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.

This Will Be Our Year

This month has been chalk full of good stories, and while I realize it's my own fault for not publishing the Italy series earlier- as in last month- I have to interject a very current sentiment between Ep.2 and Ep. 3. It is brief but relevant.

So, both the Spring practicum showcase and the Tisch Salute of 2011 have come and gone. The big, bad world has greeted a fresh crop of students. It is May again, a year later. What a year of life it has been. Everyone I know has said the first year out of school is one of the most difficult in life, but I think somehow Life handed me a double dose of reality. After the tour last fall, being home was good but confused my priorities. Coming back to New York was difficult and it has been an epic spring, full of ups and downs, heart ache, fear, joy, friends, auditions, work, money, grief, gray skies, and blue skies.

I felt my heart lift in March, like the turn of a coin. I decided the ONLY way out is up, and that's where I was going. I got the job at Paragon, started exercising regularly, went to auditions. I found more peaceful days, where the sky cleared and it was ok to be here. 'Here' being New York, alive, a poor actor, everything. I started talking to Dad, finding him in little places around town. When he comes up in conversation I don't feel my throat close, I'm eager to talk about him.

The month of yes, you May.

So May has come and I'm overwhelmed with positivity! I've been working five times a week, had several excellent auditions, seen friends, been to many joyful celebrations, gained a little niece, and the news of the day: booked one of my dream jobs. I'm headed out on the Beauty and the Beast national tour, dancing in the ensemble and covering the role of Belle. It's a long contract, July 2011-August 2012, but it's truly a dream come true, to be in this show again, in this role. I announced it today on the Facebook and received an overwhelming amount of support and praise. It kept coming in for hours. Texts, wall posts, calls. I feel so uplifted by the love around me, the validation of being cast after months of auditioning, I am starting to feel like the Caroline from last May. And that is a wonderful feeling.

My new baby niece, Catherine's daughter Berkley Anne Bridger. She had a long journey to get home, and we are so blessed to have her. And I'm totally jealous of her romper.

New frames from See Eyewear. Thanks to Groupon. I had no idea my 5 year old glasses prescription was that off.

I'm apartment-sitting this month for my sweet friends Sam and Jason. And their kitty Gus LOVES to be inside boxes and bags. Everything I've unpacked he's gotten in to immediately. Cutie pie.

Last time I did Beauty and the Beast...NESA 2005. :)

I promise Italy 3.0 is next. And I'm pretty excited about blogging through this next tour, hitting the road again to cover cities through another show. Happy Memorial Weekend y'all!

Be Italian! (Part two)

Ok as promised, episode two, covering days 4-6. More words, less pictures here. Oh, the stories...

April 8th, Day 4, or Scariest Train Ride Ever. So, I live in New York. I ride the subway multiple times a day and have encountered many an interesting character. But this day, the day we took the train from Rome to Chiusi to meet up with Peggy, I've never been more scared for my life. I've had a few panic attacks in my day, but this was flight or fight, animal instincts at it's best.

We got up early to get to the station, had another lovely breakfast, and headed around the corner. Being unfamiliar with the Italian train system we gave ourselves a good cushion for getting tickets and onto the trains. At the automatic ticket booths we got a little unsolicited help from a gypsy. I knew from the get go- no baggage, missing teeth, pretty pushy- but Mom seemed a little oblivious. She even took her card out of Mom's hand (!!!) to swipe it in the machine. We did give her a few Euros, and went along. The train times were different than what we'd seen online so we rushed over and boarded.

When we got to our assigned car an attendant helped me fix the handle of my suitcase in the rail outside the car, kinda sketch, and then showed us where we were to be seated. Now, this may come out sounding wrong, so bear with me. The train seating is situated on the left side in two rows of three seats facing one another. Think Harry Potter. Mom was by the door and I was by the window. The other four seats were occupied by a band of small, Middle Eastern men who weren't speaking Italian. Call me paranoid, call me a stupid American, but I swear they were gangsters. I don't want to seem prejudice, but I had a terrible gut feeling, the way they scanned our bodies, our luggage, Mom's rings... I was very uncomfortable. Mom switched seats so we were together, but being far from the door made me extremely nervous. My heart was pounding the entire hour and a half, and I barely glimpsed the scenery. I tried to give several "don't mess with me" looks to the men, but I felt an eminent jump on us if we weren't careful. At our stop in Chiusi I stood up quickly, ushered Mom out of the car, and grabbed her bag above us. Peggy, John, and Mom all thought I was a little more nervous than necessary, but I felt a certain instinct I would have to protect my gimp mother (sorry Pammy!! It's all out of love) so I wasn't going down without a fight. Luckily, nothing actually happened.

Onto better news! Great Aunt Peggy and Uncle John! They were at the station waiting for us with their tiny French car and big hugs. We went off to Montepulciano, a little city on a very steep hill to wander, shop, and have lunch.

The city square. It's pretty devoid of modern signage, so it's used for period film shoots quite often. I think they said the Volturi sequences from Twilight were shot there. 

Mom and me on with the countryside in the background. All around the edge of the city there are panoramic viewing areas. So beautiful. Also some cypresses in the background, we were all obsessed. Remember that shot in Gladiator where the road is lined in them? It's everywhere.

It's a windy day!  View from the top at Montepulciano, the name sake of my current red wine of choice.

Sitting on the wall, don't fall!

Beautiful view. So many places in Tuscany are like this, the city situated on top of the hill, the green farms and vineyards below. It's like being transported back in time.

