing (the understudy for the ensemble) will go into her track. So, today's rehearsal is to go through the show for them. Also, ever since we started Tech, we have been using only one team of children (the ones that did the first few previews.) So, today's put-in is also for the other team of children who who have their first preview tonight. That is more than likely what will take the most time. Most of these children have never run through anything on the stage. The choreographer and dance captain have continued to run through things with them in the lobby, but the stage is such a different feel than any place we rehearsed-so it'll take some time...and lots of patience!

I was going to use my train ride this morning to take a nap, but at the stop after mine a young mother and her son (who was probably 3 or 4) got on the train and sat right in front of me. He could not have been more excited about being on a train. He pressed his face to the window and called out all the things he saw that he found interesting. Which, by the way, were tires, other trains and people. It kept me entertained for a good long while. Then, his mother saw someone she knew on the train and things got even more entertaining, which brings us to...

Another episode of "Overheard on SEPTA" (duhn duhn duhn duhn duhn duhn duuuuuuuuhn!) In this episode we join a woman talking about how she makes dinner for her friends birthday every year, but someone told her she was doing it wrong...

"I been makin' Gnocchis since I was like five, so you do it your way and I'll do it mine." I can't decide if my favorite part about that quote is that she pluralized gnocchi, or that she said she started making it when she was 5. I then imagined this woman as a 5 year old trying to reach the stove and yelling at her mother that the tomato sauce didn't have enough oregano. Needless to say I had to keep myself from laughing out loud. This has been "Overheard on the SEPTA" (duhn duhn duhn duhn duhn duhn duuuuuuuuhn!) Thanks for playing!

Rehearsal 1-6, Dinner 6-7:30, Half-hour 7:30, Preview #4 (first one for the other team of kids) 8PM Weeeeeeeee!

Laughin' All the Way to the Bank

Gosh this schedule is exhausting! Last night's preview went pretty well-we have a bunch of fixes to do today during rehearsal (again 1-6). We're on our way to a good show-but we really need the next few rehearsals to perfect it. Hopefully we'll use the time well! I'm here in the Green Room...ooo my paycheck was just handed to me, yay!

Speaking of paychecks, the adventure continued today this time with banks. I've been trying to open a bank account via the internet for like two weeks. I finally got info in the mail from Citizens but they required a copy of my drivers license with the address matching the address to which the paperwork was sent and my latest utility bill with my name on it sent back before they could open the account. Well, my drivers license is from CT and the paperwork was sent to DE, and I don't pay utilities anywhere...

So, I ventured into the bank today (it is only across the street from the theatre, so I can't REALLY complain) and attempted to open an account. It took a while because my drivers license doesn't match the place where I am currently living blah blah blah. Anyway, I got them opened finally I just can't access my money for 5 days. booooo.

I had another adventure moment as I pulled into the parking lot of the train station this morning. This car followed me in and then pulled into the spot right next to where I parked (really close to my car...) and rolled down their window. I couldn't decide what I had done to get yelled at. Maybe I cut someone off without realizing? Maybe they wanted to rob me? Eeeeek! It turned out they wanted directions, and they thought the most logical way to get them was to scare me. Of course, since the only thing I know about Marcus Hook, PA is that it has a SEPTA station and smells like environmental destruction, I couldn't help them. They went on their way and I went to the train.

During our 1.5 hour dinner break this evening I intend to eat Chinese food. I've been craving it for days and I've decided nothing can stop me from getting it today. Nothing! Muahahahahahahahaha. Weeeeeeeee!

Into the Fire

Well, here we are. We finished teching the show last night at 6:58-which means they had to pay us an hour of overtime. Then they brought us Pizza (which I gladly ate several pieces of) before calling half-hour at 7:30. Half-hour, meaning one half-hour before curtain, is when actors are officially called. Isn't it interesting, that many audience members arrive early and wait in the lobby, thinking actors are preparing for the show when really we don't walk in until a half hour before. haha. That always amuses me. This was an especially strange day, as I realized when we finished teching at 7, there may have already been audience members waiting in the lobby having no idea they were about to see the first ever run of our show. haha.

