Biloxi, MS April 22, 2009

Well, I am on the Gulf of Mexico, and you know what that means-

 

Casinos!

 

We got to our hotel around 5:30, and they screwed up our reservations again. I don’t know how they can screw up reservations so much when we call them the week before to double check the reservation. So tonight Kelly and I are staying in a suite, 1 king bed and a pull out couch. We fought over the couch- I didn’t want Kelly to sleep on it and she didn’t want me to sleep on it. We flipped a coin. I lost. I got the bed.

 

The whole group of us, minus JP cause he didn’t really want to go anywhere, went to the coast. it was only about a 5 minute drive, and we were there. Casino Land. It was awesome. So many places, and we chose the Hard Rock Cafe.

 

It was a small casino compared to what I have normally seen- maybe I missed something, but it felt small. I went to my standard, the penny slots. I proceeded to lose $40 in PENNY slots. Wow. Overall we had a great time though, and we got to kick back a little bit. None of us had eaten dinner, so we stopped at a Waffle House. Oh how I have missed waffle house. We had a few people who had never been to one, and they thought it was “strange” and “weird.” I guess they just didn’t get the whole aura of it. I love it, and I loved eating it again.

 

We have a two show day tomorrow, and then another 3 hour drive. I am really glad we are getting into doing shows everyday, I think we as a cast needed it. Too much down time can be bad for your mental health. Not bad for your tan, but still bad for your mental health.

Best People Ever. Seriously April 20, 2009

Monticello, Arkansas. Oh my goodness, these people rock. I love  love love the people who work at that theatre. I will be writing their University President to tell them how amazing they are.

 

Ok, let me backup.

 

On Sunday we were in Monticello, Arkansas. We had a show at 3pm, which meant we had load in at 12pm. Well, we all got to the theatre and right away the gentleman, Steve, asked Chris Where he was from and then mocked his Boston accent. We are used to loading in on our own, but they offered to help, and we politely said, we have it, but would be more than thankful for your help. So they helped us. As we were finishing up load in, Steve asked if we had eaten lunch. Brad and I said no, we were just going to grab dinner after the show. The thing with AFT shows (which are when the theatre buys the show) is if we have one show they need to provide us with drinks, two or more they need to provide a meal. We only had one show, and they had plenty of drinks for us. Well, after Brad and I said no, we didn’t eat, Steve disappeared. He reappeared 20 minutes later with two trays of sandwiches and pickles. He called the catering service at the school and got us lunch! we were so thankful, and expressed that many many times.

 

Then we did the show, and it went really well…. though there were not many people in the audience. After the show, Steve lets us know, he is taking us out to dinner! So, he gets us lunch, drinks, and dinner! When all we needed was drinks!

 

After we load out, Steve and two of his students take us to Ray’s a local joint. They had everything, burgers, chicken, BBQ, catfish, everything! We all got food, and it was delicious =) Then we got to chit chat for a while, and it was just awesome. Steve commented more than once on how great we were, kind, and nice- very different from other tours who have been in the space. It was just awesome. Then he left for a few minutes, saying he would be right back. He comes walking back in with stuffed animals…. Boll Weevles. He got one for everyone! It is the schools mascot, and he gave each of us one! I cannot say how great of a day it was…. it really shows how awesome people can be, and it’s people like that who make being away from home for so long a little bit easier.

Arkansas April 18, 2009

Well, let’s see what I have done today….. went to a wedding via speakerphone for my best friend, ate healthy, killed a spider naked, and gone to see the movie “17 Again.” Now let’s break down some of the highlights.

 

Today my best friend/evil twin/ partner in crime got married. Her now husband is being shipped to Iraq, so they had the small legal ceremony today. The big bash will be when he gets home. I wish I could have been there in person, but because of tour, I could not. We did hatch a plan for me to be there though, and speakphones work wonders. Granted everyone heard me sniffling throughout the whole thing, but it was awesome. I got the description of the place and everything from Stephie (a mutual friend) and it was beautiful. I can’t wait to see pictures. My best friend is married. and it’s awesome. =)

 

As for killing a spider naked. Well, I got into the shower, and there was a quarter sized red and orange/yellow spider on the curtain. I hate spiders. Really hate spiders. So I tried to drown it…. but that didn’t work. So I got out of the shower, called my roommate and we both tried to kill it to no avail. Well, one of the boys from tour knocked on our door to borrow my headphones. We asked him to help and he swatted at it a few times, then once he couldn’t see it anymore he left to go to the gym. Yeah , he left without helping anymore! He was all “I don’t know what kind of spider it is… what if it bites me?” Yeah, I know. No help at all. So I toss my clothes out of the bathroom and I see the spider… it was in my clothes! He knocked the spider into my clothes! I run out of the bathroom naked, I mean total birthday suit, grab a sneaker, and smush the thing! I was so proud of myself. Even if it was naked.

