Well, it has been over 6 weeks since the ANNIE tour ended and life has been grand. I have enjoyed being at home with Cay and spending time with friends in Hendersonville and at church.
The time is drawing near, however, when I will be forced to take a job, any job, just to keep up with the bills. So this week I am in NYC auditioning for a few shows and visiting my daughter who lives here before returning to Hendersonville and beginning the daunting task of finding a real job.
I have no idea what the future holds, but I have discovered that with patience and perseverance good things happen and God provides. Cay and I are fortunate enough to be able to get by on very little so I have time to find a job that feeds my spirit and soul. I have no idea as to what that will be and am open to possible options.
I am thinking of offering some theatre classes here locally and doing some speaking engagements to share my experiences and adventures. Don't know that I can make a career of that but it would be fun!
So, here's hoping I land a gig this week and if not that something wonderful comes my way soon.
Thanks to all for their thoughts and prayers and I'll be seeing you around!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
The Last Day!
Today, the 30th Anniversary Tour of Annie, The National Tour did it's final performance to a sold out crowd in Schenectady, New York. It was a bitter-sweet day and one I will cherish for the rest of my life!
For the last two and a half years I have lived the dream of playing the iconic role of "Oliver "Daddy" Warbucks" on this national tour. It is something that I never really thought I would do and something I can't imagine not having done. It has been everything I ever hoped and dreamed that would be. I have traveled to 49 states of our great country and performed in 48 of those. I have traveled to 5 provinces of Canada. My best guess is that I have done nearly 600 performances before over one million persons in over 200 cities. I have played in some of the most beautiful and historic theatres in this country and stood in the footsteps of some of the greatest names to grace the stages of American Theatre.
I have gotten to know some amazing people including the creators of this amazing musical, its producers and presenters, the best stage hands in the business, the greatest management team and the most talented and gifted group of performers you can imagine including 19 little girls and 4 dogs. I will cherish and remember each and everyone of you ever and ever and I fully intend on seeing everyone of you again and working with as many of you as possible.
Though today we say goodbye to this edition of Annie, I know that she has a long and prosperous life ahead of her and I look forward to visiting her often in the future. This is not the last you have seen of this "Daddy Warbucks."
I have been asked frequently over the past few months what I will do now. I don't know what the future holds but I do know that I plan on auditioning for future shows and continuing to work in the wonderful world of theatre. I love performing and I even love touring. So you will hopefully see me on the road again in the near future, if not as an actor then perhaps as a stage manager. One never knows what the future holds.
It is a sad day and it is hard to say goodbye and to move on. But if there is one thing I have learned from "Annie" it is that there is always a tomorrow and that if you approach that day with hope and optimism you never know what might happen. And in order for there to be another opening of another show, a show has to close.
So in the words of the immortal "Oliver Warbucks," Yes girls, for you, and for all of us, this is going to be the beginning of a WONERFUL, NEW LIFE!
Friday, March 5, 2010
New Haven, CT
Today we arrived in New Haven, CT after a wild week of one nighters before mostly sold out crowds! It fills like we have driven a gazillion miles on the bus this week but probably only 1,500 in reality.
This weekend we are performing at the historic Schubert Theatre here. It is a beautiful, old Broadway style theatre. When I think of going to an old Broadway house this is what I think of. It was home to the world premiers of many of musical theatres greatest works including most all of the Rogers and Hammerstein musicals. It is a real thrill to think of all the famous performers that have stood on the stage here and to be following in their footsteps.
Most of the performances are close to being sold out and tonights audience was great and the show went well. To top it all off it was Ms. Hannigan's birthday (or at least the actor who plays her.) And tomorrow my daughter is coming to New Haven and will see the show on Sunday afternoon!
We now have only TEN performances remaining. As we draw near to the end I find myself avoiding thinking about the future. I know that I will find work, and I know that I will continue to do theatre, but I don't like thinking about not holding the red headed orphan in my arms every night. It will be hard to adjust to life without Annie, both the show and the people. The only thing that makes it bearable is knowing that I will get to go home and hold my wife in my arms every night. It will be good to be HOME!