So, the secret/unofficial goal last night was to get through the show from Opening to Curtain call without a train wreck. We had a paying audience, so everyone-including us lowly extras (haha, I don't actually feel that way. I'm a proud member of the cast) had to step it up. We were successful! Huzzah! (I would just like to point out that Sophomore year of High School 'huzzah' was a vocab word. We were tested on the word huzzah. To this day I still find that to be amusing.) Anyway, there were parts of the show that were totally fantastic, others that we just sort of got through on a prayer. One of those moments, for me, was when I went backstage to explain to stage management that maybe having me carry my torch on stage without having ever had it lit before was probably not the best idea. I got backstage and one of the crew grabbed the torch, lit it, and went about his next job. I was a little terrified, but what was there to do, I had to go on stage. Eek! I survived--so did everyone else. haha. Overall, it was really awesome to see people step up and come together to get through the show. The audience seemed to enjoy themselves immensely. That was really helpful in our quest to get through! I think we have a great show on our hands--and we have rehearsal before each of the previews the next few days to get it done.

It was really neat for me to look out and see the nearly full orchestra and mezzanine sections. I've never been in front of such a large house for a show (except when I sang at the Kennedy Center on New Years Eve, but that was a totally different experience) I couldn't help but smile after the show. I know there is alot of work to do, but it'll be worth it.

After the show last night they fed us wings and mozzarella sticks and "hoagies" (aka subs or grinders, I hate the word hoagie!) and adult beverages! Yay Yeungling! Today: Rehearsal 1-6, Dinner 6-7:30, Half-Hour 7:30. Preview #2 8PM. Weeeeeeeee!

Reviewing the Situation

So here it is. The day of the first preview. We have 5 hours of rehearsal to finish teching the show. It isn't going very quickly. EEK! The Bernadette Peters concert last night was wonderful. It wasn't exactly what I expected from a concert of hers. She is such an incredibly funny woman, so I thought there would be more fun up-tempo silly songs. There were a few, but she mostly sang depressing ballads by Stephen Sondheim. She was born to sing his songs, so it is a wonderful thing to listen to. I just wanted more fun-maybe some Annie Get Your Gun! Nonetheless, it was a great time. I had two favorite parts: her performances of Peggy Lee's "Fever" and "Johanna" from Sweeney Todd. I will say, I was a little weirded out by her choice to sing Johanna...but it was incredible. Further proof that she can take on any song written by Stephen Sonheim.

After the concert, we went down to Molly's Pub on 3rd Avenue. It is one of Dan's favorite places to get a burger, and has since become one of mine. The burgers are huge and quite delicious with any and every topping you can think of as a possibility. I had always gotten a Guinness to accompany the burger there, but I've never finished either. The burger and the Guinness are both incredibly filling. But alas, I am a creature of habit and despite thinking about not ordering the Guinness while entering the Pub, when our waitress came to the table I ordered the Guinness. And, guess what, I didn't finish the burger or the Guinness. I can be so predictable!

We decided to sleep up at the NYC apartment and take the train back this morning since my rehearsal wasn't until 1. It seemed like the best choice in order to maximize sleep. Unfortunately, when we got to Penn Station this morning, the 10:35 train was delayed 30ish minutes. I ended up changing my ticket to the 10:50 train headed toward Pittsburgh, as it also stopped in Philly. It left at 10:50 but at some point in our journey stopped and didn't move for around 10 minutes and then continued incredibly slowly for even longer. I ended up getting into 30th Street Station at 12:37, 25 minutes late--not much better than the other train I was supposed to be on! I ran to the SEPTA hoping to hop a train to market east, but the next one wasn't until 12:50 which wouldn't have gotten me to rehearsal on time. I had to take a cab-which ended up being 10 bucks. bleh. Oh well, I walked into rehearsal at 12:58!!! Weeeeeeeeee!

