- Published on
After 31 previews and 366 regular performances, Cirque du Soleil’s Paramour played its final performance on Broadway today.
Working in front of house for the past four or five months, I have been an infinitesimal speck in the run of this production.
The show is not groundbreaking. It is not the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. It presents a world inhabited by mostly white people, where people of color never speak. Gay men are the punchline of jokes, and gay women do not exist. Women may be stars, but they have no agency. Even when they can sing, act, dance, and write moving lyrics, their sole function is to be the pivotal point of a love triangle.
And yet, Paramour will always hold a special place in my heart.
It’s my first job on Broadway. It got me into the illusive ushers union. It has inspired me in my quest for physical fitness. Throughout the run, I have made friends with some truly wonderful people who I’m really going to miss spending time with 8 times a week.
Circus invites us to see the world in a more whimsical and playful way. It’s a world where people walk on their hands, fly from the ceiling, and balance roses on their foreheads.
The level of athleticism and artistry of the acrobats is out of control amazing. I have gotten fitter as a result of watching this team of athletes do their thing 8 times a week. They inspire me to be better, work harder. Most of the acrobats are men, but there is one woman who stands out, Gasya Atherton. She is awe-inspiring to watch. Follow her on Instagram for inspirational photos of a beautiful human being being amazing.
The Atherton Twins are astonishing. I understand why people are always moved to try and film during their number. I don't understand the people who are bored during their number. One night I had to stop a woman from watching a fashion show on her phone mid-performance. If two beautiful half-naked men swinging from the ceiling above your head in perfect unison doesn't hold your attention, I don't know what will. To my knowledge, the twins haven't missed a single show. I can't wait to see what they'll do next.
I love Cooper, the Clown. He doesn't speak a word, yet he just about steals every scene he's in. He's always interesting to watch, always on, even when he's not the focus.
I love the unicycle act. I love the dancing in the Calamity Jane number. I love the audible gasp that comes from the balcony when the zombies descend. I love the trampoline act.
The best part of working on Paramour has been finding a community of creative people. Actors, writers, lovers of theatre. People working on fascinating projects and doing what they can to survive in this intense crazy city. Just really lovely people who are easy to have a conversation with.
So, au revoir Paramour. You will be missed.
Working in front of house for the past four or five months, I have been an infinitesimal speck in the run of this production.
The show is not groundbreaking. It is not the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen. It presents a world inhabited by mostly white people, where people of color never speak. Gay men are the punchline of jokes, and gay women do not exist. Women may be stars, but they have no agency. Even when they can sing, act, dance, and write moving lyrics, their sole function is to be the pivotal point of a love triangle.
And yet, Paramour will always hold a special place in my heart.
It’s my first job on Broadway. It got me into the illusive ushers union. It has inspired me in my quest for physical fitness. Throughout the run, I have made friends with some truly wonderful people who I’m really going to miss spending time with 8 times a week.
Circus invites us to see the world in a more whimsical and playful way. It’s a world where people walk on their hands, fly from the ceiling, and balance roses on their foreheads.
The level of athleticism and artistry of the acrobats is out of control amazing. I have gotten fitter as a result of watching this team of athletes do their thing 8 times a week. They inspire me to be better, work harder. Most of the acrobats are men, but there is one woman who stands out, Gasya Atherton. She is awe-inspiring to watch. Follow her on Instagram for inspirational photos of a beautiful human being being amazing.
The Atherton Twins are astonishing. I understand why people are always moved to try and film during their number. I don't understand the people who are bored during their number. One night I had to stop a woman from watching a fashion show on her phone mid-performance. If two beautiful half-naked men swinging from the ceiling above your head in perfect unison doesn't hold your attention, I don't know what will. To my knowledge, the twins haven't missed a single show. I can't wait to see what they'll do next.
I love Cooper, the Clown. He doesn't speak a word, yet he just about steals every scene he's in. He's always interesting to watch, always on, even when he's not the focus.
I love the unicycle act. I love the dancing in the Calamity Jane number. I love the audible gasp that comes from the balcony when the zombies descend. I love the trampoline act.
The best part of working on Paramour has been finding a community of creative people. Actors, writers, lovers of theatre. People working on fascinating projects and doing what they can to survive in this intense crazy city. Just really lovely people who are easy to have a conversation with.
So, au revoir Paramour. You will be missed.
