Cort's Random Rambles

Mark Wahlberg and Flight 93

2012-01-20T16:29:00.002-05:00

There are still the morons who say 9/11 never happened and that the 4 flights that crashed didn't exist. Even back on 9/11/01 hearing that one flight crashed into a field sounded odd, but when the stories came out about what happened on board flight 93, I hole heartedly believed that the passengers and crew fought back against the hijackers. Never doubted for a second that they didn't do anything. Everyone on those flights did something to inform those on the ground what was going on.

Now backing up to a bit of history: Back in 2005, I moved to Pinehurst, NC which is a golfing community in North Carolina. Our church has a 9/11 memorial and had two names part of it, one was in the World Trade Center the other was on Flight 93, by the time I got home I couldn't remember either name and knew I would have a better chance of recognizing the name of the Flight 93 person. I found the name on the list; Deora Bodley; who was 20 years old at the time. Looking further into it, she and I were 10 days apart in age. I found her guest book on legacy.com and contacted her mom. 2 years ago, her mom moved to only about 5-10 miles away from me and I got to meet up with her. Learned a little about her beautiful daughter and among other things.

Fast forward to yesterday and hearing Mark Wahlberg, a well known actor, made a comment about what he would've done if he was on board Flight 93, just made me sick! He apparently was suppose to be on Flight 93 that day, but was not.

"If I was on that plane with my kids, it wouldn't have went down like it did. There would have been a lot of blood in that first-class cabin and then me saying, 'Okay, we're going to land somewhere safely, don't worry."

My question is: How the hell would he have know what he honestly would've done in that situation? There is no way of predicting this! To me it just disrespect to the 40 innocent people killed that day on Flight 93 and to their families and friends. To me it's like a dis-honor to what they really did to fight back and try to gain back control of the plane. Even though he apologized for his statement, it doesn't make it right what he said. And IF he was on board that flight, I am sure we would've heard his name only because he's a celeb, but it probably would've been the same names that we all have learned about who were the stand-outs in the revolt.

The bottom line is....people need to learn to think before they speak, especially about a sensitive subject such as this.

Weight Loss in Pictures

2011-11-21T21:07:00.002-05:00

Well I am now at the 80lb mark, but here's 4 pictures of my weight loss so far. Quite the change between 50, 60 & 75 pounds wouldn't you say?

A Book Review --- Unnaturally Green By: Felicia Ricci

2011-11-21T20:11:00.004-05:00

Yeah I know what you are thinking, it's all about some girl who was in the musical Wicked and I don't care for musical theater or anything of that sort. Well this book isn't like any other one you will read in the memoir department.

I began reading her blog "Unnaturally Green" in March of 2010 and was thrilled when she announced she was putting all of this into a book. After 3 very long weeks of waiting for my copy to come in the mail (and if the book could literally talk; it would've had its own story to tell about getting to me) it was a book I couldn't put down and finished in 3 days! I actually fell asleep reading it the first night.

The book takes you on Felicia's journey of auditioning for the lead role in the mega-hit musical Wicked to the closing night in San Francisco and what the future may hold for this talented young lady. From her first memorable flight in "Defying Gravity" until the curtain came down the final time. You will laugh, you will cry, but you will mostly laugh while reading this. There was a particular part in the book that touched me deeply and probably the most tearful part of the book in my opinion. I would highly recommend this for anyone who is or isn't a musical fan.

To Felicia (if you read this): Thanks for writing this and making me, my mom and my aunt laugh. I know I will never forget your run in San Francisco...partly because I was 3,000 miles away but yet brought you all sorts of luck in whenever I saw the show over my way, you went on as Elphaba...your good luck charm. ;) Plus you made your debut 2 days after my birthday. ;) I hope I am lucky enough to see you in the role one day and hope too that you continue to write. Would buy anything you write, that's how amazing you are! :)

If you like to purchase the book...go to http://www.amazon.com/Unnaturally-Green-journey-yellow-traveled/dp/0615533337/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top and please follow Felicia's Blog's http://unnaturallygreen.blogspot.com/ and http://fivetrickpony.blogspot.com/. Follow her on Twitter also @FeliciaRicci! Thanks for reading!

Wicked Take 7, 8 & 9! Oh My!

2011-11-19T18:51:00.008-05:00

10/15/2011 curtain call

What a weekend October 14 & 15 was! I got to see Richmond, VA again for the first time since moving from there years ago and also see the 2nd National Tour of Wicked! :)

It was so weird driving by our old house in Chesterfield, VA and seeing how much our old street had built up. There were quite a few more houses on the street than when we lived there. After a quick trip down memory lane that was living there we headed off to Richmond.

