"Nothing Bad - A Werewolf Rock Musical"

We closed out our final show of "Nothing Bad - A Werewolf Rock Musical" at the Hollywood Fringe Festival the last weekend in June.  My Dad was in town to see our final show and we sold out most of our performances which as a new theater was so exciting!

"Nothing Bad" was ranked one of the Top 5 Musicals to see at the Fringe Festival this year and also a 'Pick of the Fringe.'  Our small cast of 10 people really brought it and Erik Blair created a really great script and show.  Dan Sugimoto wrote the music for the show which was a mix of 50's and 80's rock and SO catchy. Thea Rivera was Producing and doing pretty much anything she could to promote the show and make sure that we had people in the seats.  It was a success on all levels.

'Nothing bad happens here, nothing bad that we can see or hear and we've been living here all our lives!'

I play Mayor White, the Mayor of the town who holds a dark secret I don't share until the end of the show.  We've got a couple different stories going on throughout the show that all tie together.  I was so glad Rachel decided to join the show because I had a buddy at rehearsals and I couldn't have done my part without her.  She helped me run-lines before every show and supported me when I felt over-whelmed with everything going on.  Thanks so much, Rach <3

We found out we did get a Fringe Extension Award and I hope at some point my friends who couldn't come to see the show while the festival was going on but wanted to will be able to check it out in the future.

I also got my first ever review, and it was a positive one!  I love what I do but it's really great to hear that other people enjoy your performance and portrayal as well.  It feels really nice when someone waits for you after the show to tell you how much they loved my character.  You can read one of the reviews here: Indie Voice Blog

Mayor White in Perfection, California

Unfortunately we weren't able to pick-up an extension date because our whole cast wasn't available for any of the specific dates they had but this is certainly not the end for "Nothing Bad!"  Thanks to the cast and crew of our show.  This was a different role for me to play and I really enjoyed the challenge of playing such a strong-willed, very political character with a wild turn-around.  You were right, Erik ;)

'Plaid Flannel' Music Video

Neil's Dad turned 60 this past week and in honor of this very special Birthday he put together a music video that was dedicated to his Dad's love for plaid flannel.  He got friends and family of his Dad to send in 'video selfies' of themselves dancing and singing to add to the personalization of the video and this is the final product!

Not only did Neil rap and sing in this video but he was the creative mind behind the lyrics, scenes, and editing!  I had a fun little cameo as well, so if you want to see my old-school dance moves make sure you check it out :)

An Arizona Wedding :)

Over Valentine's Day weekend I headed to Phoenix, Arizona, for my friend, Brad's brother's Wedding.  Todd and Carley were getting married on February 15th, and while it was my first time meeting Carley, I've known Todd for a few years from him visiting Los Angeles.  Plus, Carley's family is from Wisconsin and had a bunch of Wisconsinite's coming to Phoenix for the Wedding so I was looking forward to a fun-filled weekend!

Pizookie!!

I got in on Thursday and that was the night of the Wedding Rehearsal and Dinner.  Brad's parents were having it at this beautiful resort and the meal was just incredible.  Thankfully Brad's Dad, gave me the head's up on the giant cookie that was made to order and arrived in a deep dish pan with ice cream melting on top.  Absolutely amazing!!  

On Friday morning we went hiking in the mountains and got in a good work-out while enjoying the beautiful 80 degree day!  Brad was searching for rattlesnakes and we Go-Pro'd most of the hike but the only wild life we saw was a Jack Rabbit running along one of the mountains.  That night we went over to Carley's family's house where they were having a get-together so everyone had a chance to get to know one another.  A friend of mine, Ned, from college at Winona State University was actually there because he's been friends with her family for years!  I was just happy to get to hold some babies and chat with people from Wisconsin on top of eating more great food :)

Hiking in Phoenix!

