BCEFA and Kansas City!

So...some of you may be wondering what BCEFA is! It's Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS. We have been collecting money and selling autographed posters and bookmarks after the show for the past couple of months to raise money for this fantastic cause. To learn more visit www.broadwaycares.org.

In addition to collecting money after shows, Broadway Cares also raises money through the Easter Bonnet Competition. Since we weren't in New York for the Easter Bonnet this year we decided to have our own. Each show puts together a short skit/performance number and a bonnet is designed that is worn in the performance and then judged by a panel. We had a few contestants and a fabulous evening of laughs! As you know, I wear a fabulous snood as part of costume (A snood is a bun cover). Since the beginning of tour I have been collecting Swarovski crystals that fall off of the finale costumes. I used these crystals to bedazzle a snood to wear as my bonnet. Now generally the bonnets are much bigger and have a theme, but I figured the snood was perfect for Lois. My schtick in the opening is that I can't get the jazz style of the dance combination and I do it ballet style. So for my skit I got together a couple of my boys and we made it an "audition" for West Side Story. Aaron was our director and Jonathan and Tim were fellow auditioners. I wore a pink leo and pink tights and we did part of Cool. I did it ballet style of course. It was really fun and here is a picture of all of the contestants with their bonnets. As usual, Lois is a little out of place.


This took place in Worcester, MA right before our layoff and some of my girls from college (EB, Kar and Nicole) were there to hang out before seeing the show the next day!







Now on to Kansas City!

What a fabulous suprise it was! Such a cute city with lots of great restaurants and places to see. There was even a coffee shop where you could get a cup of delicious coffee (Snickerdoodle was my personal fave) for $0.55!!!!!! Can you even believe it?!?!?!?!?!

There was a great movie theatre that offerred showing in the deluxe theatres where you sat in big recliners, had a waitress and ate lunch during the movie!!!!



This is Aaron holding up his menu, so excited to see Kick Ass.










Something else that was crazy in this movie theatre were the hand dryers in the bathrooms. Now this may seem like a funny thing to blog about, but it blew my mind and I want to share.



you put your hand in and the air automatically turns on and you slowly lift your hands out of it and they are dry! Incredible!








They didn't have a particularly cool sink, but this what you saw when you looked in the mirror:



Lookin' good right???















This started a trend in Kansas City. Crazy bathroom sinks and things. The other two I cam across while visiting with my sister-in-law SeaSea who came to visit with her boyfriend Eric. We had so much fun hanging out and I'm so pumped they got to come.
Luckily, Steve--My Father-in-law--reminded SeaSea that the Christopher Elbow chocolate shore is in Kansas City so we went there for some artisinal chocolates. They are unbelievable. Like little tiny works of art and SOOOOOOOOO delicious. My favorite was the Strawberry Balsamic. So anyway, at the Christpher Elbow store the sink was crazy. At first we couldn't figure out how to turn it on because there were no moving parts!



SO what you did was touch the right side and it would start running. Then tap the left side to make it warmer. As you can see it also lit up. It was nuts. And really funny trying to figure it out.











That night we went to fabulous restaurant Extra Virgin. It was tapas style and the food was SO good. Their sink was just cool. Nothing confusing or revolutionary, just cool.



It was so shallow and drained out the back! I could totally see this being in my parents house. Anyone agree?








So, moving on. While in Kansas City I got a facebook message that a girl from me and Sarah's USY trip had tickets to the show. What a small world! She lives in Kansas City and saw on facebook that I was there and so we met up for a little bit after the show and caught up a little. That's the thing I love about tour: you get to reconnect with people all over the country that you just wouldn't normally get to see.
Overall, Kansas City was a great success. We had a great time, ate great food, had fabulous weather and I saw this t-shirt at the airport on my way out.





What else do you need in life?

Some more catch-up! Tallahasee and Hershey

We just got to Indianapolis, IN and although I still have more form Kansas City, I'm going to do a quick recap from places that I missed before hitting the hay. Early yoga class tomorrow morning. Gotta work out the kinks from the flight today!