- Published on
It’s a bleak and dismal day in New York. The mercury deigned to get out of bed and rise to 4C/39F, but it’s very seriously considering just going back to sleep and leaving the rest of us to freeze. In solidarity, the rain is cold and wet and alternating between liquid and icy particles. It’s a day for hot chocolates and snuggling under a doona and reading a good novel.
My running training app does not factor in weather. It cares not for snow storms or rainy days or 40C/104F days. The delightful thing is that 10 weeks into my training program for the Brooklyn Half (less than two months to go!), I’m finally at a point where I too am not deterred by the weather. My muscles want to go running. They feel better when they run. Running feels good.
So, even though looking out the window was not enticing for a run, I put on my sneakers, donned a bright pink beanie, and headed to the park.
On a nice day, Prospect Park is filled with hundreds of runners and walkers and bikers and rollerbladers. Today, I counted a grand total of five other people. We all smiled and waved as we passed each other. You’re out in this too! Look at us go!
While humans were scarce, the geese were out in force. Heads down, bums up, they were waddling through the mud collecting juicy worms bought up by the rain.
By the end of the run, my jacket was drenched from the rain, but I felt warm and fuzzy. Running feels good again! 5.5km feels easy again! And like the ducks and geese, I’m celebrating in the rain.
My running training app does not factor in weather. It cares not for snow storms or rainy days or 40C/104F days. The delightful thing is that 10 weeks into my training program for the Brooklyn Half (less than two months to go!), I’m finally at a point where I too am not deterred by the weather. My muscles want to go running. They feel better when they run. Running feels good.
So, even though looking out the window was not enticing for a run, I put on my sneakers, donned a bright pink beanie, and headed to the park.
On a nice day, Prospect Park is filled with hundreds of runners and walkers and bikers and rollerbladers. Today, I counted a grand total of five other people. We all smiled and waved as we passed each other. You’re out in this too! Look at us go!
While humans were scarce, the geese were out in force. Heads down, bums up, they were waddling through the mud collecting juicy worms bought up by the rain.
By the end of the run, my jacket was drenched from the rain, but I felt warm and fuzzy. Running feels good again! 5.5km feels easy again! And like the ducks and geese, I’m celebrating in the rain.
- Published on
Working in front of house at the Cambridge Theatre in London. (Photo by Mercedes Esteban, aka Mum!)
Someone once asked me when I was going to quit front of house and get a “real job”. It may not be the most complex or highly skilled form of employment on the planet, but being a part of ensuring the safety, well-being, and enjoyable experience for up to 1900 people in a room eight times a week is a real job. And one that I absolutely love.
I have worked in front of house, on and off, for over a decade. I’ve been an usher in Sydney, London, and New York. I’ve worked in tiny black box theatres, an opera house (not the Sydney one, though I have sung there with various choirs), and commercial theatres with up to 1900 seats. It’s a job that was my staple through two degrees, and been my constant while I try and get a job on the stage. Australian performer Paul Capsis started out as an usher. As did Caroline O’Connor.
Becoming an usher occurred thanks to a fortuitous happenstance. I was at university in Sydney, and one day was babysitting a cousin in the city. My aunt and I agreed to meet at the MLC Center. I was a little early and saw a sign for the Theatre Royal. I was on the look out for a new job, and decided to go in and ask if they were hiring. I met the delightful Trish Charan, who remains to this day one of the best bosses and human beings on the planet. I interviewed, got the job, and officially left seven years later when I moved to London.
I love getting paid to watch theatre. I love being on a long run and being able to see the same show 8 times a week. On a good show, it’s like being paid to take a masterclass. On a weaker show, it’s a masterclass in how not to do theatre. Terrible shows are when the front of house team really bands together.
On a long run, the show itself (usually) remains the same, but understudies, new cast members, and the audience itself, can make every night new.
The house has a different feel for each show. School groups, groups of pensioners, matinees, Friday nights, shows on or around significant holidays, all impact the feel of the room and the smoothness of an evening.
It’s not always wonderful. Constantly telling people to turn their goddamn phones off and explaining for the umpteenth time, that “No, silent mode is not off. The screen is glowing, therefore it is on. Please. Turn. It. Off.”
Constantly reminding people they cannot take photos or film the show. You weren’t taking a photo of your child. You weren’t just checking a message. WE CAN SEE YOU. STOP DOING IT.
Explaining late seating. Explaining that yes, your 3 month old baby does require a ticket.
