"Are you ready?" "...YES"

ahhh oriuiejrlwgherugjlwrjfnlwgn;wk I'm only up this late because I'm still on a high of emotion with everything that has happened tonight.
Here I am in my hotel bed in Syracuse, NY... one show away from performing at home and thought tonight would just be another night of Legally Blonde- no complaints! :)  I had a friend coming to see the show today who goes to Syracuse and who I've known since high school so I was really excited.
As many know I'm a member of the ensemble but also cover/understudy the role of Pilar. During the first act my castmate who plays Pilar had hurt her ankle and wasn't feeling the greatest about it. Well right before I went on in my track for "So Much Better" our dance captain came up to me and asked if I was ready and I replied "yes". ..and so the adventure began!
No matter how much you may rehearse/watch the track that you're understudying/etc there's nothing like knowing you are going on right then and there NOW- on the fly! I can't even tell you the first thing I thought about. It was a rush of so many different emotions. I had to just keep taking deep breaths and reminding myself to take things moment by moment. I am so thankful to the cast for offering all that they could do to make me feel the most comfortable. My roomie playing Margot and my gurrr playing Serena were a major help since the three girls are with each-other the whole show. I don't know what I would've done without them and I mean the WHOLE rest of the cast being there, giving winks onstage, sitting in the wings just rooting me on. That encouragement went a LONG way and reminded me that I could do it with everyone's help. So many times I looked up and just praised our God for being with me every step of the way as well. Unreal :*)
So I did it! I had a great time and was on this even emotion of really frightened AND really excited. hahahah What is so different about Pilar compared to my track is that with my track I don't have too much traffic to worry about and more costume changes and with Pilar it's very traffic heavy- worrying about who you have to walk around and through at a certain time. It really kept my mind on the go just constantly thinking about the next thing but still staying in the moment w/everyone else AS another character.  I have never understudied before and I honestly think it's an amazing thing to experience and go through. SO it went alright with a lot of people-EVERYONE's help. Thank you, God. Seriously was overwhelmed with happiness and tears.

I had a great time and learned so much in the last couple of hours.
I'm really learning to NOT beat myself up over every mistake made and to keep pushing forward which is a good thing! BUT I am SO happy the original Pilar is feeling better!!! a good good thing!!!

SO one more show in Syracuse, hopefully with no injuries and then I am HOME for a weekend :) I have my mom, dad, some family and wonderful boyfriend and friends to look forward to. I hope they enjoy the show. It's gunna be crazy performing on that Scranton stage!! AHH it's HAPPENING!!!!!... i guess anything really could happen.

Update!

Last time I had a chance to update we had just finished our official opening night in Jackson, MS and was heading to Pensacola, FL. I'm going to try the best that I can to recap my experience so far...

Pensacola, FL
Well let's just say we all were SO happy to be in the warm weather and sunshine even if just for 2 hours before the show. Pensacola was beautiful little beachy town with a really pretty theatre. We were all sad to only be there for one night.

Some of the cast enjoying the beach before the show... 8-)

Chelsea Diggs-Smith who is now a very married Chelsea Hall :) got to see the show!!

It was nice to be there too because it would be the first time I had anyone in the audience to see the show officially. Chelsea lives in Pensacola now with her husband and got to see the show at the theatre and take me out for a drink afterwards on the beach. It was a beautiful night and really kicked off the tour for me in such a good way. She graduated SU the year before me and is doing so well in Florida and has such big plans set up for herself- and she will get it ALL accomplished. She is such a strong woman of God who I look up to so much. :) and she loved the show!!!

Birmingham, AL

Birmingham brought another friend from SU...Ms. Sarah Philabaum :) Performing with friends/family in the audience makes it that much more exciting. I had a good three days there- very lively audiences who were ready to have a good time going BLONDE.

Thanks for coming, Philly <3

6 days in Columbus, OH

some of us @ the Opening in Columbus party 

Well #1 it was AMAZING to be somewhere for a whole 6 days!! When you have sit-downs it's a lot more of a relaxed atmosphere- getting both suitcases off the bus, getting comfortable in the space (both living and stage) and getting to know your local dressers and crew. Columbus is where my roomie Maggie is from which was really exciting for all of us. I think we all love showing ANY family the show! haha Columbus had a good amount going on and the cast had some free time to enjoy it. We got to see a movie during the day and went to places like the North Market which was an inside market w/all different kinds of fresh foods!!! mmmm. It's been one of my favorite stops.OH and how can I forget!?- Columbus took us by LIMO to an "Opening in Columbus" party where everything was PINK including a martini named "Elle Woods"!! THANK you Columbus!!!!