So the highlight of Tallahassee, FL was definitely the soup festival that was held in our hotel. It was $10 for all you can eat soup. Local restaurants all made their signature soups and I think there may have been more sort of voting situation, but we just ate soup and drank free soda! The best part you ask? The Soup Nazi was there! They were charging somehting like $20 to take a photo with him so I just got this one:







Tallahassee was also the city where we performed in an arena. Our dressing rooms were the basketball locker rooms and there were those communal showers. We got a big kick out of it all!







Hershey was a really fun city. There was a restaurant down the street from the hotel where the owner would stay open so we could eat after the show. He was also nice enough to drive a few of us to yoga since we didn't have cars and it was too far to walk. he was awesome and this is what he posted on the restaurant's sign when we got into town!














And what trip to Hershey, Pa would be complete without a trip to chocolate world and the cows who sing to you about how it's all made!







They have updated the song just a little bit since I was last in Hershey (about 12 years ago), but it's still just as fabulous!






I'm getting pretty close to being all caught up! I hope you are all enjoying the pictures and things. I would love to hear how everything is on your end so feel free to email, comment or call me!

xoxoxoxox

Kansas City with a splash of the layoff

So we are still enjoying the FABULOUS weather here in Kansas City. I have to say I have also been doing a terrific job of sleeping embarrassingly late every morning therefore wasting a lot of the great weather. On another note, while on our layoff in NYC I had a day of fun with my best friend Sarah Daniels. Now many of you know Sarah and know that we have been best friends since our mothers were pregnant with us (we used to send mail and phone each other from in there, but that's another blog post).
ANYWAY, Sarah was the most amazing Maid of honor a girl could ever dream of and as a thank you I planned a day of fun for us in NYC over her spring break which then ended with my bday party at an Irish pub.



DO you know of another maid of honor who would do pushups with the bride before walking down to aisle to ensure that her guns looks ripped? I don't think so.



We started the day with a private partner yoga class which was a ton of fun and super silly. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take any photos in there because...well...I forgot and we were laughing too much.
Then we went out for a great lunch and came back to the apartment to bake cupcakes. There is a great photo floating around of Sar and I at about...hmm...7 years of age in my kitchen in NJ COVERED in brownie batter. We were really great bakers from the start. Clearly we needed a reprise:


Just picture us about twenty years younger and with high ponytails instead of our hair down. We also may have been standing on reverse sides. otherwise, it's exactly the same.








We had a great time and then headed over to the pub for some food and drinks. Lots of friends came to celebrate and even a few surprises! It was a great night and I will leave you with one of my favorite photos from the evening:

East Lansing, MICH

Working backward now. We were in East Lansing, MI last week and it was a lot of fun. We flew out on my birthday and stayed in a Candlewood Suites. The hotel was attached to a great health club with saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs and we also had kitchens in our rooms. It was awesome.
We flew out on the scariest plane I've ever been on:

Yea, two seats on one side and ONE on the other.












Luckily the flight was short.



We flew into Detriot and then bused it out to East Lansing. So this is where Michigan State is so there were a lot of restaurants and stuff to do which was really nice. We also had rental cars so we could get around.
I found out, via facebook of course, that my second cousin goes to Michigan state to his parents and grandparents come up from Ohio and my parents flew out from NYC to see the show. It was great to see everyone and get in some family time.
Everyone was supposed to come see the show Saturday evening, but when we all met up for lunch I got a phone call that I was going to be going on for the matinee as Bebe everyone called the box office and switched their tickets! I still can't believe how perfectly worked out. Unfortunately, Kirsten (who plays Bebe) had a really bad sore throat and ended up missing the evening show as well, but we both agree that it was great that my family got to see me go on.
Now I know that for you guys this is my first time going on, but in real like these were my third and fourth performances as Bebe. I haven't had a chance to do any of the other roles that I cover yet, hopefully soon and only for good reasons.
Here are some pictures from my first time on which was also Kirsten (who plays Bebe and also covers Diana) and Lauren's first times on as well!




Getting ready to start the show!







At the ballet!


















Our last night in East Lansing was also the final night of Greek Week at Michigan State and my cousin Justin's frat won so a couple of the girls and I went to the party. We had a great time, were asked to dance a lot and I have to say I felt a little old for the first time in my life. I'm sure it won't be last either. Oy vey.

Time flies

So it's been way too long since I have updated and so much has happened! I'm going to use the next week or so to update you guys with funny stories and photos and I hope you haven't shed too many tears in my absense. hahaha.