Putting It Together

Hello hello. So much to report. To begin with, last night's dress rehearsal went quite well considering the situation we were in. Obviously, we couldn't finish running the show since we hadn't finished teching it, but what we did get to run (the first act and part of the second) went well. Everyone seemed pleased. The pieces are falling together. Today we have a day off, and I'm using it to see Bernadette Peters in concert. I've never seen her perform live, so I'm quite excited for it. Tomorrow we have rehearsal 1-6 to (hopefully) finish teching, and then our first preview! A preview, for those of you who are new to the terminology, is a regular performance with audience, but it is also a chance for the director/choreographer/designers/etc to see the whole show and make changes. Press does not come until after the Official Opening which is on the 17th. We have 8 previews to get things perfect!

In other (VERY EXCITING) news, I was just cast in an original children's version of the Wizard of Oz as the Cowardly Lion! It will tour the East Coast and parts of the Midwest from March 1 to May 30! I'm so pumped! The cast( of 7) will drive itself from city to city in a 15 person van with the sets, costumes and props in a truck. The tour will take me from Florida to Wisconsin to Connecticut and everywhere in between! It should be an exhausting but wonderful time! It is with the American Family Theatre company. !!!!!!

I'm glad to have reported two exciting things on this fine day. Otherwise it has been a rather lazy day off, which I needed. This week should be a fairly long one as well, with rehearsals during the day and previews at night. Though, tomorrows preview will be followed by a one hour notes session with the director at which pizza and adult beverages (for adults only, of course) will be provided! Even if it will be a long day, I'm really excited. Weeeeeeeeeee!

Finishing the Hat

Oh man, our Final (and only) Dress Rehearsal is this evening. Exciting, though also scary since we haven't exactly finished tech-ing the show, hopefully that can happen during our afternoon rehearsal. Hopefully...

I now have 3 hats as part of my costumes! And, one of the dressers is trying to swing me some suspenders! Heck yes! Suspenders are my second favorite costume piece. My favorite, of course, is the cape. I personally think capes should be brought back to Modern Day Formal Dress. The cape is an amazing and classy article of clothing. I, unfortunately, don't get one in this show-although the person I'm understudying does wear one! Interesting... I feel it is important for you all to know that I have been in 3 shows in which I wore a cape. Twice it was a situation where we wore capes and creepy masks, so while I still love the cape, that doesn't count. Once, in Grand Hotel, I wore one with formal wear. Now THAT is style.

After rehearsal last night I went with Dan and our friend from college, Rob, to Northeast Philly. We ate at a diner there (The Mayfair Diner to be precise). I wasn't too hungry, so I had the other classic Philadelphia Sandwich besides the Cheesesteak, a Pork Roll Sandwich. It was delicious. I also had cheese fries, and a milk shake. Ok, I was a little hungry. I'm glad I had a 15 minute walk from where I parked to the theatre this morning. Cause clearly I need the exercise after that meal... I suppose I should start working out again. And maybe running. To be honest, minus the last two days, I've been eating quite healthily, so adding some working out would be good. The issue is, I'm very content being the chunky balding character actor that I am. haha. Also, I'm a bit (haha, ok alot a bit) lazy.

So rehearsal today is until 11 whether we get through the run of the show or not. I hope it goes well. All the components of the show are really fantastic, they just need to fall together...soon...really really really soon. Weeeeeee!

It's A Fine Life

Tired! Tired! Tired! Yesterday's rehearsal was also quite long, though we did end up getting out 2 hours early. I used one of those hours sitting on the train and the other to eat at a delightful diner-ish place in Wilmington called The Charcoal Pit. The milkshakes are amazing.

We didn't get as far as was hoped in the tech-ing process yesterday. The big ensemble number in act one took pretty much the entire day. I now sell meat during that scene. I started to get a little frustrated, but kept reminding myself that there is no point in doing so. I also kept reminding myself that this is my first Union show and they provide socks, under-shirts and towels for me every day-that just makes me laugh. How different from all the other places I've worked! I seriously can't wait to join the Union. haha.

