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!