you get treated like one.
So I have just arrived home from stop number one. All I can say is that life is FANATSIC. I know that not all tours are like this, but if they were I would totally join one tomorrow.
Day 1- Wednesday: I drove from home to Naples…only to arrive at one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve stayed in…well…in a long time. The Naples Hilton had the most friendly helpful staff of any hotel with fabulous rooms. King size bed kitchenette, large flat panel TV, a huge desk and a fantastic bathroom. The view was specacular as well. I met up Andy, our tour Production Manager, and David, the pianist and we went to dinner. We went to the restaurant attached to the hotel “Shula’s”…yes, as in Don Shula owner. The food was phenomenal and the dessert even more fantastic then the dinner. Although not all that eventful, I knew Andy and I were going to have a blast over the next two weeks.
Day 2- Thursday: I woke up to a knock on the door, room service had brought me breakfast, complete with Mimosa’s. I then got ready to head to the venue and meet with Andy again to talk about last minute changes to the run-down. Off we went to the venue. Upon arrival at the venue, we were shown to the Visiting Crew Production Office, were I setup my computer, printer and made myself feel “at home”. Andy did the same. Off I went to call focus. The union crew I had was amazing. We focused everything and cue’d the whole show in under two hours. At this point, lunch was served. Although it was only snadwiches, the spread was incredible. Again, only the best stuff served. We had a rehearsal where Arlene Dahl and Jane Russell joined us. That too went much quicker then planned so we were able to then run the whole show top to bottom and still have extra time. Then came time for dinner and the show. Dinner was amazing, again. The show was sold out. 1497 seats sold for a minimum of $125 a seat. The show was fantastic. We packed up and I just assumed that we were going back to the hotel. WRONG. Off to a VIP reception, complete with hor’dereves and cocktails. When I turned around, there stood Judge Judy…she has got to be on the funniest ladies I’ve ever met! We had a great time. Andy and I then went to the local hangout, I’m not even sure what time we got back to the hotel. Sometime between 2:30 and 3:00a. We had a blast, had a great conversation and were able to learn about each other a little more. I have dubbed him my “gay husband”. Off to bed we went.
Day 3- Friday: After a little sleep and some breakfast, on the road again it was. Only this was going to be an adventure. Ms. Russell had brought with her 10 train cases. She has spent 8 days on a train from LA to Naples, so she brought anything and everything she could. Our problem was we didn’t have a vehicle large enough, for everyone, all there things AND her 9 unexpected pieces of vintage Louis Vitton. So we decided that I would take back with me, luggage and David, the pianist and Albee, the drummer. I was in for a real treat. I was in the car with amazingly talented musicians and I had no idea, until we started to talk about our careers.
David’s career is SUPER impressive… here’s his bio http://www.fournations.org/lewisbio.htm
Albee…spent some time touring with John Denver. There is much more ton him than that, but I have yet to hear it all.
As the tour continues, we will add Robert Osborne and Jane Powell to the tour as well. I can honestly say that I am hanging out with and working with men and women who I read about in books and who changed the course of theatre and film. Its incredible and I’m so lucky..
Stay tuned…there will be more…
first of all, yay! you have a gay husband! congrats!
second, omg, i love someone who travels with 10 train cases. how could you NOT?!?
third, im glad you’re having fun, but you still owe me a visit!