BTB NYC ReHEARsal

Just wrapping up the first two weeks of my Beauty and the Beast adventure. It's been amazing and exhausting so far, lots of ground to cover.

Week 1 was rehearsal in New York. We worked at Pearl Studios, a studio space where lots of auditions take place. It was so fun to come in without my book or any stress, waltz into long rehearsals for a real job-finally! There are seven new cast members and we worked with a previous assistant music director, Nate, the current dance captain and new Babette, Chandon, and the assistant director, Sam Scalamoni. We learned the bulk of the ensemble in four days! Music and dance for all the big numbers, and a few scenes. We also started understudy music- 6 of the 7 cover principal roles.

Week 2 has been in Chicago. We arrived on Monday afternoon after a three hour delay (got to love Chicago Midway...and bad weather). Dropped our things at the Seneca Hotel & Suites, where we'll be staying for the better part of a month. Full kitchen and little living rooms which is very nice. The Oriental Theatre (our performance venue for Chi-town) is about a mile away, straight down Michigan Avenue...otherwise known as the magnificent mile. It's difficult to not shop, though we haven't had much time.

Lake Michigan...two blocks from the hotel!

Ravenous newbies on our first night in Chicago, from Left: Kolby, Amanda, Jessica, me, Lauren, Nick, and Nate- who is an original cast member and leaving soon! The only one missing is Matt, who's partner David is also in the cast!

The new ladies the first time we got to see the show...it was unannounced maxi dress day :) From left, Amanda is a Silly Girl, Lauren is Laundry Lady/Belle cover, Jessica is Busty Girl/Babette cover, and I am Sausage Curl Girl/Belle cover.

Our theatre!! Its so beautiful...I nearly cried when we first stepped out on stage.

Tuesday was our first day on stage and meeting some of the cast. Wednesday-Sunday was watching the show from the house and backstage, tracking our current actor's tracks, meeting more and more people, and rehearsal rehearsal rehearsal. We did all understudy blocking rehearsals, so everyone knows their material for next week's run throughs. There has also been several social occasions: a little newbies welcome at the hotel, a big producer's sponsored party, and a nice farewell evening for the people we are replacing. Glad I brought a few nice things to wear!

Lauren and I are the two Belle covers...5'7" and 5'3" haha. There was a celebration for our predecessors final performance on Sunday night. 

Nick is a temporary replacement for Ensemble/Lumiere cover, but we really really want him to stay! We got along right away.

New ladies again....we love getting dressed up for all these events.

And now we are in to week 3: Opening in Chicago!! We've got shows on top of understudy rehearsals, family and friends all arriving for each of us in these next two weeks. Should be lots of fun updates soon! I'll check back in with pictures hopefully in costume next time!!

This One's with Me

I spent today on the Texas Gulf Coast beach, wearing my dad's hat and listening to the waves. Last year I was flying away from the water, and this year I drove towards it. He was everywhere: the drive through the hill country, the sand, the hat, the nap on the beach, the picnic, the sunburn.

One year ago today I got a terrible phone call at 8:03 am. I saw the phone ring, the "Mom" caller ID. In my sleepy, anti-morning person state I ignored it. I had stayed up too late, like many nights in Florida, and I knew she, Daniel, and Dad were flying in to see the show that day. She was probably just calling from the airport to keep me posted. Then I remembered their flight was at 6:30am, they should be in the air right now. Something wasn't right. I listened to the voicemail "Hey Caroline it's Mom. Call me back as soon as you can." and did just that. She asked if I was sitting down and I already knew. "Daddy died." I collapsed on the kitchen floor.

The rest of the day is sort of a blur. It was early, everyone was asleep, but I needed to talk to someone. I went outside and called a few people, no answers. Finally got ahold of my friend Samanthe, who was left speechless. It felt like maybe I was dreaming, and saying it out loud might make me wake up. I didn't know what to do. I went inside and woke up my roommates Caitlin and Marissa and they helped carry out the rest of my day. Everyone pitched in any way they could: Caitlin made muffins and called the producers, Marissa helped me pack and book a flight, Phil just held me while I sobbed and sobbed, Matt made me a very strong bloody mary. Others came over just to give me a hug, wish me off as I left for ten days. The boys went to Best Buy to get me Junior Mints and trashy DVDs for the plane. Andrew offered to tape all the True Blood I would miss and no one would watch it without me.

I got to the airport in one piece with only a minor incident with the desk clerk at the airline...Mom's name was on the ticket because I placed the order by phone and there was a miscommunication and she didn't want to change them. I really believe I was "carried" through this day, because I couldn't have done it without the people around me. After Marissa and Phil cleared this up, they handed me off to Andy. We met on the plane when he asked where I was headed and I burst into tears. I said, "I guess I should forewarn you. My dad died this morning and I'm headed home in the middle of a job. I'll probably be falling apart over and over again on this flight and I'm sorry." The angel that he is, Andy smiled at me and said, "Ok. We'll get through it." Turns out we had lots to talk about and he was willing to ride my emotional roller coaster with me. His mom had passed away in November so he knew where I was. He made me laugh, cried with me, let me write, shared his life, and encouraged me all at cruising altitude. He said I looked pretty even though I was a blotchy, sweaty mess on that 3 hour flight. Thank goodness for email and Facebook, and I'm so glad I can call him my friend today.