Dealing with drunk patrons. Dealing with screaming babies. Dealing with the couple who decided they would just pop forward to the empty seats in the middle of the front row once the lights went down and refusing to move when the latecomers arrive for those seats.
I’ve watched a couple pick each others noses. I’ve heard plenty of stories of frisky couples who just couldn’t wait to get home and thought they couldn’t be seen in the dark (you can be seen, and, yes, we’re watching you). I’ve seen a few people faint. I’ve seen a drunk woman run onto the stage at curtain call. I've helped deal with patrons whose tickets were stolen. I've seen people turn up on the wrong night. I've seen people show up at the finale asking to be let in.
It’s the live immediacy that I love. Hearing the collective gasp of an audience. Seeing an audience erupt with waves of appreciation and joy at the curtain call. Talking with patrons at intermission and hearing their stories. The thrill that courses through the front of house team when there’s a celebrity in. It's not every day you get to sell a program to the Queen of Spain.
The people I’ve had the pleasure of working with make is what makes front of house one of the best jobs. Most are “resting” actors, performers in-between gigs (or still waiting for gigs). There are also researchers, medical students, artists, writers, and retirees. People from all walks of life, all different backgrounds who share a love of theatre. You become close working together 8 shows a week for months on end.
It’s not the most glamorous or well-paid (especially in the U.S.) job, but I love it. If I’m lucky, one day I’ll be one of the white-haired treasures who've been ushering for a thousand years.
Until my job is being on the stage, I'll happily take your tickets, show you to your seat, and join you in celebrating the joy of participating in live theatre. It's one of the most unreal jobs in the world.
I have worked in front of house, on and off, for over a decade. I’ve been an usher in Sydney, London, and New York. I’ve worked in tiny black box theatres, an opera house (not the Sydney one, though I have sung there with various choirs), and commercial theatres with up to 1900 seats. It’s a job that was my staple through two degrees, and been my constant while I try and get a job on the stage. Australian performer Paul Capsis started out as an usher. As did Caroline O’Connor.
Becoming an usher occurred thanks to a fortuitous happenstance. I was at university in Sydney, and one day was babysitting a cousin in the city. My aunt and I agreed to meet at the MLC Center. I was a little early and saw a sign for the Theatre Royal. I was on the look out for a new job, and decided to go in and ask if they were hiring. I met the delightful Trish Charan, who remains to this day one of the best bosses and human beings on the planet. I interviewed, got the job, and officially left seven years later when I moved to London.
I love getting paid to watch theatre. I love being on a long run and being able to see the same show 8 times a week. On a good show, it’s like being paid to take a masterclass. On a weaker show, it’s a masterclass in how not to do theatre. Terrible shows are when the front of house team really bands together.
On a long run, the show itself (usually) remains the same, but understudies, new cast members, and the audience itself, can make every night new.
The house has a different feel for each show. School groups, groups of pensioners, matinees, Friday nights, shows on or around significant holidays, all impact the feel of the room and the smoothness of an evening.
It’s not always wonderful. Constantly telling people to turn their goddamn phones off and explaining for the umpteenth time, that “No, silent mode is not off. The screen is glowing, therefore it is on. Please. Turn. It. Off.”
Constantly reminding people they cannot take photos or film the show. You weren’t taking a photo of your child. You weren’t just checking a message. WE CAN SEE YOU. STOP DOING IT.
Explaining late seating. Explaining that yes, your 3 month old baby does require a ticket.
Dealing with drunk patrons. Dealing with screaming babies. Dealing with the couple who decided they would just pop forward to the empty seats in the middle of the front row once the lights went down and refusing to move when the latecomers arrive for those seats.
I’ve watched a couple pick each others noses. I’ve heard plenty of stories of frisky couples who just couldn’t wait to get home and thought they couldn’t be seen in the dark (you can be seen, and, yes, we’re watching you). I’ve seen a few people faint. I’ve seen a drunk woman run onto the stage at curtain call. I've helped deal with patrons whose tickets were stolen. I've seen people turn up on the wrong night. I've seen people show up at the finale asking to be let in.
It’s the live immediacy that I love. Hearing the collective gasp of an audience. Seeing an audience erupt with waves of appreciation and joy at the curtain call. Talking with patrons at intermission and hearing their stories. The thrill that courses through the front of house team when there’s a celebrity in. It's not every day you get to sell a program to the Queen of Spain.