I didn't have tickets for Friday night's show (14th) and so the plan was to meet up with two pals before the show for the infamous lottery. Which I had a zero success rate at that point, but there were 5 us putting names in and only needed one draw. :) Then the waiting began to see if one of us would be drawn. And it came down to the final 3 tickets, one pull was for some one whose daughter had be drawn and so they dug back in for another name. And they drew my name! Yes I can actually say I won the Wicked lottery! :D Melanie and I had seats in the 2nd row, and hell they could've been on the roof for all I care, but I was seeing the show! :)

After little sleep on Friday night, Saturday was back to the theater for rounds 2 and 3! I had tickets for both shows, but was still helping with lottery for other people. This time was for Jonathan and his grandma and mom plus Melanie to see the show for the matinee, so this time we needed two draws. Dana was lucky #3 drawn; she was also drawn the night before but we didn't need the ticket; and I was the 3rd to last drawn! Yes I again won the lottery! Exciting stuff! :) Between shows some of us got together for dinner, but before that it was lottery again and one of us was drawn for a ticket for Melanie and her pal to go see the show, but more than half of our group was drawn for the night lottery. That day/night I met up with Laura and her friend Teddy, also Samantha and her family came to dinner with us. Her son is the cutest little thing! Samantha and I hung out Saturday night, our seats were in the same section and a few rows apart. Always is fun meeting up with other fans of the show. :)

So onto the performances! All 3 were stellar on the entire cast's part. I did see some understudies; Daniel Torres and Michael McCorry-Rose as Fiyero, Jeremy Duvall as Witch's Father & Don Richard as the Wizard.

Anne Brummel - I saw her in Charlotte in 2010 when she was the standby and ironically during her first 8 show week. All I can say, I thought she was amazing over a year ago, but she was mind blowing in Richmond! What a difference a year can make when performing a role. Her "Wizard and I" continues to be one of my favorites and she was the one that made me start like the song. I finally got to hear her famous "Defying Gravity" growl, not once but twice! So amazing! When she takes flight, her "It's Me" just will send chills down your spine. "No Good Deed" was also amazing.

Anne & I after on 10/14.

I was amazed she remembered me from Charlotte, well partly because I have changed just a tad bit. So so sweet and her comment "You're so tiny!" was one of my highlights. :)

Tiffany Haas - There was something about the way she said her lines when she first came down at the beginning of the show, just told me she was going be amazing in the role of Glinda. She is so full of energy onstage. Having only just joined the cast a few weeks ago as lead Glinda (she was u/s and ensemble before) she had had already developed great chemistry with the cast. Her "Popular" was just flat out hilarious! Her toss-toss she does this limbo action. It was comical watching Anne mimic it. She plays both the ditzy and serious roles to Glinda very well.

Tiffany & I on 10/14.

She's seriously one of the sweetest people you will ever meet. Her family was at the show Friday night and we waited probably 30-45 minutes for her to come out, but she didn't hurry off or anything and took her time talking with us. She loved her gift I gave her.

Daniel Torres/Michael McCorry-Rose - These two played Fiyero, Daniel was on Friday night and Michael was on Saturday both shows. I really was left wondering how good David Nathan Perlow was in the role. These two were amazing for only being understudies. I was just amazed how at they both not only sang but dance and over-all performed. I never get to see understudies and this was great getting to see two of them for the same role. I got to meet Michael after the show on Saturday night and he was super nice.

Dan Pacheco - Ah Boq...I had only ever seen Zach Hanna on the 2nd tour, but Dan reminded me a little of him vocally, but was wonderful in the role. Great chemistry with both Tiffany and Emily, with Emily being new to the cast, they had already developed great chemistry. The only thing different was no one laughed when Dan said certain line that had always gotten a giggle, but I still found myself giggling.

Dan & I on 10/15

He's a sweetie and was fun to talk to even with 9,000 people outside.

Emily Ferranti - My 2nd blonde Nessa and first "new" one with the 2nd national tour. I had a hard time liking her on Friday night and then Saturday it was like she stepped right into the role over-night and was amazing. She's not as mean as some of the past Nessa's I have seen, but brought different things to the role than the past other's I have seen. For only being with this cast for such a short period of time, she had developed great chemistry with the cast.

Emily & I 10/15

So sweet and didn't get "mad" for me not realizing she played Nessa after the matinee. haha I happy I caught her after the night show after a bad picture on my part after the matinee. She was fun to talk to and had asked who else I had seen in the role on tour 2 and of course my first blonde Nessa was on tour 2 also. :)

Don Amendoila - He's my most seen Wizard and was again amazing in the role. Seems to be getting tired of playing it, but still 2/3 performances I got to see of him in the role, they were each a little different. And that's what I have enjoyed the most about seeing him in the role, he's never the same each time I see him. I also saw Don Richard in the role Saturday night and he was another hole can of worms you can say. So different from Don and a little more crazier, but again it was great seeing two different actor's in the part.

Don & I 10/14

After seeing him in the role 5 times, I finally got to meet him! :)

Jody Gelb - I had heard wonderful things about her in the role of Morrible from those who saw her in San Francisco. I was excited that I got the chance to see her in the role and she was wonderful! She's not as angry as my previous 2nd tour Morrible I had seen, but wow I was just amazed at how great she was.

Jody & I 10/14

She's been through so much since coming back to Wicked and she, like Tiffany, had family/friends at the show, but took time with us at the door. Such a sweet lady and after having talked to her for so long before meeting her, it was like talking to an old friend.