This weekend we are performing at the historic Schubert Theatre here. It is a beautiful, old Broadway style theatre. When I think of going to an old Broadway house this is what I think of. It was home to the world premiers of many of musical theatres greatest works including most all of the Rogers and Hammerstein musicals. It is a real thrill to think of all the famous performers that have stood on the stage here and to be following in their footsteps. Most of the performances are close to being sold out and tonights audience was great and the show went well. To top it all off it was Ms. Hannigan's birthday (or at least the actor who plays her.) And tomorrow my daughter is coming to New Haven and will see the show on Sunday afternoon!
We now have only TEN performances remaining. As we draw near to the end I find myself avoiding thinking about the future. I know that I will find work, and I know that I will continue to do theatre, but I don't like thinking about not holding the red headed orphan in my arms every night. It will be hard to adjust to life without Annie, both the show and the people. The only thing that makes it bearable is knowing that I will get to go home and hold my wife in my arms every night. It will be good to be HOME!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Philadelphia Surprises
If you watched the news on Thursday of last week you would have thought that Philadelphia was buried under a foot of snow. The reality was they had less than an inch while we there.
We performed at the Merriem Theatre which is home to the University of the Arts here and where one of my former students now attends. The theatre has a long history and it was a lot of fun to do the show here, although it did present some unique challenges due to its limited backstage space. But we did the full show before sold out audiences all weekend.
Saturday afternoon, Thomas Meehan, who wrote the book or script for "Annie" came to see the show. It was a surprise to all of us in the cast to find out that he and his family had driven in from New York City to see the show. He had his granddaughter with him and she was adorable. He had nothing but good things to say about the show and made us all feel very good about the work we do.
Today is Monday and we have just finished our performance in Charlottesville, Virginia. We performed at the University of Virginia here in the arena. Performing in arenas is always a challenge as they are designed for that purpose and we often do get to use all of our sets. It shouldn't effect our performance but I find that it doesn't take much these days to throw a kink into things. While my show wasn't "bad" I didn't feel good about my performance afterward. I will work doubly hard tomorrow and for the next two weeks to make sure that doesn't happen again.
I did a Meet-n-Greet before the show for some of their patrons. While I didn't do a lot due to time constraints and other issues I did get a free University of Virginia T-shirt for my troubles which was nice.
Tomorrow we drive to Ashland, KY for another one-nighter. This week will be long as we have three one night stays, a stop over and then a long weekend in New Haven, CT. I will get to see Alayna in New Haven which I am looking forward to more than you can know.
The weather here was fabulous today! The sun was out and it had to close to 50 degrees. I spent the afternoon walking and enjoying a rare day where you could actually enjoy being outside. Did I hear they are expecting another winter storm in the North East this weekend? I HOPE NOT. I will not miss the snow and cold of tour when I get home. Give me a desert any day.
We performed at the Merriem Theatre which is home to the University of the Arts here and where one of my former students now attends. The theatre has a long history and it was a lot of fun to do the show here, although it did present some unique challenges due to its limited backstage space. But we did the full show before sold out audiences all weekend.
Saturday afternoon, Thomas Meehan, who wrote the book or script for "Annie" came to see the show. It was a surprise to all of us in the cast to find out that he and his family had driven in from New York City to see the show. He had his granddaughter with him and she was adorable. He had nothing but good things to say about the show and made us all feel very good about the work we do.
Today is Monday and we have just finished our performance in Charlottesville, Virginia. We performed at the University of Virginia here in the arena. Performing in arenas is always a challenge as they are designed for that purpose and we often do get to use all of our sets. It shouldn't effect our performance but I find that it doesn't take much these days to throw a kink into things. While my show wasn't "bad" I didn't feel good about my performance afterward. I will work doubly hard tomorrow and for the next two weeks to make sure that doesn't happen again.
I did a Meet-n-Greet before the show for some of their patrons. While I didn't do a lot due to time constraints and other issues I did get a free University of Virginia T-shirt for my troubles which was nice.
Tomorrow we drive to Ashland, KY for another one-nighter. This week will be long as we have three one night stays, a stop over and then a long weekend in New Haven, CT. I will get to see Alayna in New Haven which I am looking forward to more than you can know.