The people I’ve had the pleasure of working with make is what makes front of house one of the best jobs. Most are “resting” actors, performers in-between gigs (or still waiting for gigs). There are also researchers, medical students, artists, writers, and retirees. People from all walks of life, all different backgrounds who share a love of theatre. You become close working together 8 shows a week for months on end.
It’s not the most glamorous or well-paid (especially in the U.S.) job, but I love it. If I’m lucky, one day I’ll be one of the white-haired treasures who've been ushering for a thousand years.
Until my job is being on the stage, I'll happily take your tickets, show you to your seat, and join you in celebrating the joy of participating in live theatre. It's one of the most unreal jobs in the world.
- Published on
There are performers
Audra, Julie, Bernadette, Liza, Patti, Chita, Barbra, Bette
Whose reputations precede them
“Living legends”
“Broadway Divas”
It’s one thing to watch your heroes on the screen
Over and over again in your living room
To listen to the cast recordings and soundtracks on repeat
But nothing beats the real life
In the flesh
Live performance
There’s always a little fear in seeing them
What if they’re not as good as they are on film?
What if they just don’t got it anymore
You hear stories
When I saw Liza in 2013
Friends warned against even buying tickets
She had a reputation for not showing up
And sure, her top notes weren’t what they once were
But she was breath-taking
And last night
I got to see Bette
When she appeared on stage
The audience leapt to its feet
The love in that room was overwhelming
(Roxy: I love the audience and they love me and we just love each other...)
Can Bette sing as high as she used to?
Does she dance like she used to?
Does she do it like Barbra?
No.
But Bette doesn’t need to be Barbra
She’s Bette
And when you see her on that stage
You know why Bette Midler is Bette “the Divine Miss M” Midler
She radiates warmth and energy and charisma
She's damn funny
And boy does she know how to work a room
The great thing about a show like Hello, Dolly
Is that it’s written for an older woman
It doesn’t require huge belting because
Dolly uses her charm and humor and wits to navigate the world
And you fall in love with her over and over again
The production is sumptuous and gorgeously realized
The costumes border on garish they are so bright
The color palette is like something out of a technicolor candy store
Are we in heaven or in danger of overdoing on sugar?
Jerry Herman’s score is sublime. You can’t help but feel happy
The vocal arrangements gave me goosebumps
Those harmonies just lift your soul and make you want to dance
The gorgeous choreography
Expertly executed by a delightful ensemble
It’s all a visual and auditory feast
That manages to be a wholly separate experience from the movie
It is uplifting and marvelous musical theatre
At its best
It’s not perfect
While there were people of color in the ensemble
I would love to have seen more diverse casting in the supporting roles
The performers were truly terrific, but the overwhelming whiteness is frustrating
I dreamt about the show all night
And woke up still on a high
After a tough few weeks battling a particularly nasty bout of depression
This infusion of light has been desperately needed
So thank you Miss Midler
And your luminous team
For doing what you do
And doing it so well.
Audra, Julie, Bernadette, Liza, Patti, Chita, Barbra, Bette
Whose reputations precede them
“Living legends”
“Broadway Divas”
It’s one thing to watch your heroes on the screen
Over and over again in your living room
To listen to the cast recordings and soundtracks on repeat
But nothing beats the real life
In the flesh
Live performance
There’s always a little fear in seeing them
What if they’re not as good as they are on film?
What if they just don’t got it anymore
You hear stories
When I saw Liza in 2013
Friends warned against even buying tickets
She had a reputation for not showing up
And sure, her top notes weren’t what they once were
But she was breath-taking
And last night
I got to see Bette
When she appeared on stage
The audience leapt to its feet
The love in that room was overwhelming
(Roxy: I love the audience and they love me and we just love each other...)
Can Bette sing as high as she used to?
Does she dance like she used to?
Does she do it like Barbra?
No.
But Bette doesn’t need to be Barbra
She’s Bette
And when you see her on that stage
You know why Bette Midler is Bette “the Divine Miss M” Midler
She radiates warmth and energy and charisma
She's damn funny
And boy does she know how to work a room
The great thing about a show like Hello, Dolly
Is that it’s written for an older woman
It doesn’t require huge belting because
Dolly uses her charm and humor and wits to navigate the world
And you fall in love with her over and over again
The production is sumptuous and gorgeously realized
The costumes border on garish they are so bright
The color palette is like something out of a technicolor candy store
Are we in heaven or in danger of overdoing on sugar?
