Packing for Nashville

I leave for Nashville in the morning. EARLY morning. Ugh.  But I needed it to be an early flight so I can actually work tomorrow. I hope all the flights are present and accounted for - I have been reading about pals who are stranded here and there due to weather.

Packing is not that fun, you know?? I used to love it as it meant I was going somewhere cool.  Now that I am always going.... well it gets old. Coordinating outfits to conserve space? Check. All my electronic gadgets? Check.  Photos of family and dog? Check. Toiletries? Check. Vitamins and medicines for every possible situation? Check. Books? Check. (Soon I will be able to change this to Kindle but not just yet... C'mon tax check!) Then the rest of the evening thinking - What did I forget? Oh my jewelry box... better grab it now. Oh my emergency cash, better put that in my wallet. This goes on for hours.

I'll be in Nashers for 6 days.  I have to help get everything ready for the NCL Gem cast changeover. The cast starts arriving on Sunday, so I have only a few days to make the contact sheets, send out the "what to do on arrival" emails and get myself oriented before I begin my airport pick-ups.

I'm excited to see some old pals who will be leaving on the Celebrity Summit just after I arrive.  I love seeing dancers and singers I have worked with before.  It's cool to catch up and see how they have changed.  I think they feel the same way.

I'm staying with my good friend and boss, Mindy, for the first few days of my trip.  It will be nice to not just sit alone in a hotel room in the evenings.  I do enough of that while I am there!

I will also be prepping for Shotgun at Orlando Shakes while I am there.  I actually started yesterday so I don't get overloaded with my insane schedule.  I feel bad for my poor ASM who will be on her own at the first production meeting. I am trying to conference call in but I don't know that it will happen. The meeting got moved up to while I am flying home instead of after I get home.  *sigh* Such is life.

Ok, time to finish packing... now... where did I put that luggage scale I got for Christmas? :D

Next stop: Nashville

I leave for Nashville in a week.  This time I am heading in for the start of the NCL Gem rehearsals instead of the end.  I will be picking up the cast members from the airport and getting them installed in their hotel. I'm looking forward to seeing some old faces and meeting the newbies.

I'll only be there for a week and then I have to rush back to Orlando for Shotgun rehearsals. As soon as I open and hand off Shotgun to the resident PSM at Orlando Shakes, I will drive to Ft. Lauderdale to join the Gem in progress.  I don't get to shepherd my cast to the ship like I normally do, but I will be there 2 days later. That will be a little crazy, but such is my life.  Seems I am always running to one gig or another.


I am not looking forward to the cold and snow in Nashville! After all, I live in Orlando for a reason.  But it will be fun to see everyone and I am thankful to have a job at all considering the recent lay-offs at my dear GMP. Now that we have less ships, I will be lucky to keep the Gem, let alone get the other NCL ships back.  I just got spoiled having so many ships last year.  It was a wake up call to go from 4 ships in fall season to 1 ship in spring season.

So my calendar is filling up quickly.  I have the Gem, then Shotgun, then the Gem redeux, a visit to Indiana to see my family and then the looong drive West to work at Utah Shakes all summer. Who knows what the fall will bring, hopefully more work!

It's been forever...

I know, I know.  I AM SO BAD.

I have not posted here in forever.  2009 ended well. I had 4 ships in 3 months and that almost killed me.  It certainly killed my ability to blog.

I met some cool people, I met some sucky people.  One friendship almost imploded but is now cool again. One friendship got a heckuvalot stronger and for that, I am so thankful.

2010 started ok but SLOW.  As of this moment, I have only one ship (I had seven last year).  Times are tough. I might go back to Orlando Shakes for a show.  I am negotiating that now.  I have a possible fundraiser in Phoenix with Nyk, which would be SUPER COOL but would overlap.  I can only have two of my three offers.  SAD.  This always happens to me. 

Talking about going back to my roots this year.  I can't say more because I don't want to jinx it. Could be fun and exciting.  I hope it works.

Dad is still sick. I wish I cold say the prognosis is good but I would be lying.

What else?  Oh yeah... I have lost nearly 50 lbs.  The stress is actually working for me this time. Well that and the 2.5 miles a day of walking. Plus the Wii.  I got the Wii Fit Plus and it had some GREAT upgrades.  I like that you can make a work out that is up to 60 minutes long.