I'm just going to jump right in and then I'll work my way backward.

We just got to Kansas City, MO this evening from East Lansing, Michigan. We got to the airport about 2.5 hours early and clearly this is what happens.

We are staying in a fabulous hotel. When you walk into the lobby it feels like it is going to be a small inn, but there are 19 or 20 floors and our rooms are like suites! We have couches, complimentary fridges and microwaves, great views and tons of space to have a dance party!

we are all pretty pumped about the rooms. Well, I'm exhausted from the traveling so I will call it quits now and write more tomorrow.

A little catching up to do

So we have survived the crazy weeks...for the most part.

We are now in Clearwater, Florida and are all more than tired. It seems that everything is catching up to all of us now. Just a few funny pictures and stories from past cities before continuing to the present.

In Huntsville, Alabama I found the greatest cab company ever.


I guess I'm technically AF now, it is still AA in the show's program so it still counts.










From Alabama we returned to not-so-sunny Florida. First Melbourne and now Clearwater. To get there we took two teeny tiny commuter planes. I don't know if you can really sense the tight quarters from this picture, but let's just say our tall guys couldn't stand up straight--by a lot.

So on the first flight (which was the more exciting one) we board and find out of carry on bags are too big for the tenny tiny overhead compartments. The flight attendents take our bags to be checked with the other luggage free of charge. Then we find out that the plan is overweight. The flight attendent asks five people to get off and take a later flight. After a short period of hesitation people began to volunteer. I am, of course, at this point panicking. I'm not a huge fan of flying to begin with but this combination of teeny tiny plane, my bag not fitting in the overhead bin and now people having to get off because the plan is too heavy...it was too much. So anyway, people get off, get their luggage and we are ready to go. It's a bumpy take off, but everything else seems ok (i still hvan't completely calmed down yet though). I'm reading my book and trying to keep it cool when the plane drops and then shoots back up with the kind of force that makes your head sink down into your shoulders and back against the seat. I grab Venny (our dance captain who was sitting next to me), gasp and clutch him for dear life. Now, Venny had been asleep to he half jumps out of his seat and swears. It was pretty funny except for the fact that I was certain I was about to die. We had a few more bumps and then everything calmed down once again. Needless to say I was a wreck for the rest of the flight.

The second flight was just as teeny tiny, but smoother...thank goodness.

In Melbourne we stayed at a Holiday Inn. Not far from us there was a Holiday Inn Express. Apparently during our first show in Melbourne there was a fire at the Holiday Inn Express and all of the guests were transferred to our hotel. It makes me want to take my stuff with me to and from the theatre. Well, all of the important things: my computer, wine and tempur-pedic pillow.

Another exciting thing that happened at the hotel: we came back after running some errands to see the bellboy chasing a squirrel through the lobby. Yea. He finally caught it (with his bare hands) and carried it toward the door. Just as he was about to get it outside the little guy squirmed out his arms and started running away. Luckily the bellboy was quick and got it again and let him go outside. It was really funny. I tried to get a picture, but my camera was in the bottom of my bag and I just couldn't get it fast enough. Sorry.

The Holiday Inn provided one more laugh:










I don't think I need to say anything about this.








We bused it to Clearwater and I called the Siegels and have been hanging out with them a lot while I'm here. The drive was gorgeous.




We didn't get to enjoy it too much when we got here because we had a show that very night.












At sound check that night I had my put in for Val. Aaron, one of the other understudies, had his put in for Zach. Don't we look fabulous?!


















Between shows today, the Siegels picked me up and we went to Frenchie's for fried grouper sandwiches which my dad has been raving about for years. It was awesome although maybe not the best choice before having to put on pink tights and a pink leotard. Oh well, it was totally worth it.

We are now back at the hotel and I'm exhausted. I'm getting up early tomorrow to go to a yoga class and then I'm off to the post office to mail some stuff and hopefully get myself an agent!

I hope everything is well with everyone at home, I'd love updates!

ALABAMA!!!

So we survived our one nighter in Montgomery, AL the hometown of our Mike. We stayed in a really nice hotel that was attached to the theatre.