Some 1 to 2 nighters in Mason City, IA-   Sioux Falls, SD-   Ames, IA-   Davenport, IA-            Cedar Falls, IA-   Portsmouth, OH-   Athens, OH

I'm going to try and recall of these the best that I can. This was our first series of one nighters which definitely was tiring. You wake up, get on the bus, perform that night (and sometimes afternoon), go to the hotel and sleep then wake up and do it again! It's really tiring but honestly really exciting. A lot of the places we had no idea WHAT to expect. Depending on the size of the venue would mean how much of our set we could use. Some of the shows would have us changing blocking/set changes/choreo. only a couple hours before doing the show. It brought some stress but honestly a new show each night. Definitely kept it all fresh and fun =) AND most importantly safe. Our dance captain, Shannon is ON it. We're all so happy and blessed to have her as our DC.

Sioux Falls was GORGEOUS. I LOVED the waterfalls. For some reason I expected it to be so cold and dreary and I was so wrong. It has been another one of my favorite spots. Brought great audiences too! ALL wore PINK! hahah

In Ames, IA  "The Salon" treated some of the girls AND boy with some washing and styling before the show. One of the owners knows the writer of the Legally Blonde novel Ms. Heather Hach

Portsmouth, OH- Athens, OH- Kalamazoo, MI- Clinton Township, MI and Fort Wayne, IN

So that brings me to THIS week. Ohio was a good time. I think by now my body's starting to get used to the traveling then performing right off the bus. We've had really awesome crowds and reviews that are just loving the show for the pure straight fun that it is.  Kalamazoo was really exciting because it's the hometown of the Broadway director of "Legally Blonde" himself, Mr. Jerry Mitchell! We were all hoping he'd make an appearance but he couldn't make it (but will be visiting soon!) his family did though and we got to meet them after our last show in Kalamazoo. They enjoyed it!!! What an amazing theatre they had too- I think it sat about 3,200! Beautiful.  Clinton Township brought more families and our show last night in Fort Wayne was filled with a lot of young people laughing loud which gets us pumped!!

So that's been it so far. :)  I'm SO anxious to have my family in the audience soon. With the change in weather I'm starting to think more about the holidays which makes me miss my parents and the rest of my family so much. I just CAN'T wait! This weekend will be more one to two nighters and a weekend in Cleveland (where the boy and my other family will be!!). After that I get to do a show close to SU where I hope lots of my friends and teachers can make it!! dhslkfjhufhlsdkjlkgj that will be SO surreal =D 

~my current prayer: Help me to keep my heart and mind focused on You so that I can walk in Your ways all the days of my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Hope all is well with everyone!

I'm standing here today...

Wow. I apologize for not getting on this more but as you can imagine it's gotten a tad crazy.
Since we left NYC we tech-ed it out in Chattanooga, TN for 9 days and did 2 previews for locals in that area. The Memorial Theatre sat between 2-3 thousand! One of the biggest houses I've ever been a part of.
TECH Week- Pretty much the same as any other tech week but believe it or not a tad bit quicker and productive all at the same time. Though with all the little ins and outs of set pieces moving and flying it is a lot to be aware of than I've ever been used to. ALSO it was then that I realized exactly how MANY and how quickly all of my costume changes are. My "track" in this show has been named THE most difficult/quick moving track after Elle's!!  hahaha CRAZY right?! I've never experienced ANYTHING like this before. There is a whole OTHER show that goes on backstage w/all of the costume/wig changes and shifts. It was definitely a frustrating process for me. I hate stopping and going back especially when I feel like we're doing it for me but a lot of the people working w/us have been a part of the production before and know it takes time. It's a relief just knowing that all that I have to do HAS been done before. phew. So after a few crazy tech runs of the show, a bunch of us changing like no other, we got it! It's almost like another dance we have to learn, take this off, put this on, this wig goes on here- and out to the stage! What's crazy is that dance has to be re-set in EVERY new location because new local crew members are assigned to us in each place. It's definitely taught me to take things lightly- if I go onstage in a skirt instead of pants who will really know?!?!? haha No need to be upset of stuff like that. We have LOTS of shows to do so crazy things are BOUND to happen- which kinda makes it exciting! Live theatre :) hhhaha
So those previews were so fun!! It finally clicked that we were all doing this show... when we hit curtain call for the first preview I couldn't help but BAWL and look up to God. He is SO good and does not fail. It's amazing- I never would've seen myself here in this quick amount of time. I feel like I do nothign but cry anymore haahha but happy tears!!!
After our last preview (and a fun opening party!!!) we left for Jackson, Mississippi the next morning- our first day on the bus! I was one of the lucky ones who got a "swing seat". A swing seat is one of the 5 empty ones that each of s get to rotate in and out of for each travel day. Basically a seat by ourselves in the back of the bus we could lay across. We all slept most of the way and it went by really fast (granted we lost an hr w/the time change). I've always loved road trips so I think I'm going to really enjoy the traveling.
Opening night was last night here in Jackson. I definitely had MORE than a few "wow. this is it" moments. Listening to the pit play this music is unreal- I remember sitting in the Palace Theatre in NYC with my best friend watching thinking WOW. What fun!..and here I am!? Last night was beyond incredible. Watching Nikki Bohne who plays our Elle is such an inspiration. Everyone is SO committed to their roles and SO passionate. I'm so excited for people to see the show :*)
Last night after the show we had a q&a with about 50 girls from a dance studio. I talked to a group of parents who said their daughter was embarrassed to come up to us. I told her I had just seen In The Heights a couple of weeks ago and I was nervous to go to the stage door too... I guess you never lose that feeling of WOW it's THEM up there. I don't ever want to lose that...

