Readying for the Road ... News of a Benefit

[mrdreamjeans]

After a very quiet weekend, it’s time to begin thinking of hitting the road again. I never really did unpack one of my suitcases, so I’ll just have to sort a few things out for the trip to the Northeast next week and then rethink the contents of my bags for the first of the “Evita” tour’s two swings to the West when I come back.

I had a near perfect Sunday afternoon. My folks went to the movies and I had the luxury of silence. Dad spends most of his time confused and whiny or watching reruns of “Gunsmoke”, “The Virginian”, “Mash” or “In the Heat of the Night”. Watching any other selection is a battle. Any other time he’s asleep in the chair in front of the television.

Now , since he actually sleeps on the couch in the living room every night, I spend most of my time, when visiting my folks, avoiding the living room. I’m usually in the computer room or in the guest bedroom (both furnished with my belongings.) I keep the doors closed. But Sunday, I sat down at 1pm and read an entire novel from cover to cover before they got back from seeing “Racing Stripes”. I had the stereo playing in the background and the quiet was heaven.

Being a perpetual visitor, whether on the road in a hotel or while visiting friends and family, is tough. I am used to having a space to call my own, filled with my comfortable furniture, books and art. I know what “home” is and how to make one. It is the toughest part of my job ... going without this for long periods of time.

I got an email a couple of hours ago with my travel arrangements to Hartford, CT on the 7th. The company is flying us into Hartford, we’re staying in New Haven and playing Wallingford:) On Valentines Day, I’m headed back to Texas for a few days and then fly to Spokane. My suitcases for the this portion of the tour will have to be packed for 8 weeks. After Spokane, we open two days later in Hollywood at The Pantages, play there for two weeks, then arrive in San Francisco for our run at the Golden Gate. It appears a couple of my livejournal friends are attending our first performance there on March 16. YAY!

My upcoming travel is in and out of Austin. I live half way between the Houston Bush and Austin Bergstrom airports and right now with abundant, irritating road projects, commuting into Houston is to be avoided at all costs. I haven’t even seen three of my closest friends in Houston in the near month I’ve been home, because the driving is so difficult.

I’ll be spending this weekend in Austin again, helping Colleen finish up the projects we began last week and witnessing a new training/communication method that is being used on my nephew. Luckily, the “Evita” management was flexible and made it easy for me to fly out of Austin this time. I thank them:)

I want to mention that the cast and musicians from “Evita” will be doing a benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS in San Francisco on Monday, April 4 at Club Fugazi. It should be a really fun time and I invite all of my livejournal friends and acquaintances to come out in support of a good cause. I’ll post more details as I get them. I plan to participate. That reminds me - as I ready myself for the road again, I should pack music. I better learn something new for my San Francisco musical buds!

Comments

[ciddyguy.livejournal.com]

Having an entire afternoon, or an entire day to read a really, really good book is a rare indulgance, isn't it? Some of my best days are like that.

Speaking of Evita, remind me of when it hits either Spokane or better yet, Portland, if that's still on the itenerary.

I'd love to see it if possible.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

We open on Wednesday, February 23 and close on Sunday, the 27th. We'll be doing seven shows there.

[gotmoof.livejournal.com]

Back in the saddle again, oh you'll be back in the saddle again...

Maybe you need to learn something from Wicked.

And here's hoping the sound doesn't fuck up on the first night in SF.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Amen to that, Ed Earl! :)

[everythingbox.livejournal.com]

Sounds like a semi-relaxed weekend. Where is home by the way? (oh, and email me when you get the chance)

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

My folks live in Brenham, Texas which is about 75 miles from downtown Houston. It's about 90 miles from downtown Austin. It's a town of 13,000 known for making BlueBell Ice Cream and Sealy Posturepedic mattresses:) It's the center of Bluebonnet (the wildflower and Texas state flower) Country in the Spring.

I enjoy the town, but dont' know anyone here other than my parents and folks at the local Dodge dealership. I lived for 7 years in the neighboring town of Bellville and before that wrote for the newspaper in another community in the adjacent county.... all the while performing in shows in Houston and around the country.

Thanks for asking!

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I haven't seen a post in a while from you. I hope you're doing ok. HUGS!

[sflonestar.livejournal.com]

Neil, keep us posted on the benefit. BTW, March 16 will be the show's second performance in SF as it opens the day before. Also wanted to mention that your show must be awfully good. The top ticket price (for a premium orchestra seat) is $162.

[mrdreamjeans.livejournal.com]

Geez! I've never heard of that kind of ticket price even in San Francisco. Even in NYC the top price is $100. Ths sounds like the price for a pair of seats. WOW!