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 :)