Jerry Herman’s score is sublime. You can’t help but feel happy
The vocal arrangements gave me goosebumps
Those harmonies just lift your soul and make you want to dance
The gorgeous choreography
Expertly executed by a delightful ensemble
It’s all a visual and auditory feast
That manages to be a wholly separate experience from the movie
It is uplifting and marvelous musical theatre
At its best
It’s not perfect
While there were people of color in the ensemble
I would love to have seen more diverse casting in the supporting roles
The performers were truly terrific, but the overwhelming whiteness is frustrating
I dreamt about the show all night
And woke up still on a high
After a tough few weeks battling a particularly nasty bout of depression
This infusion of light has been desperately needed
So thank you Miss Midler
And your luminous team
For doing what you do
And doing it so well.
- Published on
It was with great sadness today
That I learnt of Amy Krouse Rosenthal's passing
She is (was?) a writer and artist I have long admired
Her "7 notes on life"
Became guiding lights for me
The way she played with words
Made whimsy out of the everyday
The Beckoning of Lovely
My first encounter with The Bean
Money growing on trees
She attempted a collaborative project
A kind of pre-cursor to HitRecord
The movie wasn't great
And she owned it
She said, "this isn't my best work. I'm going back to the drawing board"
And back she went
And wrote wonderful books
And today I read
She has died of
Stupid fucking cancer
In the weeks before her death,
In true Amy KR style,
She penned a letter in the New York Times
Explaining why women might want to marry her husband
Her astonishing ability to capture the magic of words and life
Even as she was dying.
That I learnt of Amy Krouse Rosenthal's passing
She is (was?) a writer and artist I have long admired
Her "7 notes on life"
Became guiding lights for me
The way she played with words
Made whimsy out of the everyday
The Beckoning of Lovely
My first encounter with The Bean
Money growing on trees
She attempted a collaborative project
A kind of pre-cursor to HitRecord
The movie wasn't great
And she owned it
She said, "this isn't my best work. I'm going back to the drawing board"
And back she went
And wrote wonderful books
And today I read
She has died of
Stupid fucking cancer
In the weeks before her death,
In true Amy KR style,
She penned a letter in the New York Times
Explaining why women might want to marry her husband
Her astonishing ability to capture the magic of words and life
Even as she was dying.
In her TEDx Talk, Amy told us:
Always trust magic
Beckon the lovely
(We are all) Connected
Do (Just DO it!)
(Allow for) Empty Spaces
Figure it out as you go
Go to it
Beckon the lovely
(We are all) Connected
Do (Just DO it!)
(Allow for) Empty Spaces
Figure it out as you go
Go to it
And so, we shall.
- Published on
In honor of International Women's Day, here are ten female characters from the world of musical theatre that I love!
1. Babe Williams from The Pajama Game
Doris Day playing Babe Williams in the 1957 movie version of The Pajama Game was one of my first feminist idols. A woman who worked, was in charge of the grievance committee, and wasn’t afraid to stand up to men — even if it cost her her job.
Doris Day playing Babe Williams in the 1957 movie version of The Pajama Game was one of my first feminist idols. A woman who worked, was in charge of the grievance committee, and wasn’t afraid to stand up to men — even if it cost her her job.
2. Charity from Sweet Charity
When I first watched the movie, I was so confused by the ending. She doesn’t end up happily married? Huh?! My grown-up self LOVES the ending. It’s so REFRESHING for a female character to not end up married or with a man at all! Women can be happy and whole people even when not in a romantic relationship!
When I first watched the movie, I was so confused by the ending. She doesn’t end up happily married? Huh?! My grown-up self LOVES the ending. It’s so REFRESHING for a female character to not end up married or with a man at all! Women can be happy and whole people even when not in a romantic relationship!
3. Elphaba from Wicked
Duh! Smart, talented, a little bit different. Animal rights activist. Also possesses magic powers.
Duh! Smart, talented, a little bit different. Animal rights activist. Also possesses magic powers.
4. Celie from The Color Purple
A woman who overcomes the most horrendous circumstances of abuse, poverty, and ignorance. She learns to love herself, and in the process discovers community and empowerment through creative work.
A woman who overcomes the most horrendous circumstances of abuse, poverty, and ignorance. She learns to love herself, and in the process discovers community and empowerment through creative work.
5. Alice Murphy from Bright Star
A vivacious and intelligent woman who is the editor of a journal, celebrates her sexuality, and doesn’t compromise who she is, or who she loves, for the sake of appearances.