In each city we have a sound check before the first show which consists of running all of the big dance numbers. What stage management decided to do (which I think was pretty darn brilliant) is use those sound checks as put ins for us understudies. So each sound check one guy and one girl from the cast sits out and one of his/her understudies gets to do the dance numbers with the whole cast. While in Montgomery, I had my put in for Connie. Here's a picture of me with the real Connie.




See the resemblance?



We have had a pretty exciting week. Our Maggie is on vacation so her three understudies have been rotating going on for her. They each get a chance to open the show in a different city also giving them the opportunity to be reviewed.

Also, on our last night in Colombus and our only night in Montgomery our Diana had some vocal issues so her understudy went on (the first time in the middle of a show!)


We are now in Huntsville, AL which is where the University of Alabama Huntsville is and where there was a shooting yesterday. Yes, a shooting. Campus is about three miles from where we are and outside of the downtown area. Apparently a female professor lost it during the Biology faculty meeting and shot three people dead and injured three more. She and her husband are now in Police custody. Crazy.

On our end, our Cassie got food poisoning yesterday so her understudy went on. She is feeling better today, but it has been quite a week for the understudies! Hopefully the next time one of us has to go on is for something like a vacation or flying home for a fabulous audition ratehr than illness or injury!

Ok, time to get ready for the two show day! More to come!

West Palm Beach, FL & Colombus, GA

West Palm Beach was just fantastic! It was a busy week of family, friends and sunshine. When we got there it was raining like crazy and the forecast was more of the same for the whole week. WE lucked out though and had gorgeous weather.

We performed at the Kravis Center which is absolutely breathtaking:
We were sold out the entire week there which was so exciting!

I got to hang out with Uncle Danny and Aunt Peggy on Friday which was really nice since I don't get to see them as often as I would like to. We went to Mar-a-Lago for lunch and my friend Heather came with us. What a gorgeous place! The food was fantastic and the sporatic rain did nothing to dull the surroundings. Everything is so ornate, it felt like going to see the palaces and cathedrals in Europe!In this picture we are out by the pool with the estate in the background.

After a wonderful day of hanging out with them we had the show and then Shane flew into West palm! It was so great to see him. We also got to hang out with cousins Iris, Allison, Alexia, Alec and Anya on Saturday afternoon. Alexia is 11 now and dances and her birthday present was tickets to the show. I had the cast sign a big photo program for her and I hear from Iris that she loves it.

Shane and I had a relaxing and fun weekend and I'm excited to see him again at the end of this month!

We had just a matinee on Sunday and after Shane left for the airport a bunch of us went to City Place to go watch the Superbowl. Since I wasn't too invested in the game, I went back to the hotel to pack for our 6:15am bus call to fly to Atlanta and then take a 3 hour busride to Colombus. The travel wasn't too bad and I started the day with a great ham, egg and cheese on a biscuit from burger king. The only thing better would have been a breakfast sandwich and coffee from Dunkin Donuts, but they didn't have one. I almost missed the flight because of it, but it was 100% worth it.

Side note, has anyone else flown AirTran? We have now flown twice with them and both times people almost missed the flight. There's an average of 1.5 people working behind the counter and since they don't have online check-in it takes forever. Plus, we were flying the day after the superbowl so security was packed. Oy vey. Hopefully it won't be as crazy in the future.

So now we are in Colombus, GA. I have to say I wasn't expecting much. I don't know what gave me that feeling, but I was pleasantly surprised. Colombus State University is here so there are some cute coffee shops and pubs on the main strip, as well as a charming General Store. It looks a lot like Red Bank, NJ before all of the renovations. I took a walk this morning along the river right here and got some cool pictures:

The town (city?) has a lot of character and small town sensibility. I think some of us may go to one of the pubs on the main strip after the show tonight to get a taste of local life. I'm curious to see what our audience is like. I'll keep y'all posted.

I just saw this...

...on facebook and had to share it because I thought it was too funny!
Any thoughts???

Jackonsville to Naples

So our last day in Jacksonville, I went to the landing to get my last juice and realized that across the way there was a Zoltar! Like in the movie BIG! I clearly had to play it and here is what my fortune said:

You've had to balance your time recently between work and friends. You work consists of whatever you are obliged to do and your play consists of whatever you are not obligated to do. Just remember better is a person of humble standing who works for himself than one who plays the great person but lacks food on the table. This is a delicate balance indeed. For if you do not get it right you may be likened to a tree whose branches are numerous but whose roots are few. The winds come along and uproots it and sweeps it down. You will soon master this balance. Work and love--these are the basics of life to master indeed.
Thanks Zoltar








On the reverse side of my fortune, Zoltar also informed me of my astrological flower: the Sweet Pea.