 

“17again” was oddly a pretty entertaining movie. Zac Efron isn’t the greatest actor in the world to me, but boy is he hot! We had a girls outing to see the movie, and we all had a good time. Especially getting to look at a pretty boy for two hours. =)

 

I know some parts of the day sound unbelievable, but I promise they are all true.

Stereotypes April 17, 2009

 I know everyone has them, myself included, but I am baffled by them once in a while.

 

I don’t know if it’s because I’ve lived in a few different parts of the country growing up, or if I am just protective but it bothers me when people talk negatively about somewhere I live or have lived. For a reference I have lived in a village in upstate NY, a tiny town in the northwest corner of CT, and in a good size town in SC.

 

Our tour has made it’s way south, currently in Arkansas to be exact and some of the stereotypes I hear frustrate me. I know it’s just because they have never been down here before, but still. I am proud of where I live- it’s not all trailer parks, cars in the yard, and “the sticks”. All of those things exist in all parts of the country- I promise. I think it’s gorgeous in the Southeast. I truly do love it, and to hear somethings amaze me.

 

Maybe it’s because I’m homesick, but I get defensive. Why do people think people from the south have less than somewhere else, or they are automatically in the “sticks” if you have to drive a while to get to the next town. It’s just more spread out and gives you a chance to enjoy the beauty around you.

Jack Daniels April 10, 2009

Today was very interesting, and LOTS of excitement and sadness. We had our show in Chattanooga, which I must say did not go well. Not gonna lie, we missed some things that we haven’t been missing. I’m not sure why but it happened. I really think we need a full brush up rehearsal……The audience was really responsive and very sweet. The kids were adorable though, everyone wanted pictures after the show. We accommodated as much as we could, but we just can’t get everyone sometimes.

 

Then came the 5 hour drive to Memphis…. Only it had turned into an 8 hour one. There is good reason though. We were able to stop at the Jack Daniels Distillery and take a tour, and check out the whole place. It was AWESOME!!!! Our tour guide, Jon, was wonderful. He answered all the questions of the group (including a family from Lansing, MI- we were there last week) and we got to see all kinds of interesting things. From the beginning of the process with how they make the charcoal, to the making of Jack, the distilling, the bottling, packaging, and everything in between. The only sad thing about the tour is no free samples.

 

You see, Jack Daniels is made in a dry county in TN. They can make it, but they most certainly cannot sell it and it’s been that way since before prohibition. The only thing they make at this plant is Jack Daniels No. 7, Gentleman’s Jack, and Single Barrel; also Green label Jack, if you know what that is. It really was a great tour- we got to smell the mash and the liquor before it was distilled (140 proof alcohol….. it made my face burn and cleared my sinuses like woah).

 

The sad part of the day however, was when we got back to the van. Remember I told you about the fish we bought in Michigan, Finicky? Well, we came back out to the van and poor finicky had left earth for the big pond in the sky. Some of the group knew this was going to happen eventually, but we held a little ceremony on the grounds of Jack Daniels, and said a little something in Finicky’s honor. Then we buried him in the parking lot and went and had lunch.

Pizza in Nashville with the Merricks April 10, 2009

Well, yesterday we did quite a few different things; we performed in Nashville, for one. Pretty space, but not meant for theatre performances, more like a concert hall. Still, very pretty. We also got to have lunch with Susanna’s family, they drove down from Kentucky to see the show and treated us all to lunch- Papa Johns Pizza =)

 

We ate lunch at the Parthenon. Apparently it was the location of a world’s fair, and it was a gorgeous park. As we were walking around, we stopped in a tulip garden and stumbled upon a wedding. No joke. It was just the bride, groom, minister, and two boys. It was very nice. We stayed and watched (her dress was gorgeous) and after they kissed we all clapped and took a family portrait for them.