I watched all the seasons of Heroes. I liked it but I hope it gets better.  The first season was my favorite.  I am almost caught up on LOST.  Can I mention that Netflix OnDemand is the COOLEST THING EVER??  Yeah.

Well that is my update for now. More to come.  No really. I might even get around to posting some photos.

xoxo

A quickie for you

Well okay so I have been sucking at updating this lately. I have a good excuse though! I have been at sea for 5 of the last 6 weeks. I went on the NCL Jade for a month - home for a minute and then went to the NCL Spirit.






I have some photos but hubby gave me a new camera and I recently discovered I can't just plug it into my computer and transfer. I have to use his computer because it has a card reader. Yeah, like I am ever at home to use his computer!!!

Anyway, I leave Saturday for the NCL Gem and will be there 2 weeks. Then I am back in Nashville for a minute....and off to the Celebrity Constellation for a month. I know.... no rest for the wicked. That has become my mantra. (Yes, I realize that is a little screwed up....but I am a little screwed up so WHAT??? ) tee hee

Anyway - settle for some random shots of the ships and I will put some of my photos up as soon as I get home and settled. I get home on Nov. 22.

I will try to be better.... its just so hard to blog on the ship because the internet is expensive.

Love one another.....

Crazy times

Ok so I have been in Europe for a while and its not over. I am home for a second but I leave tomorrow and will be heading to Canada, then back to Europe and then to the Caribbean. It should be some insane fun. I will post my NCL Jade photos in the next few days.... soon... I promise....

LOVE LOVE LOVE

Floating on the Sea

Have been on the NCL Gem for a while. Lots to talk about but internet is SOOOO expensive on the ship. Even with the crew internet... it's still $20 for 200 minutes. Have been writing down snippets of info and will paste them all in here. I know.. this is normally for land based stuff but I want to talk about this!

(<== my incoming cast at my birthday party in Nashville!)

Finally got all the info I needed to get my cast on the ship. It was down to the wire! Igor's background check came in just an hour before my deadline. Whew!

It was an odyssey to get ON the ship. Something got mixed up and someone didn't scroll to the right....yes...seriously.. on an attachment.... and anyway, it kept us on the gangway for 4 hours. Just waiting. Finally got it sorted about 20 minutes before we sailed. Sad because Terry was just minutes away and I couldn't see him at all. I was really hoping to hang out, even if it was just in the cruise terminal. but NO.... I will know better next time and I will ensure that everyone looks at every Excel document correctly.....

Transatlantic voyages... this is my third. This is the smoothest I have had. NYC to the Azores. 5 days at sea. Don't envy me. Envy me when I get to the Med. Ahh the Med... I can see it coming. ...not really but in my mind!
(<== almost everyone in this photo is from the outgoing cast...there are more of them but I don't have one picture with all of them!) I am loving the Gem, The outgoing cast are all nice people. Living together in a confined space for 6 months can be taxing. I have been doing exit interviews for two weeks with them. I have not found one I don't like. :)


My incoming cast is a dream. I love them. LOVE. I have been with them now for almost 6 weeks. I can't believe I have to leave them in a little over a week. I am not ready. They are just wonderful. And TALENTED!

I have made a lot of new friends on this voyage. More than other ships, I think, since on here I can go into all the crew areas with my name tag. I actually interact with the crew on a regular basis and they see me in the crew bar! Casino Host, Adrian from Romanian - a friend to the END. I will always stay in touch.


The shows are coming together. The old cast is leaving in a couple of days and my new cast will start opening shows. I will miss the old cast! Oh guys, I don't want to name you all on here. You know who you are. Ports are beautiful. What I have seen of them anyhow. Hope to have some photos to post soon.

I am learning Russian! Roman (Russian) has been teaching me everyday. I am a terrible student but I am trying. He is very patient. I have known Roman since my very first Infinity contract in 2007. Back then he hardly spoke English. Now he is a pro. He has promised to email me to continue my lessons. I also have Igor (Ukrainian) to help me. He's a sweetie pie and has also been patient with me. We will see how long that lasts! Ha ha!

(<== This is Roman Bykov, my Russian teacher, a fierce dancer, and friend to the end.)

Ok enough for now. I will post again near the end of my journey.

Dasvedanya! (Until next time!)