Saturday was the Wedding and it was the perfect day for an outdoor Wedding at the Secret Garden Event Center.  The ceremony was beautiful and it wouldn't have been complete without some antics from Brad, offering a shot of Jameson from his flask to the Bride and Groom before handing over the rings.  Everyone loved it!  After that it was cocktail hour and we all made our way into the reception for Dinner and dancing.  They did a scavenger hunt before Dinner got started to see who would get to hit the buffet line first and I ended up being the one chosen to win it for our table.  Unfortunately, it was me against a woman from Wisconsin and I had my hands on that salt shaker but she wasn't going down without a fight and literally threw me around and I was far too worried about falling out of my dress to fight back.  It was all in good fun.  Dinner was yummy and then it was time for dancing and the usual Wedding songs that get every one up and moving.  I was sitting with a few of Todd, Brad, and Carley's friends, so it was nice to catch up with all of them!  After the Sparkler exit for the Newlyweds, Joyce, Mike, Brad and I went out in downtown Phoenix for a few drinks and I think we were all so exhausted it was nice to call it an early night before bar close.

Brad, me, Carley & Todd at their Wedding...Congratulations!!

On Sunday morning, we met up with some of the Wedding Party & Newlyweds as Brad's parent's took us out for our favorite breakfast at Waffle House!  Thanks to Harry & Nancy for letting me stay with them that weekend and taking such great care of me :)  I flew back to LA that afternoon and it was a really nice break from the hustle and bustle here at home.  Plus, the weather was so gorgeous and it was nice to see some friends and spend time with people who remind me of home in Wisconsin. 

Carley & Todd's Wedding brought a WSU Reunion for Ned and I!  Just a little bit of home makes me happy :)

'Babes' Opening Show!

This Saturday was the opening of the show I'm in, 'Babes In Toyland' at the Miles Playhouse in Santa Monica.  It is a Children's Play for ages 11 months to 6 years and families, and we sing, dance, and act, getting the children involved in the fun.  It's running for the next 5 weeks on Saturday's and starts at 11 am and lasts just a little over a half hour.  You can find all the information on the Creating Arts website at: Babes In Toyland

Our cast is small with just 5 people but I really felt like we all lit up the stage once the show started and we heard the kids yelling out answers to what time of year it is and how one would get through snow.  After that, the rest of the show is a blur for me because I felt like my adrenaline went through the roof and the amount of energy I exerted took over and I just remember seeing the happy smiles on the kids faces, and smiling proud parents as their children were dancing and singing along with us.

Showtime for Little Bo Peep, The Toymaker, Mother Goose, Tom Piper and Mary Contrary!

We sing some Christmas songs as well as children's favorites, and a few songs from Nursery Rhymes and I have a couple solo's as well.  Maya was our director, choreographer, and singing coach and she pulled all of us together to bring an amazing show that will continue to improve week after week!  It was almost a let down after the show was over and I went back home and went about my day but thankfully I have 5 more weeks of performances to get my acting fix.

This is definitely a great company to be a part of and I can't wait for what else I can get involved with in the future :)

'Babes In Toyland'

I got it!  I auditioned for the role of Mary Contrary in 'Babes In Toyland' a week and a half ago and found out a couple days later that I booked the role!  When I first saw they were holding auditions I was super excited because I used to watch the movie with Drew Barrymore, Keanu Reeves, and Eileen Brennan all through the Christmas season (and Summer, guilty pleasure) and now I was getting to audition for it.

The audition consisted of a cold-read and song.  When I got to the audition and saw it was a scene from 'Music Man' I got a little nostalgic remembering I had played the role of Amaryllis when I was 14, and sure enough, the cold-read scene was one I did in that exact play, except this time I would be reading as Marian Paroo.  Since the play was a musical, we all had to sing so I chose 'Baby Love.'  I felt great about the audition and knew that it was a waiting game but I was really hoping to be cast.  I sent out a thank you for having me in to audition on Monday and by Tuesday I had confirmed the role of 'Mary Contrary' and was sent the rehearsal schedule, script, and music.

 

My hardly can contain myself smirk...
and this headshot reminds me of Christmas!