The weather here was fabulous today! The sun was out and it had to close to 50 degrees. I spent the afternoon walking and enjoying a rare day where you could actually enjoy being outside. Did I hear they are expecting another winter storm in the North East this weekend? I HOPE NOT. I will not miss the snow and cold of tour when I get home. Give me a desert any day.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Flying in Philadelphia
Yesterday we left Manhattan, Kansas and flew to Philadelphia. With all the weather out here on the east coast the talk of the tour was how we weren't going to make to Phili and would end up spending the night in the DFW airport. Well, the Lord was good and we were able to make it here with relatively little drama. There were a few folks who had to spend way to long sitting in airports but for the most part it was a pretty painless day. I must say, the landing in Philadelphia was more than a little unnerving, but a safe landing is a good landing.
Have you ever noticed how we have become a very self absorbed self centered people? At the airport I noticed that no one listens to or follows instructions, at least not on planes, and no one thinks about the other people on the plane with them, only themselves. We must have been told at least a dozen times to only put one item in the overheads on the plane to leave room for other passengers items. I saw at least three people who I know heard the announcements put all of their items in the overhead. I also saw numerous people ignore the request to turn off cell phones and other electronic devices. I realize that there may be no substantial reason for the request. But I also know that as a civilization we should do what is requested by people in authority and should be respectful of the people around us. When, where, and how did we lose this basic principle of humanity? When did we forget that everything we do effects all those around us? Where has the basic goodness I believe all people possess gone?
The sun came out in Phili today so I went for a walk before going to the theatre. It was amazing how quickly they cleared all the snow off the streets and sidewalks here. I went to bed with snow covered streets and sidewalks and awoke to find all the roads and sidewalks completely cleared. It was a good afternoon followed by a good show. Philadelphia loves this show. It could be partly because it is the original "Annie's" home town. Whatever the reason, it was great to perform to a packed house and to know that all of the performances here have sold well. There were several folks at the stage door after the show and all were joyful and appreciative of our efforts. It is really nice to be told how good you are at your job. I will miss that most about touring. The rest of the world could take a lesson from theatre folks on this. Tell someone you work with or that works for you this week what a good job they do and how much you appreciate it. It may be a coworker or a waitress or a cashier or whomever. A little praise goes a long way in enabling people to continue to work hard and do a good job.
Cay, You are amazing at your job! I don't tell you that enough. Ashlea you are wonderful with kids and treat them with such love and respect. Alayna, you are one of the most gracious, sincere, and disciplined young persons I have ever known. I am so proud of all of you!
Annie Cast, Crew, and Orchestra; you are all the best. Thanks for all of your hard work every day! I am looking forward to the best two weeks of my life!
Have you ever noticed how we have become a very self absorbed self centered people? At the airport I noticed that no one listens to or follows instructions, at least not on planes, and no one thinks about the other people on the plane with them, only themselves. We must have been told at least a dozen times to only put one item in the overheads on the plane to leave room for other passengers items. I saw at least three people who I know heard the announcements put all of their items in the overhead. I also saw numerous people ignore the request to turn off cell phones and other electronic devices. I realize that there may be no substantial reason for the request. But I also know that as a civilization we should do what is requested by people in authority and should be respectful of the people around us. When, where, and how did we lose this basic principle of humanity? When did we forget that everything we do effects all those around us? Where has the basic goodness I believe all people possess gone?
The sun came out in Phili today so I went for a walk before going to the theatre. It was amazing how quickly they cleared all the snow off the streets and sidewalks here. I went to bed with snow covered streets and sidewalks and awoke to find all the roads and sidewalks completely cleared. It was a good afternoon followed by a good show. Philadelphia loves this show. It could be partly because it is the original "Annie's" home town. Whatever the reason, it was great to perform to a packed house and to know that all of the performances here have sold well. There were several folks at the stage door after the show and all were joyful and appreciative of our efforts. It is really nice to be told how good you are at your job. I will miss that most about touring. The rest of the world could take a lesson from theatre folks on this. Tell someone you work with or that works for you this week what a good job they do and how much you appreciate it. It may be a coworker or a waitress or a cashier or whomever. A little praise goes a long way in enabling people to continue to work hard and do a good job.
Cay, You are amazing at your job! I don't tell you that enough. Ashlea you are wonderful with kids and treat them with such love and respect. Alayna, you are one of the most gracious, sincere, and disciplined young persons I have ever known. I am so proud of all of you!
Annie Cast, Crew, and Orchestra; you are all the best. Thanks for all of your hard work every day! I am looking forward to the best two weeks of my life!