This kitty was so cute sitting in her window. When I got closer she pressed her body against the bars, begging to be pet. 

I am in love with old world, stone buildings. It just screams stories, history, earth touched by people from so long ago. I have lots of picture like this from the trip, particularly of windows. 

This unicorn on our lunch menu made me think of all my boys in NY. So random.

After exploring we headed back to Peggy and John's house, which was a little more remote than we'd imagined. No main roads out here, so lots of winding and gravel. We took naps, had an amazing dinner of veal gnocchi, veggies, and blood oranges with mascarpone cream a la the amazing chef Peggy Heywood. Her meals never cease to inspire and amaze me. I took a bath in our long skinny tub, and off to sleep.

April 9th, Day 5: Firenze! We got up early to head into the city, about 45 minutes away. Not many pictures this day because we were in museums quite a bit. First off was the Bargello, full of beautiful sculpture, medieval art (much older than most famous Renaissance Italian stuff), and even the death mask of Dante.

On Peggy and John's porch, ready to head off to Florence! I also bought this dress in Italian anticipation...

The lovely ladies in their favorite state, studying the map together. I jest, but it was cute. 

The majestic duomo. We didn't make it inside because the line was horrendous both times we attempted joining. It is enormous and ornate, a true beauty from the outside, so that's where we admired her.

After lunch we headed to the Uffizi where we had scheduled a private tour. Somehow our guide had left us- you'd think 3 of the 5 people missing they might have waited- so we found ourselves somewhat off put and unsure of how to conquer this museum. It's deceptively small though, and with the help of Peggy's iPad, I Googled the 'Top 5 Uffizi Masterpieces', and gave Peg and Mom our own tour. It all turned out all right; we saw Botticelli, da Vinci, Raphael, the whole gang. 

View of the Ponte Vecchio from the Uffizi gallery. It's a medieval stone bridge over the Arno River that is filled with shops, which was once common. 

Italian souvenirs were obviously on our minds the whole time, the country being famous for their food, wine, leather, fashion, art, the list goes on, it was hard to decide which direction to take. There is a big street market in Florence we wandered for hours, much to my exhilaration and Peggy and Mom's exhaustion. We left with soccer shirts for the boys, oils for my brother in law Chris and Grandpa (our family chefs), leather purses for my sisters, some Vin Santo for my friends Sam and Jason, among other treats.

The beautiful leather weekend case I got for myself. I spotted it several times in the days preceding and realized this was what I really wanted, so I bargained and got a good deal at one stand. I've never been much of a purse collector but this size bag will serve me well.

Dinner was smaller that day, stew and crackers, strawberries and cream. I tried some hazelnut grappa Peggy and John are given monthly at their farm house (what sweet digs!). Very interesting, but I'd say I prefer the clear stuff. Off to bed early; our bed time was about 10pm most nights, which is awfully early for me. I recall Peggy noting on this day, "Caroline really does perk up at night. What an owl!" 

April 10th, Day 6: Sunday at the Castle and Monastery. We had "something sweet" for breakfast- beautiful pastries I've never seen stateside- and headed off to the Castle Broglio.

The beautiful and enormous fortress, again, on a hill. My first castle, I was amazed at the walls of protection surrounding the building itself. They must've been 50 feet high, 10 feet thick.

Just hanging out in my new backyard. Actually, the Ricasoli family has lived there for 800 years. But I could marry in right? :)

Thanks, Hipstamatic. Another garden shot. I really love this filter.

The castle is famous for it's Chianti. Here's a view of their vineyards from the castle wall. 

Mom and I with a little lemon tree in the courtyard. They had several fruit trees and an herb garden.

A rather English looking garden between the castle and the vineyard.

Mom and Peggy, walking along the castle wall. I directed this shot... "Keep walking, but turn just your heads back...yes, yes!" They thought I was silly. :)

After the castle we went to a very specific restaurant Peggy had found that served Florentine steak, which can only be ordered by the kilo. Bistecca alla Fiorentina is a T-bone or Porter house, thick cut of beef that is very rare. We were all jazzed about it, but they were sold out!! We order too much food anyway- Mom and I shared a grand tagliata, very much like a steak fajita plate but with veal, tomato, and arugula - and our waiter insisted we shoot grappa with him...at 2:30pm.

Thoroughly stuffed and bathing in sunshine, we headed to the Monte Oliveto Maggiore, or the Mount Olive Monastery. Another first for me, we had to park nearly half a mile away from the abbey and then walk up hill to get there. Talk about remote! The forest was beautiful, and the sidewalks were on an old rain drainage system, so it was an interesting walk. Inside the abbey's courtyard is the story of the monastery's foundation in frescoed walls. It's amazing how well preserved they are, being exposed to light and air, and so beautiful. The museum was also chalk full of Madonna and child's, Annunciations, all the saints. Something I became fixated on this week was all the saint's relics in every church, every museum. Not being Catholic, I had no idea the importance and celebrity these bit of bone, blood, hair, cloth. In Sienna (next episode) there was a little arc with almost an entire skeleton!

Beautiful old, OLD books in the library. It was connected to the apothecary, which looked a bit like a medieval torture room. A reminder of of how grateful I am for modern medicine.

The abbey at vespers. The abbey closes to the public about 30 minutes before vespers, the evening prayers. The monks chanted in Italian as the light in the chapel slowly grew.

That's all for today ladies and gents! Next and last Italian episode is days 7, 8, and 9: Siena, San Gimignano, and departure. Thanks again for reading, I hope you enjoy :)