So I think I've updated all that I can remember. Things are great- really tiring but really fun. We have one more show here in Jackson (yesterday the house was over 1000!!! unreal) and tomorrow we head to Pensacola, FL. I'll have some of my friends in the audience in these next couple of venues which I am SO excited about!!!!

Thank you, God for this opportunity. I give you thanks in EVERYTHING I do. I am forever thankful and grateful. Hard work and prayer. <3

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/143201-Legally-Blonde-The-Musical-Tour-Reopens-Sept-21-
PLAYBILL :)

http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/chattanooga-times-free-press/mi_8094/is_20100918/legally-blonde-fun/ai_n55292204/

OUR FIRST REVIEW

Time is FLYING!

Wow. I can't believe I am leaving NYC in 2 days! It feels like I just got here!

We had our last rehearsal today and Mr. Jerry Mitchell was there to observe and give notes. It's been an amazing experience to perform/work with people who have been with the show through the workshop and Broadway production. I've been learning so much about the show itself that just seeing it a couple years ago I wouldn't have known. Legally Blonde is a musical comedy that is so cleverly written. I'm so excited to take it on the road with the amazing cast.

I've learned about myself from living in NYC too. It's been a great experience to do things on my own and really feel out the city and see if I'd like living here afterwards...and i would! My mom got to visit last weekend and see where I've been living too which was nice to just have her here. I can't believe I won't see her until November. I know I've gone longer without her during school but I guess because I won't be in one place exactly it'll make it harder haha.

I still have a hard time believing that I'm not going back to SU. It's really hard not seeing the people from my class, people that I've seen everyday for the past four years of my life, all the time. I know we're all off doing our own thing but those people will always hold a close place in my heart. I'm hoping while I'm on the road I'll be able to meet up with lots of them-- and I'm in VA in October which will be great to see my SU people and boy :)

Rehearsals have been going really well. Each day we take steps forward. Yesterday afternoon's run was FILLED with energy! I know it's going to be a GREAT run.

So we have the day off tomorrow to pack/prepare and then we start tech in Chattanooga, TN. All of us have been through tech weeks before but the stories I have heard about TOUR tech are funny. I'm anxious to see what it'll be like haha. LET's GO!!

You can do ANYTHING

Wow. It's been a while! I'm so sorry to neglect you guys. I can't believe I am in my third week of rehearsals in the city already! Time has been flying by and everything is LEARNED!!!! WHOO!!! Time to clean it all up within the next couple of days and run it run it run it before we leave for TN to start tech. rehearsals!

So what's been new? Rehearsing still from 10-6ish everyday except Sundays. This past weekend Jon was able to visit which was much needed. It's so hard to be away from people you care about but when you're finally reunited again you realize it's all worth it. THIS is what we're doing afterall and because we both know what it's all about it makes being away a lot easier and NOT stressful at all. Of course I still miss him though... I'm so blessed. So happy. SO thankful :)

Rehearsals have been great- I'm definitely finding myself in a routine- especially when it comes to NYC stuff like the train, locations and just getting to know the city better. It's all I've wanted in a place ya know? And I LOVE that in Queens where I'm staying there is a neighborhood environment so you get the best of BOTH worlds.