We had a six hour bus ride to Naples which was uncomfortable. There is really no way to sit on those buses and not come out a twisted mess. Luckily I had just bought season 2 of Gossip Girl on iTunes so that kept me occupied the whole time.

Naples has been fantastic. Our hotel is right in the middle of strip mall city which is great because we finally have access to stuff. We also have cars here since the theatre is about 15 minutes away. I have been going to yoga everyday with a few girls in the cast and going to Wholefoods for vegetable and fruit juices. it's just like being home!

Our hotel is next to this small pond and I saw an alligator yesterday. It was in the water with just it's mouth poking out! I am hoping to see a full one at some point while in Florida, but for now this will have to do.

The weather is still incredible. I sat out at the pool the other day and went for a long walk today in the sun! I can't believe it's January!

Alright, time to head to the theatre for tonight's show!

Ciao!

Jacksonville, FL

So...we are now in Jacksonville, FL and it is GLORIOUS!!!

The weather is fabulous and we are staying across the street from the Times Union Center where we are performing. We are also one block away from the Jacksonville Landing which is full of restaurants and sketchy people. There is also a juice bar/health food stand there where I have been eating twice day! I love it! The landing is right on the water:














One of our musicians is from Jacksonville, so opening night his family invited the whole cast to come to their home for a party! They had food and drinks and it was SO nice to be in a home. It also happened to be Donald (the guy who plays Richie)'s birthday so we had a little cake for him!


As you can see we had a lovely time!

There were also reviewers and photographers at the opening night and luckily we found the photos online. You can find them if you google Jacksonville, FL A Chorus Line, Times Union Center. Most of them are pretty horrible as they capture the moments BETWEEN movements. We generally look very awkward and uncoordinated. Here are two of my favorites:


This photo highlights Tricia's vocal solo in the opening. I serve as her "barre" since the stage doesn't have a proscenium for her to lean on. What I really love about this photo is that I am in darkness except for my SNOOD (that would be the pink bun cover on my head). Lois' snood plays a crucial role in the play and thank goodness the reviewer recognized this ;o)






This is from the ballet combination. One of the few good shots.










Yesterday there was a tornado warning for the area. We had rehearsal in the afternoona dn could hear the rain pounding outside, but by the time we were done it was over. It was cloudy and humid all day, but we missed the rain.

Today was gorgeous. We spent a good portion of the afternoon out at the pool which was fantastic!

Hopefully more to come with this 5 show weekend then off to Naples, FL!!!!!

Houston wrap up

So, I am in Jacksonville, FL right now but we will get to that later. I have a few photos I would like to share from Houston that I didn't have a chance to post. The first few are the Hobby Center where we performed in Houston, a picture of the theatre from the stage and finally a picture of most of the cast with Baayork at our final warm up with her before she went back to NYC. Enjoy!

Good Idea. Bad Idea

I realized I didn't really give a review of the ribs. They were great. The BBQ sauce was unlike any I have tasted. Smokey, but not overwhelming smokehouse. Although I did not feel like I was going to hurl on stage, I was graced with smokehouse flavored burps. It was interesting because the ribs themselves lacked that flavor. Life is just full of surprises, huh?

My apologies for discussing burping. I hope I did not offend.

Another Houston Adventure

So I would like to start this post by saying that it was brought to my attention that I typed "TexMax" in my last post about Chuy's. I would like everyone to know that I am completely aware that it is "TexMex" and it was justa typing error. And yes, someone (who shall remain nameless) wasn't sure if I knew that.

Well, almost two weeks in Houston and I FINALLY got ribs. The physical therapist who has been working with us suggested Goode Company BBQ and it was fantastic. Across the street was a restaurant with a HUGE armadillo outside, but because it was getting dark I couldn't get a clear picture.