Almost home

I will be home in 3 days and I have a fantastic Goat Cheese Soufflé recipe to share with you. I might have a Chocolate Soufflé recipe by the end of the cruise.... we shall see. The Caribbean is nice but I am ready to be home again.

xoxo

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Angi - Smoke free and Healing for Seventeen Days, 10 Hours and 19 Minutes, while extending my life expectancy 1 Day and 5 Hours, by avoiding the use of 349 cigarettes!

Sorry

Hi guys,

I know it has been a while since I updated. I have been onboard the Infinity and the Constellation for the past 2 months. I will be home on October 30th with new photos and lots to update.

In the meantime, I need a job for Nov-Jan. Anyone have suggestions?

Love ya!

Auditions for Gary Musick Company

LIVE AUDITIONS for Gary Musick Company

NYC Ripley-Greer Studios April 21&22

London Pineapple Studios April 28 & 29

(these audition dates are for the Norwegian JADE--"Smokey Joe's Cafe" etc) This ship will have 4 book shows on it - meaning actual theater and not JUST musical reviews.

Tentative general audition in Vancouver, BC on June 1st. Stay tuned for more info!

SINGERS:
Prepare a ballad and an up-tempo selection in the styles that best represent your vocal ability.
You may be asked to sing selections from some of our shows (music available at the audition).
A pianist (please have sheet music in your key) and CD/cassette player will be provided.
Singers may be asked to return for a callback to include dance movement.
Please bring a picture and resume or C.V.

DANCERS:
Our choreographer will teach challenging combinations including jazz, tap and modern.
Please bring a picture and resume or C.V.

VIDEO AUDITION:
If you are unable to attend an audition, you may apply by video.
Here is what we will be looking for in your video:

SINGERS:
Singers should include both a ballad and an up-tempo. Our shows range from Broadway standards to contemporary and classic pop to operatic arias, so a selection from any of those genres is appropriate. Clips of past performances are welcome. Performance energy and “sell” are also reviewed.

DANCERS:
Dancers should demonstrate an excellent grasp of dance performance from basic fundamentals to difficult combinations. All styles of dance are incorporated into our shows, particularly jazz, ballet and tap. Demonstration of basics such as jetes, pique turns, split leaps, chaine turns, and battements are critical. Tap is also a required skill. Specialty work such as pointe work, adage and tumbling are also very desirable. Clips of past performances are welcome, but please avoid submissions that are solely comprised of competition work. Performance energy, personality and “sell” are also reviewed. Recommended maximum length of video is 5 minutes.
Please send a non-returnable videotape (VHS preferred), CDV or DVD with picture and resume or C.V. to:
AUDITIONS
GARY MUSICK PRODUCTIONS, INC.
885 Elm Hill Pike
Nashville, TN, USA, 37210
Further inquiries can be made at:
615-259-2400
auditions@garymusick.com

Headed to PR

Hiya!

So I am out of here at 3:45AM to head to Puerto Rico and get on the Summit. I'll be there for 2 weeks, cruising the Eastern Caribbean and opening 3 shows. The cast is AWESOME! I love them all and I feel so lucky that they are good, focused and sweet.

Can I just mention that working for Gary Musick Company rocks my world??

Subject change....

Kenzie fell off her bike the other day. 6 stitches in her chin, chipped front tooth, loose molar and lots of bumps and bruises. Poor baby! She is feeling crappy. Send her your love!!!!!!

What else? I'm going to be in Indiana in mid-March so if you can meet for lunch, give me a ring. We will be in a hotel since my sister's house is full and we will have the pup with us. I'd love to see as many of you as possible.

Ok I have to wake up in 5 1/2 hours to leave so I am outta here!

XOXO

Leaving on a jet plane......again

So I am almost all packed and ready to go. Ok, not really but I have all my clothes in a big pile next to the suitcase and I have another pile of toiletries in my bedroom ready to be bagged. I leave in 2 days! Shit! Where did the time go?
True, I was only home for 11 weeks but they sure went by in a hurry! Seems like just yesterday it was Christmas or something. Actually, Christmas seems like a lifetime ago but it feels rehearsal for As You Like It just started yesterday. When in reality the show closed last Sunday.
Oi what a ride we had on AYLI! A million close calls and yet no understudies went on. I dont' know how that is possible. I feel like I held that show together by sheer will. Lucky me to have such a good cast and crew!

