The Break

So between Chicago and Cincinnati we had SEVEN weeks off...no paychecks, no shows, lots of sunshine. I've been in and out of New York, but had the chance to spend lots of time with my family. My youngest niece was baptized, my eldest sister had a post-wedding reception, brother went off for second year of college, and Jeff and I visited each of our families. And of course, plenty of pool time, nap time, and eating time in between.

So in a moment of impulse and curiosity, I dyed Daniel and my hair blue. Just the ends for me, more like highlights for him. Of course, three days later I had to go chop it off for an audition- so sad!! But it was very fun while it lasted. It's a shame the dye fades so quickly, otherwise I might keep it up.

I love to try new recipes, and it's definitely more fun with a fully equipped kitchen-aka at home. This was a watermelon cilantro lime salad with ricotta salata and pine nuts. SO refreshing and tasty at a summer BBQ.

Teddy was in serious need of a grooming and vet visit so I took him. He was so fluffy and giddy when he came back, it was fun to see him like a puppy again.

Mom and Catherine arranged for Berkley's baptism to be on a Saturday while I was home, which was a nice intimate family reception. With so many of us, it is impossible to catch everyone with their eyes open. This one is closest. 

Bishop Bill Frey came to our house to give the baptism. He is such an amazing speaker and kind, funny man. We were blessed to have him for such a small little group of us.

Berkley looking like a sweet little angel with her Uncle and Godfather Matt. She was so good that day, which is big for this little diva! :)

Lots of pool time to be had at the Kittrell house. All the babies LOVE to be outside and in the water, so its no surprise everyone is tanner than me.

I saw this cool DIY decorating project on Pinterest- my newest internet obsession- where you wrap wine bottles in yarn in the colors of your kitchen. I did red, burnt orange, and golden yellow for my mom's kitchen. 

Jeff came to town!! We had lots of fun- sunshine, food, family time, and Carrie's wedding reception! This picture is at La Gloria, an amazing Mexican food restaurant downtown at the Pearl Brewery complex, San Antonio's fun new development. 

The WHOLE fam!! I was adamant we got a group shot at Carrie's reception that I could print out to take on tour with me. It was a wonderful night, as you can see in everyone's shining faces.

Berkley being a cute little booger at the reception.

Then to Marathon, (central upstate) New York...where the weather couldn't have been different from San Antonio bone dry 104 degrees...It rained for the first three days we were there!

I cooked dinner one night at Jeff's house! Salmon with salsa, corn tomato basil salad, and a lemon icebox pie for dessert. It was a huge hit. :)

Mango salsa with jalapeno and cilantro that went on top of the salmon. Sweet with a little kick, I'd probably eat this on anything. SO easy to make too!

I've been searching and contemplating these platinum Sperrys for a while, and I found them at a DSW at the Carousel Mall in Syracuse! I have an affinity for the brand and I'm so excited to take these guys on tour.

So my new project began just before Jeff got to San Antonio: knitting! I'm trying to only work on one thing at a time (my arts and crafts itch often gets a bit multi-tasky), so this is my scarf in progress. It is very therapeutic and I think it'll be a better alternative to reading backstage.

Now I'm in the midst of packing up my life for a year.... I feel like have periodically parred down my possessions several times over the last year and a half, but here I go again. You really learn what is a non-essential when two suitcases YOU must lug around sit at your feet. I made sure to underpack a bit to keep weight down. I'm sure I'll end up sending some items back and requesting others be sent out. Several of the girls in the group have agreed we'll be shopping too :)

Headed out to Cincinnati on Sunday after I say some goodbyes. This will be my longest departure from New York since I moved here in 2006. Eight months away, then one week in the city in May, and another three on the road. I'm very excited for this year of adventure to begin!!

Chi-town run!

Okay, last few weeks in Chicago recap! Fair warning: it's a long one!

On Tuesday the 19th we had a "put in" rehearsal; all the newbies wore full costumes/shoes/mics while everyone preexisting in the show wore microphones and rehearsal clothes. First time on stage with the lights, costumes etc, pretty exciting. After rehearsal we had the opportunity to see the touring company of West Side Story, who happened to be opening in Chicago that night.

The next day we were in the show at the Wednesday matinee! First show is kind of a blur, I was a bit nervous, lots of silly and encouraging smiles on and off stage. We made it through Gaston and Be Our Guest- the big scary numbers- without much incident, and Act II was a breeze. Did it all over again for the PM show and realized how tiring a two show day is all over again...it's been 8 months since I've done it consistently.

Flowers Mom sent to the theatre on opening day!! We have a running theme with "You are my sunshine". So beautiful.

The slider board with our new names on there! I'm center, sixth from the top.

The new ladies in our Beauty and the Beast robes and wig caps, getting ready for the show. We take the robes upstairs on the deck where we dress at the end of the show so we aren't parading around in our skivvies... Our finale dresses are so big they never leave backstage!

I'm #21 in the cast for wardrobe purposes. Everything is labeled, including our pin boxes and towels. Kelli Bartlett, my dear beautiful MAC artist friend, helped me pick out colors that are perfect!

My villager: Sausage Curl Girl. I love the design, off the shoulder ivory and yellow embroidered lace, corseted and full skirt. My wig is a little dark, but we're supposed to get all new wigs in Cincinnati! We're all wondering what colors we'll be for next year...

The new ladies all dressed up. From left: Jessica "Busty Girl", Amanda "Silly Girl", Lauren "Laundry Lady", and me "Sausage Curl Girl". Lauren has this great bonnet I'll try to catch another time.