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Manhattan, Kansas?
Well, we have left the sun and warmth of San Francisco and the west coast for the frigid temperatures and wide open spaces of the "Little Apple," Manhattan, Kansas, home to Kansas State University. We will perform here tonight before heading in further east and into what may be a blizzard in Philadelphia, PA.
We met a professor at KSU on the flight in from Dallas last night who was very excited to meet the cast and has bought a ticket to see the show tonight. It still amazes me as this show continues to effect people and how excited even adults get at the chance to meet the cast and see the show. It is flattering, and humbling, and both a great priviledge and a huge responsibility. And it has been a constant joy!
The highlight of Manhattan thus far as been a trip to Buffalo Wild Wings! It was wing night and they had some other great specials so it was a really great night! I tease and make fun but it really was fun. Today I did laundry, another highlight of tour.
I am a little concerned about our flight to Philli tomorrow evening as they are forecast to get a huge snowfall. I know that their airports are more accustomed to the in climate weather but that doesn't calm my spirit much. My fear is we will be delayed and then have to make up the dates after tour is over. At least that is what I think would happen. But as my wife would tell me, no sense worrying about something that hasn't happened and that we don't have any control over anyway.
I am looking forward to the end of tour with mixed emotions. I won't get into it yet except to say that, yes, I am looking forward to it being over and being at home, and yes, I will miss it terribly and wish it would never end.
But for today, the play will go on and the "Dream" continues. So, I am off to "live the dream."
We met a professor at KSU on the flight in from Dallas last night who was very excited to meet the cast and has bought a ticket to see the show tonight. It still amazes me as this show continues to effect people and how excited even adults get at the chance to meet the cast and see the show. It is flattering, and humbling, and both a great priviledge and a huge responsibility. And it has been a constant joy!
The highlight of Manhattan thus far as been a trip to Buffalo Wild Wings! It was wing night and they had some other great specials so it was a really great night! I tease and make fun but it really was fun. Today I did laundry, another highlight of tour.
I am a little concerned about our flight to Philli tomorrow evening as they are forecast to get a huge snowfall. I know that their airports are more accustomed to the in climate weather but that doesn't calm my spirit much. My fear is we will be delayed and then have to make up the dates after tour is over. At least that is what I think would happen. But as my wife would tell me, no sense worrying about something that hasn't happened and that we don't have any control over anyway.
I am looking forward to the end of tour with mixed emotions. I won't get into it yet except to say that, yes, I am looking forward to it being over and being at home, and yes, I will miss it terribly and wish it would never end.
But for today, the play will go on and the "Dream" continues. So, I am off to "live the dream."
Monday, February 22, 2010
San Francisco
We arrived here last night after a wonderful closing performance in Modesto. I went to dinner with our Annie and her dad. It was nice to get to sit and talk with Madison away from the theatre and the craziness of the company. Went back to the hotel to relax and ended up going out with a couple of friends and stayed up way to late talking but it was good to feel needed and appreciated.
Today I got up and walked to the Golden Gate Bridge. I thought it would be about a 3 mile walk and it turned out to be about an 8 mile walk! But it was well worth it. The walk along the water front was amazing. I saw sea lions playing in the bay and so much natural beauty. The bridge is very inspiring. It is amazing to me how it was built and how it continues to be maintained. I can't imagine hanging in a basket from the cables to inspect, paint and repair them.
I spent the evening at the water front and am now getting ready to get some sleep before flying to Manhattan, Kansas tomorrow. It is going to be a really long day of travel as we leave the hotel at 9:45 a.m. and get into Manhattan at 9:00 p.m. Ahhhh, the joys of being a professional actor in a national tour.
I hope you enjoy the pictures of the bridge, Alcatraz and more.
Today I got up and walked to the Golden Gate Bridge. I thought it would be about a 3 mile walk and it turned out to be about an 8 mile walk! But it was well worth it. The walk along the water front was amazing. I saw sea lions playing in the bay and so much natural beauty. The bridge is very inspiring. It is amazing to me how it was built and how it continues to be maintained. I can't imagine hanging in a basket from the cables to inspect, paint and repair them.