The Ensemble - The 2nd tour's continues to be my favorite! They are such an amazing and talented group of performer's. Without them there wouldn't be a show to see, if you ask me. It continues to peeve me when people say they are nobody's and I found myself saying very loudly Friday night that they weren't and they are the best one out there! :) Which some of them heard me say that! :)

Casey Quinn & I 10/14

She's one of the few remaining cast I first ever saw with Wicked. I glad I didn't hesitate to say hi to her. Such a sweetie. She asked about my 2nd tour button I was wearing and where I got it, and I wound up giving it to her Saturday night to keep. :)

Jeremy Duvall & I 10/15

He was the witch's father on Saturday night and took a spill during the corn field scene hince the ice packs in his hands. Very nice and I was surprised he stopped, but it was great getting to meet him. :)

Lindsay Wood & I 10/15

She's actually a swing in the show who covers multiple ensemble tracks. I have seen her in the ensemble I believe each time I have seen the 2nd tour. She was out collecting money for Broadway Cares and allowed me to have a poster after not getting one the night before. Such a sweetie and tiny too. :)

Samantha's Tattoo - My pal Samantha has this amazing tattoo and she gets pictures with each Elphaba she has seen and met. She hadn't done it with Anne, even though she has seen Anne before in the role. I was excited about this and this thing is amazing in person! Well the shock came from not Anne, but from Ryan Jackson who's in the ensemble! Many of the cast members caught a glimpse of it and so did the many people at the door, but Ryan's reaction was completely priceless as you see in the below picture.

Anne & Courtney Iventosch (ensemble)

Anne's pose with the tattoo

Ryan's Reaction...can't tell you how hard we were all laughing!

Anne & Tiffany & I 10/15

It was a wonderful trip to see Wicked and meet up with so many people! :) With a little bit of lottery luck and a goal I set for myself, this trip ranks up there with my favorite to see the show and especially this cast.

If you haven't gotten out to see Wicked, you need to ASAP! You will not be disappointed! :)

Happy Fall Everyone!

2011-09-26T22:23:00.001-04:00

I never seem to update my blog anymore. But Fall is here and it's getting cooler, which I love with a passion! :) Just wanted to say hello!

Ohio State Woes....

2011-05-14T18:59:00.004-04:00

Note: I do NOT pretend to know a thing about sports. But this is my opinion and nothing more.

I grew up in Hilliard, Ohio which is right outside of Columbus. I was born and raised there, both my parents went to Ohio State University; so it's only natural I grew up an Ohio State Buckeye fan. Yes I still very much am. Growing up, the coach of my time was John Cooper; who wasn't the best coach out there. ;) Occasionally we would win against Michigan; but mostly we would have losing seasons. Along came Jim Tressel the year my niece was born and Ohio State has been unstoppable against Michigan only losing one game of the past 10 meetings. They beat Michigan when the two teams were #1 and #2. Not only that we have had 1 National Title come along and been to that bowl game 3 times. :)

BUT....

Ohio State has found itself in the spotlight for issues that are ones that you wish not to find yourself in. The quarterback and 4 other players sold merchandise in exchange for tatoos and now have been suspended for 5 games this season. Which to me and my mom both, we find it stupid. Its their crap, let them do whatever the heck they want to do with it. But basically Tressel liked about knowing about the investigation and found himself in pickle with not only the school but with the NCAA.

So here we go with two completely opposite views of what I think about it all. (NOTE: Sorry if I got the information wrong above. Going off memory)

The fan in me is hoping Tressel will NOT lose his job, but I see what he has done wrong and yes looking at the evidence he does. My whole family is torn at what to think and being pulled in different directions on thinking about it. But < her blog has made me think twice about what the fan in me feels about it all. I know what Tressel has brought to the football program; but what he did and what the player's did wasn't ok, no matter what I or anyone else thinks. I am sure if it was up to the OSU fans; we would definitely keep him as the coach; but I am sure Ohio State will do what they have to in the situation when the judgement comes down in July/August. Ohio State has stated that they will NOT fire Tressel for this; but NCAA could order that they do. Best case scenrio has happened for Tressel which is the 5 game suspension and $250,000 fine. Worst case, he loses his job and Ohio State is stripped of its titles from last year and possibly more stuff.

This season could be the hardest yet for Ohio State in the past 11 years. Waiting this all out will drive me bonkers this summer; but time will tell what's going to happen. And in all honesty, he does deserve to lose his job; BUT as I said I am a fan; and that part of me doesn't want that to happen. ;)

2011 so far!

2011-02-21T14:04:00.002-05:00

< A random picture from this year. :)

I never update this blog anymore and I was good at doing it when I first started it. Ah! Oh well!

Our Florida vacation was just wonderful! Seeing it through Gaia's eyes, I can only imagine how it was when my parents first took my brother and I to Disneyworld. She is still a little daredevil and would ride everything she could get on. The big ride being "Rip Roarin Rocket" at Universal Studios. She loved that roller coaster! Harry Potter at Islands of Adventure was a blast and very real looking. It was a 2-2.5 hour wait for the shops, but hey it was worth it for me! :) I would say the highlight was swimming the dolphins. Discovery Cove is just an awesome place. Yeah its hella expensive, but once you pay for your admit; everything else is free. All the food and drinks you want you can have. The dolphin experience was early in the day and so it was chilly outside, but it was awesome! :) I got to watch Gaia's reaction when she swam in with the dolphin. Magic Kingdom we did on Christmas Eve; my bro and niece's final day; and we were so tired that we didn't make it to 10:00 that night! LOL