The three silly girls: Sarah Claire in red, Brittany in purple, and Amanda in green. Amazing dancers and hilarious comedians.

Be Our Guest costume! I'm a fork, then a plate, then a napkin. Same leotard, different headpiece and apron for fork, new wig and plate prop, then plate dropped and a skirt added (I'll try to get pics of those too...pretty funny). It's kind of a mad dash type number, changing styles and costumes every few minutes. Napkins is the most difficult by far, a can-can type with lots of kicks and the music picks up again, so singing AND pique turns. Yummy!

No wasting time in this company: Thursday and Friday were our first understudy rehearsals all together! We were set up in two casts, one Thursday one Friday. I was Friday's Belle, so I got to watch Act 1 on Thursday, perform Act 2 Friday. It was an excellent experience, working with all the understudies on stage with Sam, our director. We did real scene work, worked on the actual set, the whole shebang. And shows at night of course. Sunday we had a "Classy" party at a gorgeous apartment a few of our cast mates sublet for the 6 weeks. Converted loft in Chicago's China town, something that would cost a fortune in NY. 

Lauren, Mandy, Jess, and me at the Classy party.

Kolby and me all dressed up. Kolby is a Cogsworth/Maurice cover and got to go on for the curmudgeonly clock our final day!

BIG group picture at the party. This is most of our cast, some of the people who are leaving, significant others, musicians, and crew. Wonderful to be all together.

Another week of shows begins! Monday and Tuesday in Chicago were Golden Days, a little R & R after our first week. A few of us went to the beach, out to breakfast, and bowling...

This picture explains how I feel about bowling. Not my sport.

Kidding. We had a great time, even if I lost...every time. Nick, me, Jeff, Brian, and Jen.

Jess and I grab lunch between shows in our "Two Show Day" scarves. A few of us found some jersey scarves at Filene's basement and match on any given Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Huge Marilyn statue that has been installed across the street from the Wrigley Building by he Michigan St. Bridge. She was in two pieces, then covered in a tarp... several days of curiosity. Now she's a huge tourist attraction. 

Saturday the 30th Mom got into town! We met up for lunch before first show, and I showed her around backstage. She saw the evening show and gave me the biggest hug ever. So proud she got to see me in the show so early. Some younger friends from high school- Royer and Sarai- also came! My very first visitors. Sunday we had brunch at Orange, an amazing restaurant, then a two show day for me. Mom wandered and came back again that night. Monday was our touristy day- Orange, again (it's that good), an On-Off bus tour, Millenium Park, the Bean, the Art Institute, an architecture boat tour, and dinner at the Grand Lux. Fun and packed day!

Sunday night we went out with the WSS cast. Fun bonding night for everyone!

Cool Nooka watch I got on Gilt that Mom brought. The big dots are hours, the long bar has dashes for minutes. Jeff said, "Nice hipster party favor." :)

Orange breakfast: Chai tea french toast stuffed with ricotta, and watermelon-lime juice. I know. Mom had caprese eggs benedict with pesto hollandaise. Orange roasted coffee too. 

The reason I went to the Art institute: to visit to Georges Seurat's most famous. I love French impressionism, and am very attached to this particular picture and several others at AI. 

After Mom left began our last week in Chi-town...day after day of events. Tuesday a group went out to breakfast, Jeff and I got cupcakes at an amazing place called Sprinkles (wish there were pictures of this excellence). Wednesday I had a Belle cover costume fitting! So exciting to put on the yellow dress...I have a picture but not sure if I'm allowed to disclose. Thursday was Sebastian-one of our little Chips- going away party at Dave and Buster's AND a group of girls went salsa dancing afterwards. 

Me, Brittany, and Carly at Excalibur.

Chandon, Jen, me, Carter, and Robyn salsa-ed the night away!

Friday I had a wig bubble- a molding for my new wig come September! Sunday the 7th we closed the show to an excellent audience, and had a gathering at the Water Tower's 96th floor bar. Incredible view of the city lights, and definitely went out in style. 

Amanda- my first roommate- and I cuddled up at the Water Tower. Love this picture of us.

Lauren, Jeff, and me lounging on our last night in Chicago.

Brittany and the new ladies at the Water Tower. After Cincinnati we won't be new in town!

Monday the 8th we left Chicago in different directions. Many people went home, others back to Manhattan. I spent a week with Samanthe and baby Samuel, saw a few good friends, and Follies on Broadway. Now I'm back in Texas with lots of plans for the break. Here until September 5th, just after my sister Carrie's wedding reception on the 3rd. Upstate New York for a few days to visit Jeff and family. Then back to Manhattan in time to catch up with a few people, pack, and get back on the road. I'll be sure to update in Texas when I've got material. Hope everyone's back to school time is going well!

BTB Tour Schedule 2011-2012

Hooray! Okay, this took forever I know. I tried to type it up on here...two separate times. But my blog seems to be rejecting the format. Good thing our company's website finally got updated!! :)

Below is the link to the schedule from Cincinnati to Clearwater- that's August 2012! Highlights include Anchorage, Seattle, Montreal, Boston, Denver and Austin of course. It'll be my first time to a lot of these cities, and my 5th or 6th visit to others.

Beauty Tour Schedule

Each entry on the schedule has: location, performance dates, theatre, and a website where tickets can be acquired. We all filled out sheets concerning where we had family across the country, so I know where you are!!

I promise to update on Chicago, where I left just this morning. Thanks for checking in- look at that schedule!! Lucky girl :)

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.