Tonight we were in St. Charles, MO. just outside of St. Louis. This afternoon a took a walk along the historic main street of the town. The Louis and Clark expedition began here. This was also once the capitol of Missouri. It was a very pleasant afternoon.
This evening we performed at the university here in St. Charles. It is a beautiful new facility and was fun to perform in though the attendance was very disappointing. Our new "Kate" went on tonight and seemed to have a good time and did a great job.
After the show I went out to eat with two very dear friends. We spent an hour discussing religion and religious beliefs. It was one of the best hours of tour thus far. It was so refreshing to have a religious discussion with like minded people while on the road. Sometimes touring can seem like a pretty Godless place as I find myself hesitant to share religious beliefs because of the great diversity of beliefs. Jeff and Analisa and I just shared our thoughts and understandings of God, churches, and faith communities. This is what I imagine Jesus would have discussed over dinner with those he traveled with. It was a blessing. Thank you Jeff and Analisa.
And may God bless all who read this, regardless of your religious beliefs and affiliations.
My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends affected by the storms in Oklahoma and Texas. I hope all are safe and that no severe damage was done to your homes. Let me know how you are.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
Alto and El Paso
Saturda
y we were Alto, New Mexico. It
is very near Ruidoso. The theatre there was absolutely amazing. It was in the middle of the mountains along way from anywhere. It sat on top of a mountain surrounded by the splendor of nature. The Spencer Theatre was built by Mrs Spencer who spent 15 years working with the architect to design every aspect of the
building including the art for the l
obby. She gave 37 Million Dollars to build the theatre and set up an endowment to ensure its future. She also purchased 2-and-a-half million dollars worth of glass art. If you get a chance go on line and google this theatre and read about it's history. It was fascinating to me.
As you can tell from the pictures it was a breathtaking theatre. It only sat 521 and was sold out to a very appreciative crowd. Some folks had traveled several hundred miles to see the show at this venue. Hal Holbrook called this theatre "Sang re La of theatre."
Tonight we were in El Paso for two performances at a very old and beautiful theatre called The Plaza. It was an old vaudeville house that was newly renovated. The audiences were fantastic! I also got to do a meet and greet event before the evening show where I signed autographs as folks came to the theatre. This is one of my favorite things about touring and I wish I could do it more often.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
More of the Same
It has been a while since I posted here so I thought I should check in and get everyone up to date (actually my wife scolded me for not posting regularly.)
Since I last posted we have been to Spokane, Washington, Butte and Boseman, Montana, stopovers (no performances) in Cheyenne, Wyoming and Denver Colorado and Avon, Colorado and Farmington, New Mexico.
All in all it has been a very routine week. The performances have gone well as always and audiences continue to enjoy themselves. We have had the challenge of performing at extreme altitudes this week. All of these stops have been in the mountains or high altitudes which has been far more taxing than one might imagine. Alto was 10,000 feet above sea level and made breathing through the dances and songs a little more challenging than usual.
The best part of the past week has been the scenery. All of the places we have been have been breathtaking in their own ways. Washington, Montana and Colorado are some of the most beautiful places on Earth. I have always loved the Rocky Mountains and this week has only increased my admiration of their amazing beauty.
Avon is near Vale, Colorado and very exclusive. A "suite" at the resort there which is basically just a glorified hotel room goes for as much as $23,000 a week! (Yes, $23,000 is correct, not a typo.) After the show in Avon on Thursday we had to drive two hours to our hotel. On the way down the mountain we almost ran over several very large Elk and deer. They would just stand in the road and seemingly dare us to challenge them. They were beautiful but trying not to hit them with the bus was a bit terrifying.
Also leaving Avon we drove on the typical mountain road with steep cliffs and drop-offs. In the bus we could look out the window straight down into the dark nothingness of the severe drop offs. I made the mistake of announcing the presence of these cliffs to those around me. Several of them immediately became overwhelmed with fear and there were a few tense moments as we navigated the steep terrain.
Tomorrow we leave at 6:30 for Alto, New Mexico so I guess I better try and get some sleep.
Yes, Cay, I will try and be more regular in my posts.
Since I last posted we have been to Spokane, Washington, Butte and Boseman, Montana, stopovers (no performances) in Cheyenne, Wyoming and Denver Colorado and Avon, Colorado and Farmington, New Mexico.
All in all it has been a very routine week. The performances have gone well as always and audiences continue to enjoy themselves. We have had the challenge of performing at extreme altitudes this week. All of these stops have been in the mountains or high altitudes which has been far more taxing than one might imagine. Alto was 10,000 feet above sea level and made breathing through the dances and songs a little more challenging than usual.
The best part of the past week has been the scenery. All of the places we have been have been breathtaking in their own ways. Washington, Montana and Colorado are some of the most beautiful places on Earth. I have always loved the Rocky Mountains and this week has only increased my admiration of their amazing beauty.
Avon is near Vale, Colorado and very exclusive. A "suite" at the resort there which is basically just a glorified hotel room goes for as much as $23,000 a week! (Yes, $23,000 is correct, not a typo.) After the show in Avon on Thursday we had to drive two hours to our hotel. On the way down the mountain we almost ran over several very large Elk and deer. They would just stand in the road and seemingly dare us to challenge them. They were beautiful but trying not to hit them with the bus was a bit terrifying.
Also leaving Avon we drove on the typical mountain road with steep cliffs and drop-offs. In the bus we could look out the window straight down into the dark nothingness of the severe drop offs. I made the mistake of announcing the presence of these cliffs to those around me. Several of them immediately became overwhelmed with fear and there were a few tense moments as we navigated the steep terrain.
Tomorrow we leave at 6:30 for Alto, New Mexico so I guess I better try and get some sleep.
Yes, Cay, I will try and be more regular in my posts.
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