My weight loss journey is continuing and going very well! :) I am down 42 pounds as of today and working toward my next goal of 50 pounds. My mom is still not at her magical 30 yet, but she's getting there. I am just amazed at how I have kept at this and come this far. There is no going back for me now! :) I am not sure how far I want to go right now, taking it 20-30lb at a time. Got a ways to go before I am down to a normal weight for my height, but this feels so wonderful! :)

We are headed to New York City April 12th! :) Yes I am very excited and cannot wait to go! My mom and I are doing a girl's trip up there and flying there and back; which will be the worse part of the trip for me! We have so much jammed into 3 days, but its going to be awesome!! :) The first day we are talking about going to Carlos' Bakery aka Cake Boss in New Jersey to sample some of their famous cupcakes or cakes or whatever. ;) Wednesday will be day of sight seeing in the city and WICKED that night. I am so excited to see Wicked on Broadway. It will be my first "sit-down" trip, meaning a non-touring company. ;) Thursday will be seeing the famous American Girl Place in NYC! I grew up on these books and I am finally going to see the store in person. Yes I still have my AG doll. :) And also we come home Thursday; but it will be 3 jammed packed days! :)

So thats all that has been going on. :) Hopefully I will update this a little more often! ;) hahaha

November Flew By!

2010-11-27T20:58:00.003-05:00

I can't believe December starts next week! Wow where has the time gone?! ;)

So November has flown by. My weight loss has progressed very very very well. I am down 18.2 pounds as of today and still going! My goal was to be 20 pounds down by the time we leave for Florida and I only have 2 more to go! :-) So exciting!! :)

Thanksgiving we spent in Gastonia at my aunt's house with our family. Grandpa looked good and was alive and well kicking! Both of my grandparents could tell I had lost weight and was shocked to hear how much! :) My uncle's mom, my grandma Lay, joined us also. 91 years old and doing wonderfully! :) KoKo was just as wacky and nutty when I am there visiting. I took him for a walk and we had to stop 100001 times for him. HAH! He got so mad when I didn't take him the 2nd time and was howling and whining at the door while I was gone. Dinner was fabulous and I watched my intake, but enjoyed every piece of food that there was! :)

So oddly enough I got more of my Wicked mail back this month. Still got a list of some out, but this weekend's ones have a funny story. I got a letter back from Jackie Burns (Wicked First Tour) and I saw the envelope and it was stamped from New York and I was like oh its gotta be from one of the 3 I am waiting for that aren't with the show anymore. I looked and thought of who it was, but looked inside and found the pictures I sent to be signed weren't there. Wasn't until I opened it that I saw it was from Jackie! hahaha Oh yeah, I forgot what I said exactly about me working on my picture taking; but she said it would be bad if she had to fire me a 2nd time. Just wait till I see her in Wicked or another show, I want to mess up big time just to throw her off! ;) Then the 2nd one, I was aware it could be coming, but wasn't sure, but my friend informed me she got her's this week so I was like ok mine was in that same envelope! ;) It took me all day to read the durn letter too, for whatever reason. But I opened it; it came from Libby Servais (Wicked San Francisco/2nd Tour); and I started giggling cause the paper clip I used to attach my letter to the SASE came back! This has happened once before, but I giggled at it happening again. ;) She's such a sweetie, I got her u/s slip from San Francisco too signed! Ah! That was a surprise for me! :) So all of this stuff got put into my ever epanding scrapbook! Wow it keeps growing and growing! :)

So that's it. December I hope flies by and the next thing I know it will be time to go to Florida! Oh yeah, cannot wait!!! :)

October :)

2010-10-24T15:34:00.002-04:00

< Gotta love finding that in your backyard! ;)

October has flown by!!! Seriously I was just in Charlotte again for another musical and now Halloween is this coming week. :-O And plus I never update this blog it seems like. HAH!

So backing up to early October; Kate and I made the track over to Charlotte to see 9 to 5 the musical. :) Before this I had never seen the movie or really heard anything about the musical; and really enjoyed it. Diana Degarmo is AMAZING as Doralee in this show! She sounds alot like Dolly Parton in parts. Incase you don't know who she is, she was an American Idol runner-up to Fantasia back in 2004. :) She is also one of the sweetest people you will ever meet, I was so happy I got to meet her after the show. :) And she confirmed what everyone thinks about Simon Cowell, that he is a jerk! ;) The show also stars Mamie Parris as Judy, who is tiny looking onstage, but her vocally is mighty! She really belted it out in the song "Get Out and Stay Out." She was also very sweet, none of us knew who she played, except for one guy and so luckily she stopped! ;) She said no one ever knows her off stage. ;) Dee Hoty plays Violet and she she also is amazing in the show and like the other 2 very nice. Her family/friends were at the show, but she still took time out at the door, which was wonderful. :)

I cat sat for Kate's neighbor's while they were out of town. The cat is diabetic and has to have insulin shots twice a day. He was very easy to take care of, greeted me at the door each time I came over to take care of him. He was no problems, he ate his meals up and I gave him his shot and it was all good. :)

I got my hair chopped off last week also! It feels great to have my hair cut short again though. :) I like this hairdresser that Kate found and probably will start going to her to get my hair cut. :) I also got my first massage in over a year this week. Ah!!! Heavenly!!! It felt wonderful to get that and I wish I could get one every day! ;) hahaha

Well that is all, minus having some allergy/sick bug for the past week, all has been good. Getting more excited about going to Florida in December and even more so being down 6.5 almost 7 pounds! :)

Bullying....It has to end

2010-10-01T14:09:00.002-04:00

I remember last year hearing my niece was being bullied by some kids at school about who her parents voted for and also her beliefs. I was miffed by it and couldn't believe kids are still as cruel as ever today for one little thing wrong. But now kids are taking it to extreme...