I spent the evening at the water front and am now getting ready to get some sleep before flying to Manhattan, Kansas tomorrow. It is going to be a really long day of travel as we leave the hotel at 9:45 a.m. and get into Manhattan at 9:00 p.m. Ahhhh, the joys of being a professional actor in a national tour.
I hope you enjoy the pictures of the bridge, Alcatraz and more.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Good and Crazy.
Living the life of an actor has been a life long dream of mine. As a kid my brother and sister and I would stand on the hearth in the living and sing and perform for hours, often creating our own material which our children now take great pleasure in mocking and making fun of. Now, I get to perform virtually every night in front of hundreds of people who have payed too much money to see a show called "Annie." And I have 24 fellow cast members who take great joy in mocking and making fun of me on a regular basis.
It sounds like a dream come true. And it is mostly. But as with all things in life there are things about life as an actor that aren't so good and are even a little crazy.
Riding on a bus for hours on end can be fun if done once in a while. Riding on a bus for hours on end as part of a job, well let's just say it is not my favorite part of being an actor.
Staying in a hotel can be fun if you are with your family on vacation. Living in a hotel is just crazy! Living in a hotel with two other grown men as roommates, will, lets just say it is an adventure.
Eating out is fun if you are with someone special or with family or friends. Eating out every day, two or three times a day, is just crazy!
Spending time with people who share a common interest is always fun, especially when they are a little nutty like the people on this tour. "Living" with people who share a common interest can just be crazy!
Working with the people that you "play" with and "playing" with the people that you work with is fun. And can make you CRAZY!
Being away from home can be fun. Living away from home can make you crazy!
There are times on tour when things get so crazy I can only think about going home to a normal wife in a normal house in a normal town with a normal schedule.
And then there are moments like I had tonight after the show in the green room when the only crazy thing would be not being on tour.
My life is filled with great joy, great sorrow, and a tremendous amount of craziness. It seems, as in all things, that there is no one way, no simple answer, no great pearl of wisdom at the end of the journey. There is only the journey. And as we approach the end of this tour of "Annie" I am reminded in many special and crazy ways, that even as this is ending, another great adventure is out there waiting for us to begin.
It sounds like a dream come true. And it is mostly. But as with all things in life there are things about life as an actor that aren't so good and are even a little crazy.
Riding on a bus for hours on end can be fun if done once in a while. Riding on a bus for hours on end as part of a job, well let's just say it is not my favorite part of being an actor.
Staying in a hotel can be fun if you are with your family on vacation. Living in a hotel is just crazy! Living in a hotel with two other grown men as roommates, will, lets just say it is an adventure.
Eating out is fun if you are with someone special or with family or friends. Eating out every day, two or three times a day, is just crazy!
Spending time with people who share a common interest is always fun, especially when they are a little nutty like the people on this tour. "Living" with people who share a common interest can just be crazy!
Working with the people that you "play" with and "playing" with the people that you work with is fun. And can make you CRAZY!
Being away from home can be fun. Living away from home can make you crazy!
There are times on tour when things get so crazy I can only think about going home to a normal wife in a normal house in a normal town with a normal schedule.
And then there are moments like I had tonight after the show in the green room when the only crazy thing would be not being on tour.
My life is filled with great joy, great sorrow, and a tremendous amount of craziness. It seems, as in all things, that there is no one way, no simple answer, no great pearl of wisdom at the end of the journey. There is only the journey. And as we approach the end of this tour of "Annie" I am reminded in many special and crazy ways, that even as this is ending, another great adventure is out there waiting for us to begin.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Montana and back to California
Today we are in Modesto, California for the weekend. Modesto is just a little east of San Francisco. There here is amazing compared to where we came from. Tuesday we performed in Missoula, Montana where the weather was cold but not terrible. Wednesday we were in Great Falls, Montana where is was freezing and snowing.
Today it is overcast but warm enough to get outside and enjoy the town.
This morning I got to do one of my favorite activities on tour. I met with a group of high school students from area schools who had come to the venue to watch load in as part of an educational partnership between the theatre and the schools. I talked and answered questions for about 45 minutes with some of the most attentive young people I have been around in a while. It was a lot of fun. Even made me miss teaching a little.
We perform in Modesto this weekend before spending a day off in San Francisco. We will then fly out to Kansas for a day before heading to Philadelphia.
Only three weeks of tour left!
Today it is overcast but warm enough to get outside and enjoy the town.
