It's GO TIME!

**this entry was typed and ready to go on Sunday evening...but my internet connection in Portage DROPPED as I was adding pictures...and never came back. so it's been delayed - until I could get to our NEXT hotel here in Eau Claire, WI. So without further delay....

Well, we are officially on the road for Part 2 of Wonka...and that means we LIVED through our tech week. It was a long process...and it probably seemed longer because I was trying to pack up my life for another 9 months and get everything in my personal life sorted out. But regardless of all that, we cleaned up the show...we got all (most? hmmmmm....) of the kinks worked out...we had our invited dress rehearsal and our first 2 'official' shows of the tour...and we packed up the van and hit the road!

A HUGE thanks to all the friends, family and others who made it out to one of the 3 shows over the weekend at Montgomery College! For me personally, a HUGE thanks to those of you who came out to the show...you know who you are! "LTD" - now you understand that magic that is my life. HAHAHAHA! And Audrey - as always, never a dull moment when you're around! Thanks for supporting us even though Andrew is off being a fish or seaweed or something.

Anyway - the fun has begun. We are at the end of day-2 of a 3-day driving schedule - headed for Eau Claire, WI. Along the way, we've been treated to the likes of Sommerset, PA and tonight's selection: Portage, IN. The movies are rolling in the van - books are being read - showtunes are being performed at deafening decibles - and potty stops and Equity breaks are the phrases of the day.

Since it's been awhile since I've posted some pics, the bulk of today's entry is going to be a Photo Catch Up entry! These include awesome pics from our last few days at the KC, our Tech Week and saying good-bye, and the first day of travel. As you will see, the fun really never does stop!
Happy Monday to you all...BE BRILLIANT!
Gussy

L: Tara and Rachel heading to lunch it up on the KC Shuttle. R: Eric maxin' and relaxin' on the same Shuttle Bus.


L: Rachel getting ready to....um....rehearse, I guess. R: Elisa and Katie (our PUPPETMASTER for tour) being WILD and CRAZY on a break.

Just another busy day at rehearsal. Rachel talks to her agent. I study a new script for future projects. Roe...um...fights injustice in the world of the Mario Brothers.

L: The cast and some of the KC Staff ride in the van during our Van Driving Seminar. R: After Eric had his turn behind the wheel, we caught him on one of our other drives...sampling some of the other art around the KC.

A CASE OF THE UNFORTUNATES that Eric and I caught on the KC Shuttle one day. I did the best I could to capture the moment...and not be TOO obvious.

A LOT of hard work has gone into this show....from boththe cast....

and our stage manager.

(SIDE NOTE: This actually was a rough day for Elisa. She whacked her head on a piece of our set. In this photo, she is actually testing her eye-sight....to see if she is going blind or not from the impact.)

You got something to say to Rachel? Say it to her FACE!

Photos from the Wonka/Alice Tour Cast Party! L: Steve (Wonka), Jodi (Wardrobe) and Elisa (Stage manager) enjoy the eats. R: Craig (Technical Director), Graham (The Big Chief Director), and Roe (Veruca) strike a pose.

More PARTAY photos! L: Felicia, Roe, Rachel, Elisa and Jodi strike a pose. R: Felicia, Roe, Me, Elisa and Jodi strike another one. I actually physically picked Rachel up from this picture and removed her. She's standing behind me...kicking me.

L: Graham, Rachel and Dan (Music Director) smile for the camera. R: NO clue what these guys are doing.

MORE party people! Rachel, Steve, Graham, Ingrid (Choreographer), Dan and Jeffrey all say CHEESE!

There was a cake for each cast at the party! Ours was chocolate. It was delicious.

Post-cake happiness by the people.

This is what we define as the wine talking.

Audrey Frace makes a surprise guest apperance at our dress rehearsal! Thanks, Audrey! Great to see you.....

Rachel's Grandma, Janie, and Mother, Sue- Bird, came to all 3 of our shows in the D.C. area over the weekend...THUS tying the Thompson Family for the number of showings of Willy Wonka seen in a season. And...it was only the 2nd day.

It's time to say GOOD-BYE! L: Roe's family stops to pose for a quick pic in front of one of our Ryder trucks! R: Graham celebrates Sue-Bird and Janie on seeing the show so many times, and still coming back for more.

With their work done, the Production Team puts the top down on Ingrid's car and rides off into the sunset.

Travis (Year 1 Spring Technical Director) came back to help us prepare our show to go out on the road. Here, he gives Elisa a quick GOOD BYE hug before he heads home to California...while Steve sits in the van, sharpening his pencils and waiting to hit the road. So many crossword puzzles...and strangely enough, so much time.

Wonka 2006-2007. HERE WE GO!