3 teenagers who were openly gay have commited suicide recently because of the tormenting. Its so sad to think that it was that bad they chose to end their life and you can only imagine how bad it was for them to choose suicide. Another bullying story was about a boy in Ohio cheerleading and bully's at school broke his arm over his choice! Hats off to the mother for pressing charges against those who broke this little boy's arm.

In 4th grade; I rode a bus with a girl and also was in the same class with her also, who bullied and teased me the entire year. It was over my front teeth being crooked and my hair color. Two things I couldn't control and daily I remember her asking me when I was getting braces. Oddly enough, that year was when I first went to an orthodontist and didn't get braces until 2 years later. But I have never forgotten what she did and never have forgiven her either, doubt I ever will.

I am thankful for how my parents raised me and never judging some one for the color of their skin, their beliefs, their sexuality...etc. I am not saying its the parents fault that their kids bully, but something isn't right. Bullying played a part in Dylan Klebold and Eric Haris going on a shooting spree that left 13 people dead.

It needs to stop before another family suffers a tragedy....period amen.

Florida here we come!!!

2010-09-26T19:55:00.002-04:00

< Celebrating Christmas with those guys!

So yesterday's blog post about me rambling and being mad about having to choose what I wanted to do and then sleeping on Discovery Cove and blah blah blah....you get the picture!

So basically its a 2 day drive down there; well 6.5 hours from here to Jacksonville, NC and then we are going to stay the night and then head toward Orlando the following night.

Day #1: Kennedy Space Center- How can you go to Florida and not go to the space center? Its educational and I enjoy going there. :) Gaia has never been there and from the website, it looks like they have new attractions to see.

Day #2: Animal Kingdom- My niece loves going to the zoo and so why not go here? I want to see this place too. :) Its got rides there and many things to go see. My brother gets in this night also.

Day #3: Univeral: Islands of Adventure- HARRY POTTER!!!!!! Two words!!!! I was in Orlando the year this Universal was being opened and it wasn't open at the time I was there, I can't wait to go!

Day #4: Discovery Cove & Sea World- Swimming with the dolphins. :) I am not sure how enjoyable this will be for me and my brother; but my niece will love it! Sea World; eh I can live without going; but haven't been to the one in Florida since I was a kid. :)

Day #5: Disneyworld- Mickey, Minnie here we come!!! Gaia has seen Disneyland and now its time to tackle Disneyworld!!! :) 9 years old seems to be the right age to take her there.

Day #6: WHATEVER I WANT TO DO!- Jeremy and Gaia go home this day; which is Christmas day; so its whatever I would like to do. Probably will hit the other Universal park or go back to Disney. Who knows. But we are also going down the coast before heading back to North Carolina.

So there it is! Gaia is coming the 18th; yippee for having to sit in a car for DAYS with her! ;) I love my niece, yes I do, but you get what I mean! ;) hahaha

Here's a ramble riddle for you!

2010-09-25T23:15:00.002-04:00

So planning Christmas trip has become a headache!

Why is that?! I want to do stuff, my brother wants to do stuff and take my niece to places; but some of the crap I don't want to do, but I am trying to be a team player and do what everyone wants to do! Right?! Well now my mother is like you don't have to do everything they do, you can do whatever you want also. Ok that doesn't help the guilt part of that comment! :-/

I wanna see the Harry Potter part of Universal and I want to go to Animal Kingdom, two parks I have never been to. Well my brother wants to go to Sea World and Discovery Cove. Well the last time I went to Sea World was when it was in Aurora, OH and that was ancient times ago! Discovery Cove really looks interesting, but its not cheap also! Plus my brother wants to swim or do something with sharks; IS HE NUTS?! I don't think its swim, lol. Gawd people be nuts to sign a paper to go swim with them! =p Also going to Disney World is must for my niece. We took her to Disneyland when she was 3 and it was mine, her's and her momma's first time ever to that park and this time it will be her first time and my who knows what time! I know she likes Harry Potter, but UGH why ask me what exactly I want to do? SURPRISE ME AT THIS RATE!

Rant over, anyone want to tell me which of these suggestions are the best places to go to???

Where has August gone???

2010-08-22T11:15:00.006-04:00

< My latest project. :D

I never seem to sit down and write a blog entry anymore. I read other people's more than do my own. LOL

Backing up a bit, Gaia's visit was wonderful as usual. We spent the majority of her visit down at Myrtle Beach and then we spent a day, a very hot day, at Carowinds in Charlotte. Gaia had a blast at Carowinds, and I am not too sure she's a daredevil anymore. She was so hesitant about roller coasters and she was never like that. But oh well, I took her on her first upside roller coaster and she liked it but didn't like going backwards. LOL

So Ohio was wonderful as usual, my only complaint is my aunt's heavy smoking! I love her dog to death, though. Don't miss the 7:30am wake-up calls and her scratching at my door until I opened it. ;) She is so full of energy, I have a Jack Russell and people say that breed has alot of energy? HAH! They haven't seen Angel! ;) J/K She's not even a JRT, but she's absolutely adorable!!! :)