A vivacious and intelligent woman who is the editor of a journal, celebrates her sexuality, and doesn’t compromise who she is, or who she loves, for the sake of appearances.
6. Matilda from Matilda
A girl who loves reading and has super powers, Matilda is basically my dream human.
A girl who loves reading and has super powers, Matilda is basically my dream human.
7. Jerusha from Daddy Long Legs
A bright young woman who dreams of becoming “a scientist, a motorist, a suffragette… the class valedictorian, or what else heaven knows…” and discovers that the secret of happiness is learning to be still. Also loves letter writing.
A bright young woman who dreams of becoming “a scientist, a motorist, a suffragette… the class valedictorian, or what else heaven knows…” and discovers that the secret of happiness is learning to be still. Also loves letter writing.
8. Alison from Fun Home
Talented cartoonist who shares her story of realizing she is a lesbian whilst dealing with the trauma of her closeted father’s death. Played by the wonderful Beth Malone who is one of the few Broadway stars I lost the ability to speak in front of. Real-life Alison Bechdel came up with the now infamous “Bechdel Test.” The show was also written by the wonderful Jeanine Tesori.
Talented cartoonist who shares her story of realizing she is a lesbian whilst dealing with the trauma of her closeted father’s death. Played by the wonderful Beth Malone who is one of the few Broadway stars I lost the ability to speak in front of. Real-life Alison Bechdel came up with the now infamous “Bechdel Test.” The show was also written by the wonderful Jeanine Tesori.
9. Frumah Sarah from Fiddler on the Roof
She’s loud. She’s larger than life (I mean she’s dead, but even so). She's a woman unashamedly taking up space and changing the outcome of the narrative because of her presence. And she has one of the greatest vocal lines in musical theatre history... TEVYEEEEEEEEH!
She’s loud. She’s larger than life (I mean she’s dead, but even so). She's a woman unashamedly taking up space and changing the outcome of the narrative because of her presence. And she has one of the greatest vocal lines in musical theatre history... TEVYEEEEEEEEH!
10. Julie Andrews: Maria/Mary/Millie
Ok, Dame Julie Andrews isn’t a character in a musical, but I grew up watching Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music on repeat, and three of her characters were a huge influence on my younger self.
Mary Poppins (from Mary Poppins), Maria (from The Sound of Music), and Millie (from Thoroughly Modern Millie) were all outspoken, forthright women, who sang and danced to make life more bearable and magical. The indomitable spirits of these characters changed the lives of the people they encountered for the better, and enchanted millions of viewers around the world.
Julie is a writer, producer, and director, and comes across the most genuine and wonderful human being on the planet. You don’t even know how excited I am for Julie’s Greenroom.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Ok, Dame Julie Andrews isn’t a character in a musical, but I grew up watching Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music on repeat, and three of her characters were a huge influence on my younger self.
Mary Poppins (from Mary Poppins), Maria (from The Sound of Music), and Millie (from Thoroughly Modern Millie) were all outspoken, forthright women, who sang and danced to make life more bearable and magical. The indomitable spirits of these characters changed the lives of the people they encountered for the better, and enchanted millions of viewers around the world.
Julie is a writer, producer, and director, and comes across the most genuine and wonderful human being on the planet. You don’t even know how excited I am for Julie’s Greenroom.
Happy International Women’s Day!
- Published on
A bunch of people spent Friday
Marking the route
Setting up tables
Putting up signs
The trucks delivered the port-a-loos
Another bunch of people got up early today to set up cups of water and boxes of bagels and apples
Someone wired the PA
Lay the tracking pads
More people still set up tables with the bibs and safety pins and clear plastic bags for personal belongings
All so another bunch of people could run around in a circle
I was one of the people running around in a circle
We convened early in the morning
In a misty Prospect Park
Several thousand people dressed in active wear and sneakers
Ready to run a 4 mile loop
Through the gorgeous, glorious
Prospect Park
The starting horn blasts
We shuffle towards the start line
And we're off!
People cheer on the sidelines
Waving handmade signs
"You got this!"
"Looking strong!"
Clackers click and cowbells sing
(We definitely need more cowbell)
Others observe, bewildered
Why are all these people running?