Anyway, it was set up cafeteria style with choices of chicken, duck, brisket, sausage, ribs and spicy pork. I opted for ribs with sides of potato salad and cole slaw. Luckily we went at about 5pm so now I won't throw up during the opening number at 8pm.














For all of you taxedermy enthusiasts, you would not be disappointed with Goode Company's decor. You can see Bryan (he plays Don) here with the most impressive piece in the place. There was not shortage horns, armadillos, etc also decorating the walls.

I have been doing a lot of yoga this past week at a local studio and am hoping to go tomorrow between shows, but we will see what happens.

I am looking forward to getting to Jacksonville. I'm hoping that where are staying is a little more centrally located more condusive to exciting adventures.

I am not going to start packing and then head to the theatre for the second show of the day.

I ust realized it looks like the bull(?) is looking right into the camera. Creepy...

The end of a LONG LONG week

So, after eight days straight of rehearsals and performances we were finally able to relax!!! After our final show on Sunday, we headed to the Flying Saucer. This is a local joint with 200 different beers on tap, a dart board and pretty good after show snacks. Sunday was $2.75 for all Texan draught beers. Not a bad deal, huh?

Well, after a few games of darts and sufficient snacks, a group of people decided to head to a local club. Upon entering, I turned to another member of the cast and asked "why does it smell like a swimming pool in here?" Shortly thereafter we found out.

There was a stage, an MC and a lot of gentlemen in tighty whiteys. Turns out there was a competition of sorts going on. These scantily clad men danced onstage and while up there a shower turns on hence the swimming pool scent in the air.



















A classy joint, no doubt hahahaha.

SO then Monday we had the day off and made our way to the Galleria which is a big mall about 10 minutes outside of downtown. There is an ice skating rink in the mall which is pretty cool. I got some shopping done and then a bunch of us went to Chuy's for TexMax! (pronounced chewey's).

So...maybe the "C" was out, but the food was great. I ate about a pound of chips with their fantastic salsa and they had fantatastic margaritas for $3.50.

After that we all came back to the hotel to relax for the evening.

I'm excited to start another week here in Houston that will definitely be less crazy than last week. I'm planning on checking out a yoga studio nearby tomorrow morning before understudy rehearsal and getting into a routine of sorts.

I hope everything is going well with everyone at home and please keep in touch. Feel free to comment on the blog or shoot me an email!

Opening night!

SO...we have been in Houston now for 5 days and we officially opened last night!

Before the show we were visited by George Bush Senior and Barbara. They came backstage, spoke to us a little bit, took some pictures and then saw the show!


They were so friendly and totally pumped to be at the show.















After the show our producer had a party for us at this really nice restaurant in the theatre called Artista. We got to speak to critics and supporters of the theater and also get to relax together as a cast since we've all been a bit crazy with rehearsals.

Now I'm off to my first understudy rehearsal. I'm working on Bebe at the moment which is great. Hopefully I will nail her harmonies and not completely embarrass myself. We shall see!

Talk to y'all soon!

And We're Back!

It's been a while. Two productions of 42nd Street and one marriage later, I am back on the road!

I am currently in Houston, TX having finished the first day of tech for the Broadway National Tour of A CHORUS LINE!!! Anyone who knows me knows that this has been my dream for...well...forever. I was called in to audition the week after getting home from our honeymoon. Luckily I had already been to Ballet class twice (my motivation came form the pounds of pasta and gallons of wine I consumed while in Italy). Clearly everything went well because here I am!

Getting to Houston yesterday was a long day. We had a layover in Atlanta for about an hour and a half. It was easy, but exhausting.

I am playing Lois Dilletante, one of the cut dancers. What this means is that I will be dancing every night in the first 15 minutes of the show and then I get cut and will sing offstage for the rest of the show. I also understudy four girls on the line: Val, Kristine, Bebe and Connie. During rehearsals I had the honor of going in for both Val and Kristine due to vacation and the stomach flu respectively. It was a little stressful, but totally awesome.

I had one of the girls take some pictures of me in my Lois costume:





I don't think you can see it clearly, but Lois wears every shade of pink in this outfit and also a bright pink bun cover! Please take notice of the pink tights and ballet slipper with a heel. Lois knows what's up.











I'm so excited to be starting this tour, but miss home already. Thank goodness gmail for video chat! Keep checking the blog as there are many more pictures and stories to come!