Otherwise, I don't have much news to report. I fell asleep on the couch last night while Dan and I were watching TV. I think he watched 3 or 4 episodes of The New Adventures of Old Christine and The Office before I finally woke up. Tech is exhausting-even if most of it is spent sitting around doing nothing. More Tech today and our dress rehearsal tomorrow. Weeeeeee!

As We Stumble Along

Yeah, I got home late again...sorry! This time, however, I got home late for a good reason. Instead of taking the train back, Dan came and picked me up and we got Cheesesteaks! Twas the best post-Tech meal I could imagine. The place we went to, Steve's in North Philly, slices their meat instead of chopping it. It turned out they were ready to close when we got there, so we took the steaks back to DE and ate them while watching this week's 30 Rock. Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin are brilliant. If you haven't seen 30 Rock ever, you should try it! Thursdays. 9:30. NBC.

Rehearsal last night was LONG. There is no way around it. Now, I'm not complaining because unlike most actors, I love Tech rehearsals. I love the process of putting everything together. And I'm really good at the sitting around and waiting. See, what happens, for those of you that don't know, is we basically go through the show moment by moment and add all the technical elements (lights, sound, costumes, props, etc) Sometimes (though barely ever) it can go smoothly. Usually, things have to be revamped, re-spaced and traffic patterns have to be worked out. It is a painstaking process, but it is the only way to get it done. So since a scene can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours there is alot of time for the actors, especially the ensemble in this show, so sit around and wait. I bring my computer. People also brought some games (Apples to Apples, Scategories, etc), which will pass the time nicely. Yesterday we got through almost half of the first act and we'll keep stumbling through today til 11. Then tomorrow, we have our first rehearsal with the orchestra followed by our first dress rehearsal. Yay!

It is now time for a new segment we here at "Walnuts, Cheesesteaks and Ben Franklin" like to call Overheard on the SEPTA. (Insert Theme Music in your mind here). Today on Overheard on the SEPTA, we peek in on a conversation between two stereotypical rural Pennsylvanians on their way into the big city. Let's join them mid-conversation after the conductor had just told them the unfortunate news that a man had jumped in front of a SEPTA train on another line...

"Well, I ain't jumpin' in front of a train, if that gives you an idea of where I am in life. But, what I'm worried about is 2012-it's probably true, but we'll do it to ourselves. We don't need no aliens. The aliens just have to wait for humans to do it to themselves. We probably walk amongst them and don't know it."

(Insert the same Theme Music from before here) This has been Overheard on the SEPTA. Thanks for playing! Weeeeeee!

Sorry-Grateful

Remember, remember the 5th of November! To begin with, my apologies for no post on the 4th of November. We had rehearsal until 11 and I ran to Market East to get the last train and it ended up being 43 minutes late. So, basically the train picked me up when I was supposed to arrive in DE. I didn't get home until after 1 and I was too exhausted to type something up. So we may have two posts today, or we'll start doing posts from the Green Room...who knows.

The most important news of yesterday's rehearsal is that in the Finale I will have a torch!!!!!!!! Now granted, I have had a torch on stage before but this is way more exciting because it shall be REAL FIRE! WOOOHOOOO! Ok, so it's a bit scary, but it is made to self-extinguish if there is ever a problem. It'll be neat.

The other cool thing about yesterday's rehearsal is that we were on stage for the first time. I walked onto the stage and my mouth dropped open. It is by far the largest house I've had the chance to perform in and I couldn't help getting chills and being immensely excited. The set is unbelievable. I'm pumped!!! Today is going to be a VERY long day (12-11), but in the end it will definitely be worth it.