This morning I got to do one of my favorite activities on tour. I met with a group of high school students from area schools who had come to the venue to watch load in as part of an educational partnership between the theatre and the schools. I talked and answered questions for about 45 minutes with some of the most attentive young people I have been around in a while. It was a lot of fun. Even made me miss teaching a little.
We perform in Modesto this weekend before spending a day off in San Francisco. We will then fly out to Kansas for a day before heading to Philadelphia.
Only three weeks of tour left!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Seattle, WA
Tonight we closed here in Seattle. It was a good weekend but rather hectic. Seattle is home to our director and "Annie" creator Martin Charnin so everyone was a little on edge performing in the bosses hometown. I did learn this week that I need Sun Shine. It is cloudy and rainy here most of the time. We haven't seen the sun since we have been in Seattle and my mood has been more than a little gloomy.
I also learned that I can relax and have a good time on stage, still do a professional job, and not take myself so seriously. Sometimes I get so uptight about doing my part "right" that I get in my own way of doing a good job. Thanks to Jeff for making me laugh and helping me to "get over" myself. Thanks to Cay for putting up with my moods. And thanks to all of my fans and all the "Annie" fans out there for your many kind words and applause night after night.
Tomorrow we head to Montana for three days before driving back to California for another weekend. Our travel schedule is about to get crazy again but it should prove to be a lot of fun!
Four weeks from tonight the "Annie" dream will come to an end for me. I am looking forward to celebrating a fantastic four weeks with this amazing company and I have promised myself that my sole focus for these remaining weeks is going to be having FUN while putting on the best shows of my life.
I hope to see you all in these final few weeks as we zigzag across the county. But if I have seen you in person for the last time, please know what a joy it has been for me to share this dream with all of you. It has been everything I had hoped for and more.
I also learned that I can relax and have a good time on stage, still do a professional job, and not take myself so seriously. Sometimes I get so uptight about doing my part "right" that I get in my own way of doing a good job. Thanks to Jeff for making me laugh and helping me to "get over" myself. Thanks to Cay for putting up with my moods. And thanks to all of my fans and all the "Annie" fans out there for your many kind words and applause night after night.
Tomorrow we head to Montana for three days before driving back to California for another weekend. Our travel schedule is about to get crazy again but it should prove to be a lot of fun!
Four weeks from tonight the "Annie" dream will come to an end for me. I am looking forward to celebrating a fantastic four weeks with this amazing company and I have promised myself that my sole focus for these remaining weeks is going to be having FUN while putting on the best shows of my life.
I hope to see you all in these final few weeks as we zigzag across the county. But if I have seen you in person for the last time, please know what a joy it has been for me to share this dream with all of you. It has been everything I had hoped for and more.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Yakima, WA
Monday we arrived in beautiful Yakima, WA where we opened last night at the Capitol Theatre. It is an old Vaudville House built in the 1920's. It is a beautiful house and a nice stage. Everyone here has been super nice. The show went well dispite a few distractions and the audience really seemed to enjoy the show. We had a reception after the show and then everyone went to the Sports Center, a local bar and grill, for food. Jeff and I went there Monday night and met two of the waitresses and had a great time since we were the only two people in the place. I guess people in Yakima don't go out on Monday nights.
I am reminded again of how difficult it is to be away from home and away from family. My 90+ year old grandmother fell yesterday and broke her femur. She is having surgery today to repair the bones and have a plate and pins inserted into the leg. I know there is nothing more that I could do for her if I were there than I am doing now, but somehow the distance is troubling. Please keep her and my family in your prayers as they care for her in the difficult recovery that lies ahead.
We will be in Yakima for two more nights before heading north to Seattle for the weekend. After that we will have only 4 more weeks to live this dream called "Annie."
I am reminded again of how difficult it is to be away from home and away from family. My 90+ year old grandmother fell yesterday and broke her femur. She is having surgery today to repair the bones and have a plate and pins inserted into the leg. I know there is nothing more that I could do for her if I were there than I am doing now, but somehow the distance is troubling. Please keep her and my family in your prayers as they care for her in the difficult recovery that lies ahead.
We will be in Yakima for two more nights before heading north to Seattle for the weekend. After that we will have only 4 more weeks to live this dream called "Annie."