 

Then we drove to Chattanooga. I love Chattanooga- it’s such a great town if you’re in the right parts…. Our hotel was not in one of those parts. It was safe enough, but not great just the same. Needless to say, we used the buddy system at all times. We were thinking about stopping at Rock City, but we decided it was too late and skipped it.

 

Overall it was a great day- we had lots of fun, and Susanna’s family is awesome. Her niece, Hannah, is adorable and it’s obvious that she and Susanna have a great relationship. It’s nice to meet family of cast members; it gives you a different view of them and who they are.

Homesick April 8, 2009

I don’t ever like to admit weakness, but here it goes.

 

I miss home. Terribly.

 

I don’t know what it is, but this tour is different. The people are great, don’t get me wrong, but I miss my old routine; Fatz, family, Jimmy, and friends (in no particular order). 

 

And I miss naps in my obnoxious blue comforter.

 

Again, I love the people I am with, and we take good care of each other it’s just I’m ready to be home and planning my life with Jimmy. Last year we weren’t a unit yet, but now we are and i didn’t think it would be as hard as it is to go on this tour without him.

 

Okay, enough moping. I’m done with it, and I’m not bringing it up anymore.

Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame… and A Strip Club April 5, 2009

Ok, so the other night it was a prostitute, and this weekend we are in a hotel across the street from a strip club. Yep… a strip club. what fun. Some of the group went to check it out and apparently… it was not a “gentleman’s club” as advertised- it was quite skevy. I’m kind of glad I didn’t go.

 

Today was great fun though… we went to the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland and it was awesome! The address is the kicker E. 9th Street and Lake Erie. The museum is on the water. The best part about the museum is it was free today for some reason. Granted the line was around the block to get in, but it only took 45 minutes. We had a great time. It was so busy because tonight was the inductions of the 2009 Honorees. Unfortunately we could not take pictures inside, but I had a lot of fun. We got to see Jimmy Hendrix’s guitar, Janis Joplin’s porche, Michael Jackson’s glove…. all sorts of stuff.

 

There was also a Bruce Springsteen exibit, which took up a whole floor. He had the same guitar I do! Very cool. It was just a great day. I’ll post hte few pictures I do have another day, and of course you can check on facebook to see all of the pictures. I hope we get to see some other cool places =)

Jumping Through Windows… and a Prostitute April 3, 2009

Last night, Jodie and I jumped through an open window into a hotel room at our super 8.

 

It would have been a much different story if we weren’t jumping into members of our group’s window.  Yeah, we jumped into JP and Brad’s room. They let us in, nothing scandalous to report.

 

Though the prostitute was scandalous. Brad and Kelly saw her with an older gentleman walking into the hotel as they were leaving to grab some food. Their description? “You know it’s a hooker when she’s a young Latina with lots of tattoos but not much clothing, and a guy around 65 with white hair. There is no other explanation.”

 

Not one of our best places. Oh well, we lived to see another day. =)

I Love Casinos April 1, 2009

We had another day off today, the shows have been going pretty well so far, and we have been having fun along the way. Currently I am in Midland, MI and it’s a cute little town. Not as great as Ann Arbor, but not bad.

 

Ann Arbor was awesome~ we performed downtown, right next to the University of Michigan. I fell in love with that campus, and they have a good masters program in Theatre. Hmm…. something to think about I guess. We had a grand ol time though, and I was tempted to buy a great hat in Urban Outfitters, along with buying out the entire Borders Bookstore.

 

Midland isn’t bad either. Our hotel is fabulous! There is a huge indoor pool, great fitness center, and the bed are pretty comfy.

 

Brad, JP, and I all decided to go to a casino about half an hour away from our hotel. I put $5 into a penny slot machine and just started playing.  It was a Star Wars machine with extra games within the slots if you hit the right things…. and I just started winning. I ended up walking out of the casino with $40 more dollars than I came in with which was awesome =) I like money, especially when I don’t have much.

 

Tonight I started working on some wedding stuff and I want our wedding in a castle. Too bad I have castle taste on a tent budget. Oh well…. a girl can dream, but I think we will have a lovely wedding, castle or no castle.

 

I still miss everyone, but I am counting down the days till I get to see everyone again. It’s getting closer by the day, but teh people on tour are great. One day at a time, one show at a time.