Andy handed me off to the DFW airport, and by that time I was so tired I couldn't feel anything. That last leg of the trip was quick and I was soon in my family's arms. What a day. I missed ten days of Drowsy Chaperone, but they too welcomed me back without hesitation. You know the phrase "God doesn't give us anything we can't handle"? I have always struggled with this sentiment, but July 2, 2010, He did hand me to several people who gently carried me home. In addition to contemplating this last year, celebrating my father's life, and mourning his loss, I want to thank the people who were there that day. Thank you Drowsy cast especially- Marissa, Caitlin, Phil, and Matt, and my new friend Andy Owen. I couldn't have gotten back without you.

The love and support continued while I was home. I heard from hundreds of people: Facebook, email, calls, texts, flowers, food, visits to the house. Rachel and Carlyn drove from Dallas and Austin respectively to be with me at the memorial and funeral. Leonard and Alex and Adam sent flowers from NY to the memorial, and their mothers to the services. Carenn and Lauren and Russell and Tina and Sydney and Amy were all at the service. Kelli and Adam called each day just to listen. These were just my personal friends, never mind the hundreds of patients, doctors, family, and other friends who surrounded us. The list goes on and on. And on into my return to Florida, San Antonio, and later New York.

As I reflect on it all, I am humbled by how uplifted I have been. I am grateful to EVERYONE who has been there for me this last year. For being a part of my life, big or small. As I begin this next year, with adventure and travel at hand, I want to thank you for getting me here. I couldn't have done it without you.

Dr. Dave fishin' at the beach, (guessing by Daniel's age) 1995/96

Italia, the Final Countdown

I'm sure y'all aren't even interested at this point (except two little ladies from church), but here are the last three days of the Italy trip. And I seem to have missed the entire month of June...we'll get back to that.

April 11, Day 7: Siena. This was definitely one of my favorite little towns. I'd love to go back and stay in Siena for a few days and just wander. The city is built up on 7 hills, so more hiking. It has a beautiful very, very old duomo that was originally intended to rival St. Peter's but only one nave was completed. It has a very famous black and white striped exterior, and a very intricate floor that is covered in mosaic of the Sienese villages, Cybils, and various Biblical stories.

A funky view of the church....

And a much more traditional one. Thank Wikipedia for this shot! It was very difficult to capture both the fascade and the striped tower.

The dome with a little lighting effect.

The cities of Italy at the time of the floor's construction...1200's. The entire floor is covered in this kind of detail. 

The ceiling in Piccolini's library. The art in the Old World is just on another level.

Piccolini's library is inside the church, a small room full of old hymn books. Check out THIS sheet music ladies and gents. 

After the duomo we went to the Piazza del Campo for lunch. This piazza is particularly famous for it's biannual horse racea. Every year on July 2nd and August 16th the sloping oval is filled with sand and the piazza fills with spetactors on the outside, and inside, of the space. The 17 districts of Siena are represented by horses and run the oval three times, slipping up and down the slope. It is supposed to be an epic event. We just got to see lots of sunbathers catching rays in rolled up T-shirts.

Happy Caroliney and Pamella in the sunshine!

The main building on the Campo. It's filled with ancient art, relics (my new obsession), a gorgeous gilt wood painting of the Madonna, et al.

Yummy Campo lunch.

After this we went to Saint Caterina's birthplace, which has since been converted into SIX small churches. Not growing up Catholic, I find all these saints and relics and the Madonna very interesting. Back home for risotto, wine, and a delicious Italian, rum soaked pastry I'll never find in the US. I did a lot of reading at night, and finished Julie Andrews' autobiography Home one of these days. 

April 12, Day 8: San Gimignano

We started the day by going to the top of Peggy's property, the look out from the top of the hill. It is SO green and lovely, like a little secret garden path that is so untouched. Lots of Italian wildflowers, which apparently change with every coming week of spring. Mom and Peggy could talk agriculture up and down, but I did love to listen. Then we went into the village of San Gimignano, again, up on a hill. Church, piazza, shopping, delicious food. I think I might have to move...

Look! Even in Italy they have boxed wine!

Amazing market's veggie selection. Look at how fresh!

I literally squealed when I saw the tomato selection. I wanted more time to buy up the store and cook a feast.

I felt like this shot was classic old world. It was actually two windows, one black strand and one white. 

Mom and Peggy in front of one of the many Annunciation scenes which they were very fond of. I do like the scene, but Botticelli's is my favorite really.

I happened to be wearing shorts the last day and they were deemed 'church inappropriate'- with a 5" inseam. Luckily they  provide these paper hospital grade drapes to cover one's indecency, haha! I kind of loved it.

Mom and I at the city center fountain, a little squinty. Last day of delicious gelato at a place with the most flavor selection...including Orange Chocolate which was amazing!!

Vespas! Obviously these are all over Europe and NY, but I loved these little twins. 

April 13, Day 9: Departure

This concluded our trip! We got up early and packed the little French car full of suitcases and made the drive back to Fiumicino to the airport. The flight back was relatively painless, if a very long trip- 9 1/2 hours. The plane was a bit empty, so people spread out into empty rows. Mom said it was a bit like the poop deck on the Titanic, strewn with plastic pillow bags and food trash, people wandering up and down the aisles, children loosing their patience. It was a bit comical, and very difficult to sleep.

Getting back to NYC we had been awake nearly 20 hours. Pretty sleepy kids. Had dinner with Sam and Jason and baby, so Mom got to meet Samuel. Next day we got her on a plane back to San Antonio and I slept a few more hours before returning to work. What a week!

Sorry to have drawn this little trip out so much! I originally intended to do this over the course of maybe two weeks, but time catches up with us. Now on to the present.