Catching up on the PARTYBUS and D.C.

You know that when Jerry Mitchell sends you a facebook to update the blog, that maybe its time to do just that.

So, the holiday hiatus has come to an end.

The PARTYBUS to Philly was amazing---nothing like dancing on a vehicle at 80 MPH.  Though it felt like old school High school sport trips-----complete with urinating in bottles so we wouldnt have to stop.

The weather couldnt have been more perfect, and the EAGLES wipes the field with the Browns. Thanks to Company Manager Nathan for the hookup on the tickets!!!!!!  We even met becky and her husband Tyler at the stadium.

After catching a train to DC, it was soundcheck and our first show.  The OPERA HOUSE is beautiful.  There is even a row of box seats where the one directly center stage is reserved for the president, which was actually filled last week by Condoleeza Rice.

The back stage is huge, so huge in fact that the local Stagehands union has erected a huge screen to watch football on weekends as well as a basketball hoop and a small gym.

And, the weather has been grand so walking to the theatre from our hotel in the Dupont Circle area is easy and beautiful.  My buddy Jeff Thacher, who is the granddaddy of ROCKAPELLA mouthdrums ( does anyone out there remember WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SAN DIEGO on PBS?) met us, and thus began the beginning of family/friends invading D.C.  

That night, we found out a few things. Not only was the stage not completely even( with small holes and ridges and things to later cause problems), but our ASM Sharon got engaged on the day off.  REJOICE!!!!!!!  This is actually the first of two in a week, with Mamie getting engaged on Xmas.  Who will be net to fill out the 3--cause we all know thats how good things come.

The first week proved to be a full SUPER SWING week.  It started with Andreas still on for Lauren, which then melded into Leslie going on while Andreas took over for Mamie while she went to deal with some family stuff.  The reason for that, something is wrong in communication and funds from the top and we still dont have costumes for certain understudies and swings.  We are well past 100 shows and its a bit rediculous considering SHREK had full understudy costumes before they even opened in SEATTLE.  I guess it shows where priorities are.

I digress.  BPM hurt his knee as well, so WED Spencer became kiki. As the weekend came, so did contracted personal days. This resulted in Adam getting to be WARNER all weekend---to which he rocked it out.  But otherwise it became a shuffle, especially with people getting hurt but not calling out because we would be screwed. I think the most memorable even would have been Stacey hitting a hole int eh deck during the IRELAND kickline, screaming, and log rolling off the stage.  She is now okay, after a few adjustments to shoes, but there is never a dull moment on this tour.  AH the road!!!!  

WEEK 2 of DC began with alot of us going to see the West Side Story revival. I will leave all opinions about the show to you, but please go see it for the beauty of the music and the sweet Argentinian making her American debut.  She is amazing and I smell a Tony nom!!!! Also keep an eye out for the JESUS and MARIE moment at the end......if you know iconic christian history you will know what i mean.  

Then, I also got to go see NEXT TO NORMAL at the ARENA STAGE-----which i totally suggest seeing. They made changes from NY, and had Spencer and I weeping and holding each other by the end.  

Bring a tissue........and who said that noon matinees were a good idea?   OYE>>>>>

As the holidays neared, Spencer and I created a CHANUKKAH BUSH for our apartment.  We decided to make it the Hebrew refuge for the 3 people who celebrate it in our cast. 

We also started a lil cast Secret Santa, which proved funny during the week.  I got to make D.B. put on a blinking red nose and have two carrots as ears, while singing "DB THE RED NOSED REINDEER." 

On XMAS, Andreas' parents were great and had a lil brunch/WHITE ELEPHANT party for those that didnt have family in town.  That night, we arrived at the theatre to learn that a guest was coming.  We had already seen Ass. Choreographer Denis Jones because his family is from D.C. and his brother is playing in the pit, so we thought it might be Jerry.  We walked on stage at 1/2 hour and who greeted us: SANTA. Andy, our head flyman, dressed to the part and was adorned with Jill( props mistress phenom) as the elf--which was her job during SECRET SANTA. We got pics with Santa, sitting on the bathroom throne, and then did a show for 3/4 of a house.  ANd the 2nd weekend, I was gone.  I went home for my best friends wedding, and Coleen came back from being sick so Sara was off after a week stint.  

While in Michigan, I got to see the great 1st National Tour of WICKED---and it was phenomenal. I have multiple friends in it, but i was mainly going to see my old roomie Blake Whyte.  

Amber Efe is now in town, and Stacey's last show is Sunday. So, i have a feeling we will all be getting  a lil sentemental.  I guess the most we can do is hold our PEEPSHOW T's that Jerry sent for XMAS, and remember the memories.  Here we go....