'Babes In Toyland' opens in a week and a half, as they have a very quick turn-around and prep for this show especially since it's for The Twinkle Theater.  This show is recommended for children 11 months to 5 years old accompanied by their family's as an introduction to theater.  As soon as I found out the show was for babies, I was totally in!  Of course, I would love for all of my friends in LA to come and see it as well because it is a Christmas/Holiday Show; there's singing, dancing, and acting, and will just be a fun experience, plus I might nuzzle you with a Teddy Bear :)

We've had a couple rehearsals already, meeting the rest of the cast, whom are mostly from the Midwest, ran through the script a handful of times, along with the music, figured out the blocking and this weekend we will probably be running through the entire show considering the following Saturday, November 30th, will be our first performance for the public.  The show runs on Saturdays at 11 am at the Miles Playhouse in Santa Monica on Lincoln & Wilshire Blvd and goes until January 4th.  So we will be performing 6 shows (one of which I will be in Wisconsin for, so someone will be filling my role that week) put on by the Creating Arts Company who will also have other shows running in the same weeks just on different days.

I'm so excited to be a part of a theater show again as it's been 8 years since the last time I did theater.  Singing to each other in rehearsals makes my ears smile, that's how happy I am, to be doing exactly what I love!  I can't wait for our first show in just 10 days!!

You can find out more information about the show and get tickets here:
Babes In Toyland Tickets

Punta Cana! Part 3.

I couldn't believe the trip was almost over and we only had a couple more days in Punta Cana.  After getting sick on Wednesday night after Dinner at the French Restaurant, though I don't believe it was from the food but rather the ice in my Orange Soda, I was more determined to spend time by the pool and get in as many activities as possible.  Unfortunately, my drinking had pretty much commenced, and I stuck with lots of water and perhaps a glass of wine at Dinner or Chunky Monkey by the Pool.

Turtle Head

We stayed by the beach longer than normal on our last full day there, swimming in the water, I took my last dance class (each day was different, so I learned Salsa, Merengue, and Bachata), and read my book underneath an umbrella.  We made our way to the swimming pool that afternoon and all of us had water races, took pictures underwater, and basked in the sun while we floated in the pool.  That night we all went off and did some shopping.  Mom was looking for some jewelry so we bartered with the guy to give us a good deal and she found a bracelet she liked.  I found these super cute little Turtle guys, but there wasn't much else I really liked, so I picked up my painted Turtle and a Punta Cana shot glass for Emily and I's apartment and then met up with everyone and we all played 'Catchphrase' on our last night before we had Dinner.

Last day of Dance Lessons, Bachata Bachata!

That night we ate at the Italian Restaurant and I was able to order a dish similar to Fettucine Alfredo (at this point, I was missing normal food) although I tried all the fun sushi appetizers and gazpacho's they had including watermelon, cucumber, and even beet that was delicious.  But my favorite part of that meal was the giant wheel of fresh Parmesan cheese you had to scrape to get out!  I put cheese on everything I could, from my salad, to my crackers, to my pasta, to my sushi, to my gazpacho soups, and anything else.  After getting sick on Wednesday I stuck with a lot of fruits and veggies too, not eating anything too heavy because I didn't want to worry about not getting to enjoy the rest of the vacation.  Since I've been back in LA I've really been missing the fresh pineapple, mango, and watermelon!!

Mom & I before Dinner :)

We stayed down by the Lobby as long as we could, drinking and playing games and then finally made our way up to the room where a few of us had ordered room service and played Trivial Pursuit one more time before we would head back to the States that following afternoon.

The next morning we all went to Breakfast together, toasting with our Mimosa's to a wonderful vacation.  After packing up my suitcase (rolling clothes was the most genius trick ever) I tried to order a drink at the Lobby Bar since it had Sambuca in it but it was too strong so I stuck with one of my standbys, a Tanqueray & Sprite, which was refreshing, while we waited for our shuttle to take us to the airport.  We got to say our goodbye's to everyone, and get some snacks until our plane arrived and then as we made our way to the tarmac and boarded our plane, it was a bittersweet goodbye to the Dominican Republic.

Our Trip to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic!

All in all, the best part of the vacation was having fun in the sun, getting to order these tropical drinks and spend time with my family while trying new foods.  All that aside, we've traveled to different cities in Mexico on 3 different occasions, and I can't speak for anyone else, but I'd take a trip back to Mexico before I'd head back to the Dominican Republic.  And I'd much rather spend family time with cocktails and games right in good ol' Plymouth Wisconsin because when it comes down to it, it's not where you are, it's who you're with, and I'm pretty lucky to have such an awesome family :)  Thank you to the Wegner's & Wittkopp's for an excellent trip!