HIghway going to Zanesville, OH

So this is not where I am currently but I love these photos.

We are currently leaving the Kentucky/Ohio area after a great night of normalcy. There was food, fun, and conversation with other people not on this tour.

So I have not done something that should have happened in the beginning. I have not introduced the crew. We are the brains behind this operation. The people behind the magic that make the show as good as it is more importantly, we kick ass and get the job done.

So I will start from the top. Paul is our production manager, the only one who has done the tour before. It shocks me to know that he has only been in the theatre business for a year. Shocking! John is our company manager and I must say he keeps this tour interesting with all his quirking commentary. He keeps the humor rolling through all the stress, and also gives quick, comforting back rubs. Next we have Michael the Master Electrician, his multi-talents make things happen once inside the theatre. He knows his job well and it is quite obvious to see. Then there is Patrick who was hired last, but still joined us on time. He is our photographer and he really likes to sleep. Blair is our wardrobe supervisor with the Russian men and women. She has ample experience next to John, and she makes her job look easy. Last is moi. You know me from these blogs. All I can say for being wardrobe supervisor for the children, thrown into the craziness, I am not so bad.

Leaving Roanoke Rapids, NC

This will be a quick one because I have to get some sleep. I am currently on our crew bus, which we have been desperately waiting for. It's about 1 am and the vibrations of the road are calmly allowing me to drift. For some reason I am the only one not in my bunch. I am not restless, nor do I have thoughts racing in my mind. I am mostly in a reflective state.

This tour for me is not entirely what I expected. I knew there would be multi-tasking, long days, dozens of kids, and many expected challenges. Apparently it has not phased me. I can honestly say that my job is relatively easy. I have faced all that was expected and more, but also I actually enjoy the kids and their abundance of energy. I know most would think it's strange, but that is how I feel.

I do not know what will come with future venues. There is a strong possibility that I will start hating my job. Instead dreading that moment, I will continue to be content. Yeah, maybe I will get even better at what I do.

Next stop Knoxville!

Garysburg, NC (Thanksgiving Day)

Sadly I did not have the family style Thanksgiving where you stuff your face and pass out. Today I missed the opportunity to push my stomach capacity to the max and beyond... 

We traveled from York, PA down to North Carolina. Our arrival was more than disappointing when we pulled up to a Best Western in the middle of nowhere, only to be accompanied with a gas station. Desperately we fought the reality set before us, instead we searched madly for any restaurant that was open. Michael and I called multiple Chinese restaurants only to discover they were closed, but the Waffle House was open. Blair sat on her bed looking at apartments with out worry, she could not have been any more carefree. Once we discovered our chosen eating establishment the next challenge was getting someone to take us there. Upon returning to the phone we discovered most cabs were not running except Mack's.  I got Mack's number from another guy I called. He was not driving tonight but he knew a guy who would.

We waited for the cab for about 30 minutes. The situation looked grim, though I was hopeful. I was not going to settle on all this effort being in vain. Mack finally did arrive in his Ford Expedition and off we went. It was interesting to talk with the native North Carolinian, he had a good deal to say. Apparently he is quite the ladies man. The drive was so close and Mack did get a generous tip. No problem, it was worth it. The food was good and my belly was happy. He also took us back just in case you might be worried.

I must say it has been an eventful and sadly depressing day. This is the life on tour. That's all I have to say.

York, PA

As I write this entry with my new hotel pen, I think about how good it is to rest. Since my last posting much has happened. Our 6-person crew has been stuffed inside a Chevy Uplander about a dozens times traveling to and from the theatre with all our luggage, we had an hour of sleep before a show, most of us have only eaten one and a half meals, I watched a Russian comedy show, interacted with about a hundred children and their parents, and we have only had three performances.

Our crew has bonded through hardship to say the least. Today we have a day off and I love it.

The Bus and Snow! 

Recent Locations: 

Painted Post, NY

Elmira, NY 

West Point, NY

Springfield, MA

Chicopee, MA

Today we left Lee, MA at 4 p.m. in a limousine.  Our intentions were to leave on Thursday, but we unexpectedly had to load out our costumes, set, and etc.  I have a feeling someone is toying with us so that we feel misinformed and confused. We went to the hotel to pack our bags and waited for the car service to pick us up. 

I needed a tasty cider for comfort from the unexpected plans of the day. It seems like we have to be ready and alert at all times, considering that each day is it's own challenge. Our plans are always changing and I have only been working with this company 8 days. I must say that the limo was a highlight because I have never been in one. The lights kept changing and flashing, and there were smaller lights on the side that looked like colorful stars. It was like we had a mini disco on our drive. All in all, there is never a dull moment since I joined this tour and I am anticipating some crazier posts to come...

Prep Week

The Berkshires. Locals around here are well aware that many New Yorkers come to buy houses here, then come and go as they please. I am staying at the Pilgrim Inn located the town of Lee. Though the the inn has not captured my heart, Pittsfield and Lee are both very lovely towns. The architecture varies from simple New England homes to extravagant mansions too large for one soul to ever maintain, but most likely inhabited by a 3-person family. We also found Moe's tavern. They have some tasty local brew, but sadly no Duff® beer.

Today we had an easy workday organizing gondolas in the

warehouse and fitting puppet poles. I know what you are thinking it sounds easy but there is much to do.

Here are photos of where I am staying. My roommate's name is Blair and she is also on the same tour. We have a microwave and refrigerator, so not to worry.

About to tour

I leave for my tour with the Moscow Ballet soon. I keeping wondering what it will be like. I have nothing to do left yet so I will just have to wonder... Oh, wait! I have to pack!

I am wondering -->