The JUMP ROPING! I mean, I have no one to thank but God himself for the progress that's been made! HA I know that sounds so funny but honestly the first day compared to now- MIRACLE!!! I actually think I'm keeping up pretty well with the number. We had to re-audition for placement/numbers for the number itself and they went well!! I had a moment of just realizing how you really, REALLY CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MIND AND DRIVE INTO. Anytime you think you CAN'T do it/not physically possible/etc. just push that much harder. You'll surprise yourself. So far I have. I keep working hard and it just gets better and better.  Cheesy but true ahha. There's nothing more fulfilling then knowing that your hard work, sweat, tears pay off a bit. I'm really so thankful to God for this opportunity. I've been learning so much from this experience already, jump rope or not haha it's become my little mental thinking place hahah. So far so good-- and if you want to know where I'll be onstage in that number you'll just have to come see the show! ;)

So I have SO much to send back with my mom. I definitely over-packed. Talking with some of the cast who have toured before and they mentioned how we will practically wear the same thing EVERYDAY because we'll be in the bus, usually tired from the show the night before or in the theatre in our costumes. Sounds good to me! Much to give to my mom when she hopefully visits me this weekend :)

We'll be hitting the road so soon. ahfjflsdjfhgdufygdsughjdkjghlsdkughdskjghdkljgh BUT before that. remembering, polishing, cleaning. getting it DONE.

OH update- Jerry Mitchell came to rehearsal the other day! AMAZING

SO happy my SU girls are all here now. It just feels right. I'm meeting great people here but there is nothing like your friends after four years of school. We'll get to spend the next week or so together before we all go our separate ways and it couldn't be more perfect.

keep going, y'all.

Quick Update

My weekend was great thanks to my beautiful best friend! We saw "American Idiot" which was really entertaining and I just LOVE John Gallagher, Jr. Everyone's performances were awesome. SO talented. SO committed. I love watching passionate people perform just- GOOD.  Reminds me of why I really love to do this. There's nothing like seeing a Broadway show. I'm so happy I'm here for a bit to see more shows, hopefully for cheap- I NEED to see "In The Heights".

Today was a really good rehearsal!!! We did our full read/sing through and our director was super pleased which got us all really excited! We finally get on our feet w/more scenes and stuff tomorrow and back to the jump roping! It should be a productive week with hopefully another fun visit this weekend :). I hope. I'm excited and looking forward to it all. God is so good. Had a moment walking through the city today just realizing how much has happened in really a small amount of time. I know He's watching over me and has a plan. I'm forever thankful.

Got to see some of my SU girls today which was needed. We all kind of realized how we're getting older- meeting for lunch in NYC! We talked about doing that our freshmen year at the Caf!!! hahah Just funny how it all works out. Happy that we all have each other out here and for more of us to get here within the next few days/weeks.  :)

So things are great. I'm missing people a lot lately- hope all is well out there <3

To represent me you gotta beeeee..

Legally BLONDDEEEEE
ahhh. That song's been in my head all day and we haven't even blocked it yet. I LOVE this show!

GREAT day today! No train problems. Got to the studio w/enough time to stretch and just NOT BE late hahah. Could you tell I'm excited about that? No but really- our jump roping hour went great today! Progress is being made and we've all only been in rehearsals for 5 days now! Today was definitely the most rewarding- lots of sweat and lots of moving forward! Weeee... my body still KILLS though. Walking down steps is the worst ahaha.
The rest of rehearsal we finished choreographing one of our girl's numbers and had our lunch. Got to experience NYC's "Panera" which is this place called Cosi. It was pretty good-- I miss my Panera though. After lunch we worked more on music. We ran through a bunch but the highlight of the day was "So Much Better". Nikki is doing an amazing job and I got chills as we all joined in with her at the end. AHdljhfugodilgjfldghfsgilfugif! SO crazy! hahahhahah Just awesome. I'm so thankful...<3
aaannnd after that we couldn't stop laughing going over some other songs- lots and lots of fun and a great way to end the day.

Tomorrow my best friend comes into town for the night and we get out of rehearsal a little earlier  :)  SO excited and definitely ready for our day of rest!


one of my favorite scenes in the show :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpFlR5t4WGw&feature=search