One final week in the 'Burgh

... and here are the next destinations until early July 2012.

It's a bittersweet day in Munchkinland.  We are losing two fabulous ladies, Natalie (Glinda) and Michelle (Nessarose), who are now off to find new adventures outside of Oz.  They are the first of my original cast to leave, and even though it's only be just under 2 months, it is still so sad to say "goodbye" and see them go.  I think I speak for everyone in the company when I say, best wishes for the future and good luck in NYC!

At the same time, Munchkinland is getting two new principals:  Tiffany Haas as Glinda and Emily Ferranti will play Nessarose.  Can't wait to see them take the stage!

Cassie and Louise Take Pittsburgh

From Thursday night (09.15.11) to Saturday morning (09.17.11) I had some special visitors come to Pittsburgh! I met Cassie and Louise in Clemson, SC on my first internship in PT school.  We hit it off hanging out in that dreadful town (OK, so it's not that dreadful but I have my reasons...) and have remained friends ever since.  I haven't seen them in over two years but was delighted when they told me that they would make the 3-hour trek to come visit, tour Pittsburgh and hopefully catch a show!  After their arrival late Thursday night, we stopped off at local bar (The Sharp Edge) to catch up.  Since we're all now licensed PTs there was much to talk about!  Friday morning was when the adventures began.  We started with traveling to the top of Mt. Washington via cable car - The Duquesne Incline.  It is the highest point in Pittsburgh and it has a gorgeous view overlooking the downtown area, Heinz Field, etc.

Afterwards, we found a diner that was featured on The Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives called Dor-Stop in Dormont, PA.  Although we didn't try the Jumbot, their food was greasy, fatty, and delicious!

We happened upon the Ross Park Mall where we did slight damage but had to rush home to get ready for the night's show.  The goal for the night:  WIN THE WICKED LOTTERY!  It occurs two hours before every show, and you can win orchestra tickets for $25, a steal compared to the ticket boxes' normal prices.  Cassie gave the lucky wave of her slip of paper over the pot before dropping it in, and it worked!  She was the first name called.  Two tickets to Cassie and Louise:  $50.  Well that was easy.  I was so excited for them since they haven't seen the show before, and they both agreed that it was a great experience.  Once the show was over, I asked my good friend Ryan if he could give them a kick-butt backstage tour, and he didn't let me down.  I even learned a few tricks of the trade that I hadn't been taught or figured out yet.  To top off the night, we ended up at a cast/crew party where they got to meet some of my coworkers and new friends.

With Cassie and Louise

Pittsburgh Roomies, Marissa and Me

When it was all said and done and they had to depart, I was sad to say "Goodbye!" but so happy I got to see them and share a part of my new life on the road with them.  I do hope they'll be able to return one day and that many more people want to come visit!  If you see the show is coming to a city near you, let me know!  Overall it was a fabulous weekend and I wouldn't have changed a thing... well, except for maybe the chilly weather.  I'm still not used to this 60 degrees madness in September.  Miss you Cassie and Louise!  Thanks for visiting and come back again soon!!!

Arrggh!

What do you get when you combine baseball, hot dogs, and beer while in Pittsburgh?  A PIRATES EXPERIENCE!  I enjoyed it so much, I experienced it twice.  It ain't the Braves, but it'll do!

Day 1:  09.12.11 vs St Louis Cardinals (win): 

With Perlow, Lauren, Michelle, and Fodder

 Day 2:  09.14.11 vs St. Louis Cardinals (Loss):

Mrs. T's Pierogies Race

With Anne, Megan, and Anthony

Au revoir, Canada! HELLO AMERICA!

The last couple weeks have been quite uneventful, especially while we were in Winnipeg.  It's not necessarily the safest of cities to casually walk around, especially alone and/or at night.  Not to mention, our last week there the weather went from a warm and cozy 90 degrees to a frigid, rainy 56 degrees.  It's August (well, now September), people!  I should not be wearing a heavy coat.  There has to be something more exciting going on in that city, but it just wasn't discovered.  My most favorite place was The Forks Market.  You could find all sorts of goodies, restaurants, and dust collectors.  The best was the spice and candy store and the creperie.  I'd go back to Canada for just one moment if I could have another Nanni (Nutella and banana) crepe.  Bless the French, oui?  I mentioned the golden birthday last post, so I added a couple Kodak moments.  I must give Rob Harmon, make-up extraordinaire, all the props on my golden glitter, dramatic look.  He's basically amazing (even if you can't see it so much in these pictures).  A group of us went to see Don't Be Afraid of the Dark.  Now, I love scary movies, but the scariest part of the this one was the ending of the trailer.  So you can save your $15 + popcorn and coke and just watch those three minutes.  Other than a few more outings for birthdays, there really wasn't a whole lot to look forward to.  I was able to see how much of a family this group really is when Irene had NYC listed as a possible stop on her path.  Many of the cast/crew have homes and/or family and friends in the area and were all supportive yet nervous to see what damage she might do.  Fortunately, everyone had good reports, which only made them more anxious to return home to the states.  And I do have to say, there was an overwhelming amount of perkiness around the theatre before and during the last show on September 4th.  

Winnipeg Concert Hall

The Golden Group at Fame for Casey's (in the tiara) Birthday

With Michael at Fame

The Forks Market

Marissa with our delicious Nutella crepes!

Ryan made a friend outside of the stage door.

Enough about Canada.

We've finally returned to the USofA!  Home of 3G and no international fees!  And there truly is no place like home.  What better day to return than Labor Day?  After the flight that seemed to last a lifetime, we've settled into Pittsburgh for the next month.  Everyone seems to be 100% pleased by that.  The city is actually pretty interesting, and the theatre is BEAUTIFUL (photos soon to come).  Not only are the streets still lively after 10pm, but you can even order food past 11pm.  I think I speak for many of us when I say, "I'll take it."  We haven't been here terribly long, so not much has occurred other than unpacking, sleeping, and searching for the nearest Chickfila.  I can't wait to get ahold of some of those waffle fries!  All for now, but no fear, I promise to return... sooner than later!