So Wicked the 5th time around was totally amazing and the cast I saw was amazing also. I saw the 1st National tour, which before I had only seen the 2nd National tour. This tour has Jackie Burns and Chandra Lee Schwartz as the two witches; both of who are very talented and amazing in their respective roles. Jackie is the newest Elphie to Wicked and she was just mind blowing amazing! I found myself picking my jaw up off the ground after her numbers. Chandra does Glinda so very well and is adorable when she has to be and serious too. I loved her "Popular!" As for Annie's opinion of if she liked it or not, all I got was she liked the books better. But she went and saw the show the following week with her mom, and I never heard anymore. :shrugs: The stage door was so weird for me this time, cause I had ZERO clue who any of the faces were in this cast...really! (SHOCKING I KNOW) Some of the faces I recognized but didn't yell for them to come over, I called it chickening out! ;) If this tells you how bad I am, the person that played Boq (Justin Brill) walked right by me and people stopped him and I was like who did you play? :smacks head: I mean thats how bad it was! Chandra and Jackie came out almost together; Chandra let us all know who she was and who she played, again I never would've known! I found out how terrible I am at using other people's cameras that night too. LOL ;) 3 attempts for this group with Chandra, 3 failed attempts with Jackie and the 4th time some one else took the picture and I got fired by Jackie for my horrible job! ;) LOL Yes she said to me "your fired" after my failed attempts! :)

So since I have been home, my latest project has been putting all of my Wicked mail into a scrapbook. I haven't gotten it all back yet, either! =O Shocking I know, but its filled up 10 pages so far! I got mail back this week, one from San Francisco, and I had just mailed a package to Felicia Ricci and I mailed Libby Servais a letter when I was in Ohio, but put a little package in with Felicia's for Libby, and oddly enough they both were doing their mail the day the package got there! Talk about great timing! hahaha I love the pictures Libby sent me, espeically the one of her and Felicia together. Their ghetto fabulous pictures! ;) I also learned that buckeyes are good luck, and yeah well I will do a blog post about that after I hear back from Felicia. ;) LOL

So that's it! Here are pictures from Ohio. :)

Palmer!! Annie's cat that she's had since we were in middle school! I love her to death!!!

One of many attempts to get a picture of Angel with a bow in her hair. Isn't she cute?!

Our view of the Wicked stage. These seats were pretty awesome if you ask me! Defying Gravity was awesome to see from this view! :)

Me with Jackie Burns!!! Ah she is amazing in Wicked. So talented and so sweet! I could've gone on for hours about how much I loved her as Elphaba, but I cut it down to only 5 minutes! :) Some one that was there had seen Eden Espinosa in Wicked in the same role and told her she was better than Eden. I was like wow! ;) I got a hug from Jackie after I quit rambling! LOL

Me with Chandra Lee Schwartz!!! Amazing onstage and so sweet off. She, thankfully, let us know she played Glinda, cause heck she could've walked right by me and I never would've known it was her! I started to ask if Mariand, the tour s/b, was coming out...but quickly corrected myself. LOL I dunno why I thought the s/b was going on, duh!

Summer Thus Far....And Coming Events!!!

2010-07-09T21:31:00.003-04:00

< Something I did recently, and Anne's was the first one that I got back. :)

Ok so what's been going on since May 30th, when I saw Wicked? Not much! Well kind of sort of, but been trying to keep busy!

A little bit a drama went on and has resolved itself. :rolls eyes: Some of the things that happened and was said, I wish wasn't, but thats all in the past now. :)

So I have been swimming a bit each day, or trying to! ;) Its been so hot outside and so the pool water is either really hot or really cold, but this week it has been just right and felt great! The no diving board thing is fine now, still dive on the side of the pool. :)

So Gaia is coming in 10 days. Am I excited, yes am I not yes! :) Confusifying yet?! ;) I love my darling and adorable niece, but sometimes I could just scream! Who the heck knows what the plans are at the moment, I am really hoping one day will be at Carowinds. :) ;)

So August guess what I am seeing again?! Oh I dunno its a little show called Wicked!!! :) This time via tour #1, which is the other touring company. BUT I heard a very familar face is coming to this tour and will be excited to see her for sure. Annie is going with me and it will be her first time and my 5th! EEK! So excited!!!

I went and saw Rent for my 4th time last night. Great group of performer's and I really enjoyed it! :) The show that is, some other stuff happened that I rather not mention. :shakes head: But it was well worth another 2 hour drive to go see a great show! Rent ranks up there with my favorites. :)

Well that's it. I am worn out and about to climb into bed.

Wicked in Charlotte Take Two!

2010-06-04T19:03:00.013-04:00

This was not planned! It was an idea that was floating around last week and a plan came together when my friend Jessica had the idea to try for the lottery. After getting my "paranoid" family's blessing to go to Charlotte, a plan was set in motion for Sunday! :) I found out during the week that Vicki Noon was out on vacation and the tour's standby; Anne Brummel; was doing the shows and there was a small chance the understudy could have her debut; Christine Dwyer. I was in a win-win situation! I had seen Christine in "Rent" and really wanted to see Anne as Elphaba.

