Blog Post #?

I apologize for the elongated break since the last post my friends--despite some inspirational videos I thought you would enjoy.  It isn't that nothing has happened( i.e. Jerry coming out to visit, Rhiannon being out of the show for a while again, or JAY as a Delta Nu again----which i will touch lightly on later), but a concern has been raised as to how I detail this internet journal. So, i took a hiatus trying to reassess things and decided to come on back despite a resolution. Things may change.......but you will be informed as it happens.

ST LOUIS was beautiful, despite the largest ice storm to hit this country this century.  It was madness, resulting in most of my SE Missouri family being stranded without power for 4 days and some still not having it.  The FOX Theatre is one of the most beautiful ones i have ever seen, also cramming over 4000 inside its Moorish style iconic walls.  Our producer, Michael Isaacson, was backstage most nights beaming at his child that has now sprouted legs and is taking the country by storm.  Speaking of, apparently we were the talk of the ball at a huge conference recently in Florida.  Rumor has it that we are a screaming success when others are not doing well. A few tours  are actually losing dates because of bad reviews and things. But, this PINK puppy keeps ticking.   And why you ask?  That would be morale.  Our first sunday in St Louis, our producers treated us to a WHIRLYBALL party.   Thats right-----FREE WHIRLYBALL.  It also had lasertag, but I dont know if i stopped playing the Ball of Whirly the whole night.  I simply stayed in my bumpercar waiting for the next game, to run headlong once more into someone elses bumper.  Pseudo dirty no?

The second week Rhiannon came back to standby for Lauren, which was interesting considering all her costumes had been fitted back to LBB.  But,  Lauren never got sick on her first 8 show week, so no costume miracle need to happen.  !!!!!!! 

With Rhiannon also came the appearance of our captain JERRY MITCHELL and the skipper too---MARC BRUNI.  Jerry went to WEBSTER UNIVERSITY.  And nothing like some brushup rehearsals to get us through the winter crunch.  Then as a farewell, Jerry hung with the cast at the hotel after Sat nights show. Sadly for me, I contracted food poisoning from a soulfood place called SWEETIE PIE's.  It had great ambiance with live music---a neo-soul singer and her albino lover on keys, but the food had other things to say.  So, I missed the last show and barely had the energy to walk downstairs to see the SUPERBOWL(which was great if you missed it).

AUSTIN brought live music and the sun.  I think most of us spent the first 3 days darkening our outer epidermis. Hitting some great vintage shopping, hopping bars on 6th, and finding some awesome emo coffeeshops were all the rage. One night in a club crawl, hearing awesome bands and lighting stuff on fire with 151, we befriended a great up and coming band called

ESTHER LAVONNE AND THE ROTTENS.                  

They are a great pop/rock/soul/punk band in the ilk of BLONDIE, PINK, ETTA JAMES, and KATIE PERRY. 

Two of the many highlights this week were :  

#1 My dresser went to UT with a great friend of mine, CHARLIE POLLOCK from Broadway's "9to5", so i got to see a great picture of him from a production of WEST SIDE STORY circa early 90's.  It was priceless

#2 I went to UNIVERSITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH on campus.  My great grandfather, Dr. Heinsohn as they call him, was the head pastor for over 30 years----also being a huge Civil Rights Activist and Leader before it was the social norm.  There is a huge educational wing named after him, as well as a loft entrance from his office into the small chapel. So, during office hours he could hear people singing and practicing.  It was in lue of a balcony, and i can see his long lanky body craning from a swivel chair to hear the kids choir. The man giving me the tour had been baptized by PA, my greatgrandfather's nickname, some 50 years prior, so it had even more deep meaning.

We were all sad to leave Austin----and not only because they were honestly the greatest crowds we have had thus far.  We truly should play huge college campuses all the time. They just get the show more than the blue hair toting subscription crowd---not to say it isn't appreciated.  Its a generational thing.

But, we were also sad to leave because of: the sun bringing us from the depths of CASPERhood and instilling VITAMIN D,  live entertainment every night after shows, and beautiful ladies in cowboy boots. 

ON a slightly negative note: they just finished a huge 18 month renovation on Bass Hall and the AC was not working properly all weekend.  At one point the stage was 77degrees---i kid you not. The jumprope number is deathly fatal at MACH 10 and 100 degrees.  My  glands were sweating, if that is possible.

 Management asked the house to turn on something cause we were all dying quickly, some even worse because of severe asthma.  But alas, after multiple requests, only the audience had the cool winds of nonsweat.  I am guessing the powers of LONGHORNS that be didn't like us or dont truly want professional shows back.......but hoping not.  I mean who really wants to see the 4th National 1Nighter NonEq Bus and Truck of DRAT THE CAT?

So now we are here in Houston. I have more family here as well( and yes thy are alive), but i cant wait for the NASA MUSEUM!!!  And truly, I think we all would have preferred to stay wearing our boots and swimtrunks in Austin one week more.......( more updates to come as I know that I am allowed to say certain people will not be back for 3 months)

The crowd opening night was INSANE....and we loved it.  Apparently, the man who founded the HOBBY gives a speech before every show.  Who knew?  So, it feels like summer stock with the places call really a good 10 minute call. But, that is how you make the theatre personal and keep bringing people back.

Tonite, i found out a couple of things.  First, we have a new margot coming in.  Can't tell you who( though i know), there will also be a new dad for two weeks( which i actually dont know), and also tonight a gel caught on fire.  During the remix, smoke starting filling the stage and it smelled like burnt chemicals.  Everything was all right, i think they turned off a grid or something, but the kickline was full of us looking up to see if burning debris was going to fall.  I think the audience may have been a little privy to it, seeing as how they didnt respond at all but perhaps out of fright!!!!!  Also, found out from my dresser that there is a ghost in the theatre.  

Apparently, the woman who helped start the theatre was murdered by a security guard in one of the board rooms.  And now, on opening nights, flowers ( that nobody brought) will just appear in random places like the flysystem, on stage, or in the seats.  MOOOHAWHAW!!!!!!!!

Also, i was asked to take the dates for the LBB/LAUREN shuffle off cause it was believed to affect ticket sales......so simply know LBB will be back this weekend and next week.   TIl then.....(oh, also more BWAY cast members are on the way to replace the JOSHS---stay tuned)