Two-Weekers...

...go by so fast!  That's right, folks.  I skipped through Richmond, and now reside in Nashville.  Here's a brief synopsis of our time in Virginia:  Good friends.  Good food.  Good time.

Ok really.  That's not so entertaining.  Here's how it really went down... in a nut shell.

On our only day off a friend, Linda, and I drove to an area just west of Charlottesville and enjoyed a little wine tasting.  And by a little, I mean four different vineyards, each having around 8-10 wines to taste.  Did you know that October was Virginia's Wine Month?  How convenient.  Linda being a Cali native and wine enthusiast, thought the Virginia wines were definitely up to par with California wines.  Between the two of us, we bought back practically two cases of wine, which Linda gladly offered to travel for me.

Afton Mountain Vineyards

UVA's Rotunda on Campus

Afterwards we stopped into Charlottesville for a bite to eat and surprised my BFF and PT school roommie (thanks to Dan).  Before the surprise, Dan gave us a quick tour of UVA.  There is so much history in that state.

Later in the week, Lucy joined me in Richmond for her fall break.  She finally got a peak into what I actually do and was able to meet a lot of my co-workers/cast/crew.  Chelsey and Dan made the trek to Richmond for the last weekend we were playing there.  More to come on that.

PT-wise, I was faced with my first traumatic show-related injury mid-show.  Not only did I feel impressed with my education to make an accurate diagnosis, but she is up and back in the show, practically 100%!  Makes me feel a little more confident in the huge amount of debt I am currently in now thanks to PT school.

BALTO

I was fortunate enough to drive a cast member's car from Pittsburgh to Richmond, instead of taking the company bus.  In doing so, it gave me the opportunity to stop through Baltimore, MD for a couple days and visit some long, lost friends.  In the matter of 43 hours, give or take, I:
 - met up with Katherine, ate dinner at BistroRx and caught up on our lives
 - walked to the Curtis' row home, hung out with Karin and the monster (Brody)
 - had a late lunch with Lee at Nacho Mama's in The Square
 - drove to the Egolfs' residence and had a lovely meal prepared by Elise and Zach
 - caught up with Dylan and Karin for a while before bed
 - walked to Starbucks, Fells Point, etc. around Baltimore with Karin and Brody before having to pack up and head to Richmond.

Unfortunately, we were unable to check this place out.  It is most certainly on the Bucket List for the next Baltimore trip.

It was a fun, jam-packed couple of days, but I was so happy to see everyone and catch up on life after months... or years... of not seeing them.  And, of course, I ate plenty of crab!

High of 46 Degrees

... has NEVER been something I want to hear.  Add a little wind and a lot of rain.  It was then I knew my time in Pittsburgh was through.  Moving on to bigger and better (and warmer) things!  Here are some final shots from our one-month sit. 

My fave PT room thus far! 

Home for a month.

Oldest tavern in Pittsburgh.. technically, since 1892.

Haufbrahaus - Pittsburgh with Marissa

Celebrating Michael & Chris' birthday not a minute too late!

Andy Warhol museum entrance.

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!