So flash-forward to the lottery, my name was on card #2 and Jessica's was on #4, her lucky number. What it is you show up 2 1/2 hours before the show and put ur name in a drum and they randomly draw names for 1 or 2 tickets for a limited number of seats. (20 seats) Most people put in for 2 seats, so reality they draw 10 names. We didn't win. :( But they said there $40 single tickets available and I looked at Jessica and said lets do it, balcony seats are better than nothing at all! Right? Well we were in orchestra seating I was in row C and she was in row D! Not too bad for $40, eh? ;)

So with 90 minutes to kill before the show, we packed a picnic lunch before knowing it was going to be a long day! :) So we got out the food and put a blanket under a nice big tree by the stage door. We had met with another friend of mine at the lottery, who was going to the show, but she helped us with the lottery. So we had our lunch and watched people drive in. Interesting, you knew if they were in the cast or crew cause they didn't pay. That was the fun part trying to figure out who was who! ;)

So after awhile we started seeing cast come in. I had finished my sandwhich and was just looking around and talking. All the sudden some one came up talking about playbills and sending them back already, and I was like who in the world?! It was Christine Dwyer, the Elphaba understudy! I didn't recognize her with her sunglasses on. It was fun talking to her before the show. I asked, cause I knew there was a tiny chance she could go on, if she knew she was going on and she said no unless something happened, that Anne had been rock solid. =o) No complaints, but I knew my bud Dana would be happy to hear she hadn't missed her debut. ;) So then all 3 of us saw Natalie Daradich (Glinda) pull in, which is hilarious that we all knew her car! Jessica, who had never done the stage door before, goes "She will probably recognize you when she turns around this way." And what do you know, she did! ;) Natalie waved and talked to us on her way in. Asked if we were going to the show and to have a good time. (I swear how strange did it have to look to see people sitting out there at the door before the show) Then Jenn Furman (midwife/ensemble) walked up and knew me (gotta love Facebook) and talked to us. I got a nice hug from her again too. :) Then we saw Erin Wilson (shen-shen/ensemble) pull in and actually parked behind Jessica's car. (guess we were in the VIP area) She asked if we won, nope but we are going! LOL Asked where are seats were, cause I think I said something about getting orchestra seats for $40. Explained that whole thing and she said she would wave to us during the show. :)

By that time was over, it was time for us to start walking back toward the front entrance. We walked in and actually found the cast board this time! I was so THRILLED to see Anne's name up for Elphaba, and she was the only one up there! ;) I was really hoping to see Kristine Reese as Nessa, and got my 2nd chance there! :) So we didn't have to walk far to get to where we walked in. So when they let us we made our way to our seats, all the way down in the front. Of cours the luck I have, I had 2 tall people in front of me! :rolls eyes: For the first time I went down to look at the orchestra pit and got an earful about not taking pictures of the map that's onstage. :rolls eyes: You learn someting new everyday!

And to the show! Natalie was as amazing as ever as Glinda, that didn't change. Her "Popular" is my favorite of all time. She's so bubbly like Glinda should be in the show. Anne, she was just amazing from the moment she popped onstage. I have never been a fan of the song "Wizard and I" but her and Vicki Noon have made me a lover of it. Anne was just amazing and really belted it out during this number. She reminded me a bit of Carrie Manolakos (former 2nd tour standby) in this number. During "Popular" there were bits of Marcie Dodd (former 2nd tour lead) which was great to see. I loved that she did the little squeal in the school room scene following "Popular." Another number "I'm Not That Girl" there are two ways to do the final note and both Anne and Natalie (Glinda does a reprise of it during Act 2) took the note up, rather than do the low note. Which I had never heard before. The finale of Act 1 "Defying Gravity" was just as bone chilling as ever. Anne's voice is so different and unique, I for the first time in tears just about after this song. She really belted it out (as its called). She didn't do the famous growl, but my jaw was still on the ground when she went up in the lift. (side note: many people wondered why Anne was only the standby and what the lead sounded like) "As Long As Your Mine" I swear they need a room! ;) (If you have seen the show you know what I am talking about) But Anne and Chris really need a separate room at the end of this song. ;) They sounded great together. The catfight scene, I always enjoy this part of the show. I had a great close-up of the slap and I loved Anne's witch cackle! "No Good Deed" Anne again was mind blowing and sent chills up and down your spine. When it came time for the song "For Good" I was bracing myself for the bawling song. I didn't do as bad as I have in the past, but still did cry. Anne and Natalie have wonderful chemistry onstage and at this point in the show, is where you really see the friendship between Elphie and Glinda.

Another amazing show! The ensemble of the 2nd tour is one of the best! Truly amazing dancers and performers! They really make the show interesting to watch, and backing up to Erin's comment before the show, both Jessica and I caught her wave during the show. ;)

So of course we hit the stage door again. I am including the pictures from both experiences, since I didn't get any repeats since there were so many people out there. :)

Erin Wilson (ShenShen/Ensemble/Madame Morrible u/s) 5/20/2010

All 3 times I have met her she has been super sweet. :) 4 months of correspondence online, I met her each trip to Wicked, basically. :) I am jealous of anyone that will get to see her Morrible, I wish I can get that lucky! :)

Jenn Furman (Midwife/Ensemble/Madame Morrible u/s) 5/20/2010

It was so funny after Durham, she had messaged me out of the blue on Facebook and said she knew I was at the show, but had to rush out to the store. Met her both times in Charlotte and was really sweet. :)

Chris Peluso (Fiyerio) 5/20/2010

He bolted out after Durham's show, but caught him in Charlotte! Really nice guy! Cute too! When this was taken, I told him I saw he had AC. ;) (Ah the joys of Facebook)Jessica was excited to meet him and was like he touched me! ;)

Natalie Daradich (Galinda) 5/20/2010

She's one of the sweetest people you will ever meet! :) I happen to know her biggest fans out in SF and she kindly let me know had gotten her package. ;) On the 30th, she was a bit embaressed for having shoved a cookie in mouth before coming out. She didn't smell of chocolate, I think Jessica said she smelt like strawberries???