I've realized that since I'm constantly observing those around me (aka eavesdropping on their conversations...), I overhear some of the wildest things. Last night, as I waited for my late train, a clearly intoxicated man approached an officer and asked him why the train to Trenton was cancelled. The officer explained the last one was at 10, or whatever, but this man insisted that the schedule he had showed a train after midnight. The officer told the man to show him the schedule and when he did the officer explained that, yes, there is a train that leaves on the Trenton line after midnight, but since there is no time listed under the Trenton station, it doesn't stop there. The man wasn't pleased. He said "But there is a line here, it has to stop" The officer explained, at first quite patiently, that the line meant it would NOT stop there. This went on for about 4 or 5 minutes until the officer yelled at him and left. The man stood there absolutely and utterly confused. Finally, my train came and I left the poor man standing on the platform. Always an adventure.

More later tonight. I'm excited for rehearsal today, despite the fact that it will be long and tedious. All in all, I'm really grateful for the opportunity. Weeeeeee!

Life is Like a Train

Good ol' adventures. We begin with my trip back to DE, as it was the most adventure-ish (also, the most irritating) part of my day. If you did not hear, the SEPTA is on strike. Fortunately, I found out, it should not affect me as the regional rail does not use the same union as the subway or the trolleys. Unfortunately, despite the fact that the regional rail was still running, my trip was quite a disaster. We got out of rehearsal a bit early, so I tried to run for the 630 train, instead of waiting for the 730. I got there with 4 minutes to spare, but was met with complete and utter turmoil. There were lines of people everywhere for who knows what. There were groups of people yelling at the SEPTA workers in yellow vests. There was a long line for tickets. I didn't think I'd make it! I got in the line, purchased my ticket and ran to the stairs that head down to the track. The train was announced while I was still in line, so I thought there might be a chance. When I reached the stairs there was a man yelling at the SEPTA person and a large group of people in my way. I tried to push through but the SEPTA worker stopped me. I explained I needed to get to the R2 but they told me the R2 was on a different track. I knew it wasn't, but they wouldn't listen. Finally, another employee overheard us and said that the R2 was in fact on that track. He took my ticket and punched it (keep this in mind for later!) and I bolted down the stairs. I got to the bottom and began running for the door, but at that moment, the doors closed. I started yelling to stop the train, as did a very nice SEPTA employee who was on the platform. I know that the driver heard and saw both of us. He didn't care. The train left. I was livid. The next train was an hour away. Devastating! I used the time to work on my lines for the guy I am understudying. 730 came and went. So did 740 and 750. Finally at 7:55 I boarded a train. Finally the adventure was over. But just as I was deciding on whether to continue working on lines or take a nap, the conductor appeared next to me asking for my ticket. "Oh, mine was already punched" I said, assuming this would make sense to her-since everything was so chaotic. It didn't. Fortunately, after explaining the entire situation she decided I wasn't lying and moved on. I can't even begin to imagine the fit I would have thrown if I had to use both sides of the round trip ticket for one trip on top of being way later than anticipated. I'm so glad she trusted me!

The first full run-through of the show actually went quite well. We're still in the rehearsal hall, so it's not smooth yet, but the energy was really high. The director seemed very pleased with it. We move to the stage tomorrow. Most of the rehearsal will be spent re-spacing everything, since the stage is so much bigger than the hall we rehearsed in. My call isn't until 6PM tomorrow, so I get to sleep late! Dan is up from DC, so we will probably do some eating as well! Even though rehearsal is until 11PM, I will be glad to have most of the day to do whatever I want, especially since Tech starts the next day and rehearsal is Noon to 11PM. That will be a long day!

Not much else to report. I'm hoping the train situation will go a little more smoothly tomorrow. Despite the SEPTA issues, I'm really loving the city of Philadelphia. The more I hear from my cast-mates about the theatre community, the more I love that too. I have 2 months and 7 days to decide what to do next with my life, and I'm glad to have Philly as a new option to think about. Weeeeeeeeeee!