So next up is Summit with Gary Musick Company! I am starting to think the like me there! They are bringing me in a week early (hence my jet plane on Sunday) to help out. I will be in Nashvegas for 2 weeks and then on the Summit for 2 weeks. I am going to Puerto Rico! WOOt!!!!!!!!

Here is my schedule.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Roseau, Dominica, St. George'S, Grenada, Kralendijk, Bonaire, Oranjestad, Aruba, San Juan, Puerto Rico

THEN REPEAT (I am doing 2 cruises back to back - that's how we get the shows up.)

The ONLY place I have been to is Aruba and it's sentimental to me because that was my first stop on my first cruise with GMC! Hooray for travel! I am so blessed to have a job that lets me see the world and PAYS me for it. I am telling you, I think about how lucky I am to have this gig ALL THE TIME. (Thanks, MJ for having enough confidence in me to hire me with no experience in the Production Management world!!!)

Some of my pals from my first ship will be out with me.

This is me, Nicki, Jen and Emma (Jen can't join us since she is getting MARRIED!!!!)
This is Andy Lee and me. Oh I love this Duckie right here!
The sexy chic in the center is Kerry! Woot!!

A couple of the singers from the Millennium will be there too, Freddy and Matt. Can't wait to see them!!!!!!

I just got off the phone with Babs - - she is going to be one of the costumers and Erin is my Choreographer! I am surrounded by people that I love! YEAH BABY!


Ok I should run off. Time to get the dog to the groomer. He is getting his velvet pants on - - for those of you who know what means!!!! (It means we are giving him a lion cut - - shaving his hind end!!!!) - - Yes I will post a photo soon!

Anyway, I love and miss all of you - - oh - - I got my Utah offer the other day. I'll blog about that on The Porch later.

XOXO

My trip to the Mediterranean (Millennium fall '07)

Hey all! I have a ton of photos so I have to break them up a bit. This is the first cruise. I had a lot of fun and met a lot of really cool people. Yeah - - I think I will be doing this job for a while!!!!





This was my room. It had a window!

Sail away from Venice. Cold and rainy but still cool!
Dubrovnik, Croatia from afar.

Sunset from my window overlooking Palermo, Italy.

Naples, Italy - we took the Funicular to the top of the city. That's Mt. Vesuvius and Sorrento behind me.
Naples - a cool fort we went to.
A neat piazza - open air shopping center.

The Cosmos (disco bar) all done up for the crew Halloween party.

Ed, Beccy, me, Graham and Dave

Rocker chicks!
Beccy and Ali
Lisa (our Cruise Director)
I was a character from Bettlejuice.

Barbi and me
Alex and Matt
Jordan and Anya
Me in Barcelona, Spain at the Marco Polo statue.

Dave and me in a terrible photo - - we were having fun though! (Gary Musick has just arrived)

Ahhhh Rome.
Vatican Square
St. Peter's basilica
The Parthenon
Trevi fountain

The Coliseum
SPOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A palace in Istanbul, Turkey

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul

I was a queen in Mykonos, Greece.

Mykonos, Greece

Me and Olin with the Millennium in the background.

The windmills in Mykonos.

The cable car in Santorini, Greece.

Donkey jam on the way down the mountain in Santorini.

See the trail I walked down? It's the switchback madness - - I thought I might die.

Abby on the way back to the ship.

I will post show photos next. I also have one more set of photos still on my camera. Opening night stuff. I'll post that later!

XOXO

Hawaii

Okay here is a Hawaii montage!

Hilo, Hawaii on the island of Hawaii (We were so glad to find a Starbucks...okay I was so glad to find a Starbucks!)
Kona, Hawaii on the island of Hawaii - it was cool but I had to jet early so I could go to rehearsal.

(The evening before we cruised past the active volcano Mt. Kilauea. It was really cool, but none of my photos came out. They all look like little red blobs floating in the blackness)

We took a tour of Lahaina, Hawaii on the island of Maui. Oh man is was awesome! We decided the Leannistas (my sewing circle) will be retiring there.





Here's me on the shore line in Maui. It's so pretty there!
This is Honolulu, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. It was fun there. We went to Don Ho's for lunch and I got a few souvenirs.




This is sunset over the bay in Honolulu. We were on the Ocean Deck having a drink as we pulled out of port.

Goodbye Hawaii! I loved you and I will be back for sure!

XOXO