Tuesday, June 24, 2014

This is 41

So for the first time in 4 years, I had a birthday in the US. Yes, I was one of the lucky Peace Corps volunteers that had 3 birthdays in Moldova. This being my first birthday back, it was just what was needed. No real fanfare, just nice times with friends. 
The night before my birthday, I got a surprise call from Larisa from my last play. She and Caroline, also from my last play, were near and wanted to take me out to dinner to celebrate. So I got a girls' night out. It was so nice to see the two of them and catch up.
The next morning, Diane came up and took my out to brunch. Our good old fashioned breakfasts, how I've missed those. Came back home and napped after a big meal. Woke up to my roommates cooking me dinner. Steaks marinated in bacon. So the day was spent eating and sleeping. Not a bad birthday to me! 
Small Parts (the one man show) opened. It has been a stressful process but I'm glad it's up and running. There were only 6 performances and now we only have 2 left. The Fringe Festival is an interesting event. It's just constant theatre, but it's rigid. For instance there are 4 shows a day at the theatre we are at. So our show runs an hour and a half. We don't get into the theatre until a half hour before curtain and we have to be out on the dot an hour and a half later. We don't have a huge load in/load out, but there's a lot to do and everyone gets really impatient. It's...an experience.
But then Thursday, my dear friend Andrew took me to the Geffen Playhouse to see their new play and it was a star-studded cast. I went with a group of his friends and we had a blast! We met a bunch of the cast and had fun at the after party and the next day we were splattered all over their website. They were incredibly excited to meet Blythe Danner. I, however, was very excited to meet Scott Foley as I've been a fan of his since Felicity in the late 90's. He could NOT have been sweeter and more gracious and I was just in heaven. Another gentleman in the play was on the TV show LOST and LOVED my tattoo. Take THAT, haters!

Andrew, LOST Actor Eric Lange and me.


The boys with Blythe Danner
Our group with actor, Eric Lange and Marketing Director of the Geffen, Karen Gutierrez.

Me and my long-time crush, Scott Foley.

Floating on cloud nine, I woke up the next morning and drove out to Chino. I met Deb and Jena for lunch as we caught up for 3 hours while watching the World Cup. Well, I watched the World Cup, they couldn't have cared less.

From lunch, I rushed over to the movie theatre to meet Juli and Jason Jones. We decided to go see Jersey Boys, or I should say I requested to see it. The movie was okay. Obviously, the stage show is better, but they did a good job. It was still a great story. I just think they took too long to get to the music and that's why we went. Regardless, it's always a fun time with the Joneses. From there we headed to dinner where Diehl and my friend, Kathryn (and her dog) joined us. Kathryn had been to this place in Chicago and was thrilled they had opened one in Chino so she recommended it. And I NEVER doubt her food knowledge. It was called "Al's Italian Beef". I had a roast beef sandwich covered in provolone and hot peppers and they dip the entire sandwich in gravy. On the side, Diehl and I split loaded fries. It was heaven. For dessert we headed over to a new place called Frost Bites which mixes Ice cream and Italian Ice. A delicious and enjoyable evening.


Me, Kathryn, Lily (the Dog) and Juli.
From there, Diehl and I went, where else? The Cock-A-Doodle. That's right. Couldn't have a birthday celebration without going there. A bunch of our friends me there and I was showered with cards and wishes and it was just delightful. I was very happy to be back in the US.


Jeff, Me, Josh and Diehl.

Diehl and his struggle to cut the Ice Cream cake.

The Gang Back together. 
Had 2 more shows on Saturday and Sunday and got lots of rest and now, it's back to the job hunt. It just never ends. 
Keep good thoughts. And thanks for all the birthday wishes.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

June, the middle name of one of my favorite babies.

Another fun week here in lala land. Friday was the beginning of Pride weekend here in West Hollywood. It was insane. I stayed in the apartment. I had rehearsal Friday night and when I got home I had to park over a mile away. Nothing makes me happier than walking...
Anyway, one cool thing was that I was lying in bed Saturday evening listening to the noise and someone was blaring the Dreamgirls soundtrack really loudly. My roommate, Derek, came home and told me that it was not, in fact, the soundtrack, it was Jennifer Hudson down the street giving a concert. So, I guess that's something. 
On Saturday, I drove down to Chino for the day as my best friend, KT, was in town for the weekend and it was the only day I had to see her. Not to mention, I haven't seen baby Genevieve since she was 2 days old. I would show you pics, but KT doesn't put pics of her child on the internet so I will respect that. She is damn cute though. Trust me on that one. KT and I and her family and friends had a great day laughing, busting on each other, the same old story. I had to leave for rehearsal in the early afternoon and had to get on the freeway to get past the Staples Center before the hockey game let out. It all worked out well and I got everywhere on time.
Sunday morning, Juan and Derek woke up early and made a beautiful variation of Eggs Benedict and made what we called "We-Ho Benedict" which was biscuits, sausage, arugula, tomatoes and poached eggs covered in Hollandaise sauce. It was delectable. They headed up to the Pride parade and I headed to rehearsal. Since the roads were all closed for the parade, a 15 minute drive turned into an hour and a half. Yay. We had another rehearsal for "Small Parts" but I got out of there on time and home in time to watch the Tony's. What a glorious show. Is there a better awards show out there? There wasn't a performance, okay maybe one, that wasn't perfect. (I just don't think that was the best choice to showcase, Rocky). Anyway, Hugh Grant, charming as ever, Audra MacDonald, a legend, Carole King appearing, Neil Patrick Harris stealing the show as always, it was just wonderful. We had a blast watching it. (On a side note, one major gripe: I think we can cut out the anniversary performances i.e. Cabaret, Wicked or the previews for next season and maybe show some tech awards. Let's not forget that without set designers, lighting designers, sound designers, costumers and choreographers, you would not have a show. My two cents)
Monday night I took Ethan, Grant and Chris (Grant's roommate) to see Gruesome Playground Injuries. It was nice to be back at the Rogue Machine Theatre. It just makes me happy there. I introduced them to the tech designer and he showed them around and the set for the new show "Penelope" opening next week. Since they're all theatre geeks and tech nerds, they loved every second of it. They all enjoyed the play a lot. Always nice to be reinvigorated.
Yesterday "Small Parts" opened. It went pretty well considering that was the actual first time we've ever run through the whole thing. George Chakiris came to see it (Bernardo from West Side Story). He looks pretty damn good for his age. So it was another exciting night in Hollywood.
The World Cup starts tomorrow. And yesterday was 4 years since Dad died. It's funny, the one memory i have from that time is the World Cup. My brother John and I were crashing on brother Bob's couch and every morning we woke up to the sound of those damn vuvuzelas from the South Africa World Cup. It was the strangest sound and yet it always made me laugh because it was just so damn weird. It was a terrible time and yet a fun time just having sleepovers with my brothers. A lot has changed in four years. A lot. But those mornings are fresh in my mind. I miss everyone, especially those who aren't in my life anymore regardless of what took them away from me. 
Up next? My birthday! (applause) Plans? Nope. 
Be back soon.
<3