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Sunny California
For the past week and a half we have been playing in the Los Angeles area. Last weekend we played in Costa Mesa, CA at the the Orange County Performing Arts Center. It was a very unusual space in its design but we did have a great time while we were there. The best part was being out of the cold weather for a while. The days saw highs in the low 60's and there was mostly sun.
The show was well received and continues to get favorable revues. Monday my roommate on tour this year left to join the Beauty and the Beast Tour so I have had a room to myself this week. The privacy has been nice but the hotel bill has been a little overwhelming. Not to worry though, as next week I will be tripling with Jeff and Ricky so I should make it up.
Monday the entire company was treated to a trip to Disneyland! We had complementary tickets and we all had a great time. I spent most of the day with two of the girls who play orphans and their moms. One of the girls had never been to a Disney park before so it was a lot of fun experiencing the park with her. I have been to the Florida park several times and must say I prefer it to the one here in California. It was neat to get to go to the "original" Disney theme park and experience a few of the original rides.
Afterwards, Jeff and I drove to Riverside ahead of the rest of the company to do a couple of press events. We had a Q and A at an area Barnes and Noble store which was a lot of fun but not highly attended. The next morning (Wednesday) we did a live, in studio radio interview. It too was fun and it was nice to be settled in to the hotel for the week.
We have been performing at the newly renovated Fox Theatre in Riverside, CA. It was originally built in the 1920's and hadn't seen a live theatre event in many years. We were the first "Broadway" show to appear here and they had a lot of hype and special events surrounding our performance. Wednesday night we opened and they had a really nice party afterwards for us and the donors to the new space. Everyone here has been super friendly and we have had a great time.
Watched the Super Bowl tonight with the cast at a local restaurant. It was a LOT of fun. Our "Annie" is from New Orleans and her dad was here with her so they, and most everyone else, were pulling for the Saints. "Annie's" dad even brought his trumpet and played all the Saints fight songs after they scored! Everyone in the restaurant really seemed to have a great time.
We leave tomorrow to travel north to the state of Washington. We will be in Yakima, Washington through Thursday and then in Seattle for the weekend. Martin Charnin, our director, lives in Seattle so I am sure we will see him and more importantly, he will see us. I will also be meeting some family relatives that I have never met. One of the joys of having such and large, diverse family is that you are always meeting new people.
Only five weeks of Annie left! Then I will be unemployed. One of the ten percent of our population to be without a job. If any one needs an out-of-work actor/teacher/youth director/ a whole bunch of other stuff give me a call. I am available.
PS. The picture of the hotel above is New York, New York in Las Vegas
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Logan, Utah and Sin City
This week has been filled with travel and adventure. Monday we left Chicago and flew to Salt Lake City where our buses picked us up and took us to Logan, Utah. Logan is a very pleasant community located in North Eastern Utah in valley between two mountain ranges. It was of course cold while we were there but it was a very friendly town filled with great people and great food. The presenter at the theatre fed the entire cast and crew before our shows while we were there and the performances were sold out! All it all it was a great three days. Thursday we drove to Las Vegas where we spend the afternoon and evening on our way to Costa Mesa, CA. I have to say Las Vegas is one of my least favorite places thus far. Everything about it screams self-indulgence and depravity. There we people "selling" sex on every street corner, the casinos are filled with unhappy people recklessly spending money they often don't have, and the shows are way over priced. This is not a place I would want to visit again. Others, on the other hand, thought it was great and had an amazing time. Each to his own I suppose.
Today we arrived in Sunny California. The theatre here is wonderful, large and beautiful and the hotel is nice. The people have been great and tonights audience was excellent. We are looking forward to a great couple of weeks in the warmth and sun after what seems like an eternity in cold and snow.
More tomorrow along with pictures. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!
Today we arrived in Sunny California. The theatre here is wonderful, large and beautiful and the hotel is nice. The people have been great and tonights audience was excellent. We are looking forward to a great couple of weeks in the warmth and sun after what seems like an eternity in cold and snow.