Vicki Noon (Elphaba) 5/20/2010

A bad pic on my part, but she was really nice. She stopped with us again and took a picture with my aunt. :) Her Elphaba is fierce and was better than in Durham.

Michelle London ((She was Nessa on 5/4 & 5/20)) (Phfanee/ensemble/Glinda & Nessarose u/s) 5/30/2010

This was the 2nd picture I got with her, the first one didn't turn out good on my part. She made a really sweet comment about Kristine's Nessa performance. She started to sign her name "Monday" instead of Michelle. LOL

Christine Dwyer (Ensemble/Elphaba u/s--my first Maureen in Rent) 5/30/2010

Really sweet too! Fun to talk to before and after the show. Her, Jenn and Erin all stopped at the same time on this day. She will always will be my first Maureen, so glad I got to meet her and see her in Wicked. :) I got my playbills back from her this week too with a sweet letter! :)

Kristine Reese (Nessarose) 5/30/2010

I had thought I had missed her Nessa all together, so glad I went again. I absolutely loved her again. She came out with a huge smile on her face ready to sign and looked happy to be there. :) She said "Hi Cortney" when she saw me. Really shocked she knew me, but it was great to be a familar face out in the crowd.

Marilyn Caskey (Madame Morrible) 5/30/2010

I had missed her on 5/20 but caught her this time around! :) Loved her Morrible! :) She liked my hair, and at the time I forgot she too is a redhead! ;)

Anne Brummel (Elphaba s/b) 5/30/2010

Finally! LOL Everyone else I know has seen her Elphaba, and I got my chance to see her and meet her! I told her about the package I sent her and said the fist part of it and she remembered it and my name. :) She loved it, she said. I let her know I got her letter and picture from her. :)

Charlotte Playbills and Tickets w/Anne's slip!

On another side note: Felicia Ricci, who is the Elphaba standby in San Francisco, has gone on as Elphaba each time I have seen tour 2 in North Carolina! Weird coincidence, or just luck for her. ;) Remind you, Vicki Noon and Natalie Daradich came from that same company. ;) Hahahaha!

One truly amazing cast and 3 amazing shows! Will miss them when they leave North Carolina.

Wicked in Charlotte!

2010-05-25T12:24:00.002-04:00

< stage view in Charlotte. :) Just about the same as Durham, except on the other side and up a level. ;)

Well another 2 hour drive to see Wicked and was it worth it? Hmmm Duh! YES IT WAS! :o) Nice part has been spending time with my grandparents and aunt and uncle that live over here. After all the crap going on with my grandpa, its nice to see and hear that he's been having good days since I've been here. :o)

So going back to Thursday, we went to the matinee, which meant having to leave here before noon. We ate at Olive Garden, I had just some pasta with butter. I was hungry, but not for Olive Garden really, but that was the closest thing to the theater. ;) More funny, I saw a family there that were sitting behind us at the show. ;) hahaha

So arriving at the theater, its nothing like DPAC. There is no parking deck, the parking lot actually is located where the cast comes out after the show. Which made finding the stage door really easy! ;) Minus the person I asked tried to tell me there were 2 locations they could come out, never did find that other door. ;)

Again it was Vicki Noon and Natalie Daradich for the leads. :) Full cast as its called. ;) The whole cast over-all was better than when they were in Durham. Whatever plagued Vicki in Durham, seemed to be gone! She was just awesome! There is no other word to describe her Elphaba on Thursday. Natalie was equally strong and adorable in her role as Glinda. I absolutely love her Popular. =D Again the entire cast was amazing. :) I can't say it enough.

The stage door was once again a very fun experience. I swear I was the only one out there that knew who any of them were! LOL The family that sat behind us, the little girl is a huge fan of Glinda and I told her before the show that I knew a way that she could meet Glinda after the show, and it was cute she wasn't sure Natalie was Glinda cause she's brunette under the wig. ;) Gotta love kids reactions when they see the cast out of costume. ;) Vicki came out with her hair still pinned and with the wig cap on, which I had never seen before. Of course all the shows I had been to were night shows and not a matinee until this one. ;) Met the same 3 from Durham (Vicki Natalie and Erin) and then 3 new ones. :) (Michelle London, Jenn Furman & Chris Peluso) I should say I saw most of the cast come out. ;) I saw Marilyn Caskey who plays Madame Morrible and Christine Dwyer who's the Elphaba u/s, plus many others. :)

Well that's it! It all came to an end so soon, but looking forward to seeing the 1st tour this summer! :)

Wicked In Pictures

2010-05-10T19:11:00.005-04:00