The Day Off

Equity Day off! So, I spent it auditioning. My audition was scheduled for 12:05PM, but I got there early and ended up going at about 11:45AM. It went well! I sang my songs that don't let me down! I got a callback-which happened to be later that day-4PM. So I had 4 hours to kill. Robert decided to come with me into the city, so we decided to walk down to Times Square and see a movie. We chose Where the Wild Things Are since it was one of my favorite books as a child. I also, just as a side note, have the stuffed Orange Haired Wild Thing. I enjoyed the first hour of the movie, but felt it was probably a bit too long. 20 to 25 minutes too long, actually. But, let's face it, turning a 12 page children's book into a 2 hour movie probably isn't easy.

My callback also went well. They asked me to sing a third song-which to be honest I wasn't exactly prepared for since never in my life have I ever had to sing three songs. I did have more music but it just wasn't as suited for what I was auditioning for as I would have liked. The gave me a side (a monologue from one of the plays they are doing) to read, as well. Overall, I think the callback went well--so keep your fingers crossed!

Otherwise nothing too exciting to report. My drive back to DE was uneventful. Tomorrow, rehearsal is at 11. I'm looking forward to the run through, it should be fun. Sorry this post is so short and fairly lame, I'm quite exhausted. More fun tomorrow, I promise! Weeeeeeeeeee!

Put On Your Sunday Clothes

Today was a day. That, I can say for sure. It all began with me driving into Philadelphia for the first time. I had to drive to New Jersey (where I am now, actually) after rehearsal because I have an audition for a children's tour in NYC tomorrow morning. The ironic thing is that the Touring Company is based out of Philadelphia, but they called and wanted to see me tomorrow. Since Monday is Equity Day Off for the entire run, I figured getting to the city wouldn't be an issue. Yay!

Anyway, GoogleMaps told me that the drive would take 39 minutes. So, I gave myself 2 hours. I don't trust traffic. I know it was Sunday morning, and leaving at 8AM for the 10AM rehearsal was a little paranoid-but for all I knew hundreds of thousands of people in Delaware and Pennsylvania may go to church and there might be traffic jams for miles every Sunday morning! This, fortunately, was not the case. My other issue was going to be parking. There are a bunch of spaces and garages around the theatre but they are all metered Monday-Sunday until 10PM and there was no way I was going to run out of the theatre every few hours to add more time to the meter. Fortunately, as I drove up 5th St I saw a random parking space that wasn't metered on Sunday. I took it and then contemplated how far I could be from the theatre. I decided, even if I had to walk 20 minutes, it was better than paying a billion dollars to park in a garage. So I began the walk and realized just 2 blocks up the meters started to be like the ones around the theatre, Monday-Sunday 6AM to 10PM. I felt very lucky. And, as it turned out, it was only a 9 minute walk! I was very proud of myself.

Rehearsal was good, we ran Act II for the first time at the end of the day. It wasn't as smooth as Act I, probably because a good portion of it has yet to be rehearsed. We'll do those scenes on Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, we are running the whole show straight through for the first time...exciting!!! I did have my costume fitting today! My pants are pretty awesome. Old-style with a flap in the front and buttons galore. The fun part is, the buttons are all for show, everything is held together with velco! Yay theatre magic! haha. I will also have two hats! One will be a bowler, which is fun. And the other (this is my favorite part) is a Jeff Hat! Now, I had no idea (maybe you did!) that there were hats called Jeff Hats, but now I do--and I must have lots and lots of them!!!

I did not have time to make my lunch this morning because I was paranoid about leaving 2 hours early and decided that was more important. So I walked down the street to WaWa and got a Meatball Grinder (or Hoagie, as they call it. I, of course, refuse to utter that word.) WaWa's are the best thing in the entire world. We don't have them in CT, so we grew up on 7-11s. Don't get me wrong, I love a good Slurpee from 7-11. In fact, back in high school there used to be tons and tons of change in the center console of my car which we referred to as "The Slurpee Fund" Don't ask me why I felt the need to share that...Anyway, Wawas are amazing. And I have digressed a bunch this evening so enjoy yours and I will enjoy mine! Weeeeeeeeee!