More tomorrow along with pictures. Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Atlanta, HOME and Chicago
Well, since I last talked to you all I have been in Atlanta and traveled through Tennessee on my way to Chicago! Atlanta was a lot of fun. the 24 local orphans did a great job and the audiences there really enjoyed the show. Sunday's final performance was UNBELIEVABLE! It was a near capacity crowd in a theatre that seats 4,500 and they were loud and attentive. I have never experienced anything quite like that as an actor. It is one of those moments that I will remember for the rest of my life. My thanks to whomever it was that arranged for over 1,600 high school and middle school students in town for a theater convention to be at that performance. It was like being a Rock Star. They cheered after every number and only go louder and more attentive as the night went on. And to top it all off my daughter Ashlea and her friend Carolyn were in the audience and got to be a part of this special night.After the show the three of us drove home to Hendersonville where I got to spend the night in my own bed. The next day, Cay and I drove to Chicago where we have been performing at the Auditorium Theatre all week. It is the oldest theatre in Chicago and is amazingly beautiful. Everyone here has been so friendly and we have had a great time.
It is fulfilling to have the critics say that you did a good job. It is also very humbling and a little embarrassing actually. We perform together as a company and no single performer could do their job effectively if everyone around them wasn't doing a great job as well. So when I or Hannagin or Annie get good reviews it really is, in my opinion, a reflection on everyone involved with the show. I work with an amazingly talented group of people, top to bottom. They are the best and they are the reason "Annie" continues to be so successful.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Casper and Rushmore
Well, time has certainly gotten away from me. I didn't realize how long it had been since I last posted here.Over the past two weeks we have traveled through several of the states in the northern teer of our great land. Our adventures have taken us to Casper, Wyoming, Billings, Montana, Rapid City and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I know many of you back home in Texas and Tennessee thought you were cold these past few weeks but that was nothing compared to the sub-zero temperatures up here. It was painfully cold, to the point that you didn't dare even think about going outside of any extended amount of time.
All is well with the show as we continue to play to great audiences. The highlight of the past couple of weeks for me was Rapid City, SD. It is only a few miles from Mt. Rushmore which we all got to visit one late morning. It was a beautiful day with lots of sunshine, even though it was well below freezing. The mountain is amazing (although several in our group expected it to be bigger. 60' tall heads sound pretty big to me.) We also got to see some of the mountain goats that roam the mountain which was neat. As a history buff I loved every moment on the mountain. Additionally, Rapid City calls itself the "City of Presidents." On the street corners they have put up bronze statues of all the presidents. The one on the corner of hotel was of JFK.It as a great two weeks but it is good to be back in the South. Today we are in Atlanta, GA where we opened at the Fox Theatre last night. It is a beautiful theatre that must be seen in person to fully appreciate. The big deal here is that we are hosting 24 local girls and walk-on orphans all week. Our choreographer and dance captain have been working with them all week to put them in to a couple of scenes in the show and I have to say that they did a great job.
And the icing on the cake, I go to spend the evening with my wife, Cay. It is always good to be with the family.
The entire company is really enjoying our hotel here. We aren't supposed to say where we are staying while we are there, so I won't reveal that yet. Next week when we are in Chicago I will let you know the name of the hotel. Let me just say that I highly recommend it to anyone traveling in Atlanta and staying in the downtown/midtown area. It is wonderful with a full kitchen and washer and dryer in almost every room. And the staff here has been amazing.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Happy New Year from Tempe and Beyond
Happy New Year!
We had a great week in Tempe, AZ! It was wonderful. The weather was amazing with warm days and cool nights. We actually we were able to walk around in t-shirts! We had great audiences in Tempe. They weren't really large but they really love the show. New Year's Eve we went to one of the countries biggest block parties were over 100,000 people gathered for food, fun and more. The headliners for the event were "The Doobie Brothers." Those of you my age will remember them well. The younger folks know their songs but probably not the original group. They were wonderful and I had a blast spending the evening with a rather eclectic group of cast and crew.Today we left the warmth of Arizona for the chill of Wyoming. We are in Casper, Wyoming tonight and will perform here tomorrow. It was a real shock to the body to change climates and altitudes so quickly but should be a lot of fun. The best part of the day was the view of the Grand Canyon from the plane on the way here. It was breathtaking.
Being on tour can be a ton of fun. It can also be incredibly difficult. I was reminded this week of the importance of family and friends and how often we take their mere presence for granted. If you haven't hugged your child, called you Dad, or told that special loved one you love them in a special way, please take the time to do that today. You never know what tomorrow holds.Pictures are from this past week.
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