It's humanity at its goddamn finest
Human bodies of all shapes and sizes and backgrounds hurtling through space
The power of the human spirit
My favorite runners are not the elite athletes that have practically finished before my group has even shuffled past the start line
But the Achilles Foundation runners
People who move with walkers or canes and who have some kind of disability
Assisted by volunteer runners who wear bright orange shirts
The comforting sound of thousands of feet on the pavement
The dogs running in the middle of the park
The cyclists zipping by
Traces of pine scented air, the spirit of the remains of Christmas trees scattered in the gardens
I'm weirdly emotional
It's just 4 miles, a little over 6km. Not much in the grand scheme of things for regular runners
Three years ago this felt impossible
Two years ago this was impossible
One year ago it seemed impossible
Today, I did it.
The end.
Marking the route
Setting up tables
Putting up signs
The trucks delivered the port-a-loos
Another bunch of people got up early today to set up cups of water and boxes of bagels and apples
Someone wired the PA
Lay the tracking pads
More people still set up tables with the bibs and safety pins and clear plastic bags for personal belongings
All so another bunch of people could run around in a circle
I was one of the people running around in a circle
We convened early in the morning
In a misty Prospect Park
Several thousand people dressed in active wear and sneakers
Ready to run a 4 mile loop
Through the gorgeous, glorious
Prospect Park
The starting horn blasts
We shuffle towards the start line
And we're off!
People cheer on the sidelines
Waving handmade signs
"You got this!"
"Looking strong!"
Clackers click and cowbells sing
(We definitely need more cowbell)
Others observe, bewildered
Why are all these people running?
It's humanity at its goddamn finest
Human bodies of all shapes and sizes and backgrounds hurtling through space
The power of the human spirit
My favorite runners are not the elite athletes that have practically finished before my group has even shuffled past the start line
But the Achilles Foundation runners
People who move with walkers or canes and who have some kind of disability
Assisted by volunteer runners who wear bright orange shirts
The comforting sound of thousands of feet on the pavement
The dogs running in the middle of the park
The cyclists zipping by
Traces of pine scented air, the spirit of the remains of Christmas trees scattered in the gardens
I'm weirdly emotional
It's just 4 miles, a little over 6km. Not much in the grand scheme of things for regular runners
Three years ago this felt impossible
Two years ago this was impossible
One year ago it seemed impossible
Today, I did it.
The end.
- Published on
When Aaron and I got married, we figured we'd sort out our honeymoon after we'd moved to New York.
We moved to New York and, less than a month later, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
We've spent the last two and a half years dealing with that little episode.
Early on in the treatment, my social worker at Sloan Kettering told us about the Dream Team. The philanthropic arm of the hospital operates like the Make a Wish or Starlight Foundation programs. She said people often took vacations, or met people they admired.
I knew I wanted a honeymoon with my love. The person who has held my hand through stupid cancer. Who stayed up with me when I was puking or shitting my guts out, who dressed me when my fingernails were falling off, who cooked and cleaned, and took care of bills and insurance and life while I was unable to do so. And after all that, he somehow still finds me attractive and makes me feel like I'm the most beautiful person on earth. He is the most patient, kind, and loving person I know. This guy deserves a nice holiday where he gets taken care of!
We were initially going to go to Puerto Rico. Then my social worker told us it wasn't going to work out because it was too expensive for the dates we wanted. There was a possibility of a place called Guana Island, were we interested?
I googled Guana Island and just about fell out of my chair.
We moved to New York and, less than a month later, I was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
We've spent the last two and a half years dealing with that little episode.
Early on in the treatment, my social worker at Sloan Kettering told us about the Dream Team. The philanthropic arm of the hospital operates like the Make a Wish or Starlight Foundation programs. She said people often took vacations, or met people they admired.
I knew I wanted a honeymoon with my love. The person who has held my hand through stupid cancer. Who stayed up with me when I was puking or shitting my guts out, who dressed me when my fingernails were falling off, who cooked and cleaned, and took care of bills and insurance and life while I was unable to do so. And after all that, he somehow still finds me attractive and makes me feel like I'm the most beautiful person on earth. He is the most patient, kind, and loving person I know. This guy deserves a nice holiday where he gets taken care of!
We were initially going to go to Puerto Rico. Then my social worker told us it wasn't going to work out because it was too expensive for the dates we wanted. There was a possibility of a place called Guana Island, were we interested?
I googled Guana Island and just about fell out of my chair.
this is what comes up when you google Guana Island
Ummm... yes please!
We sent our passport details and the flights were booked. The trip was also organized to allow us a quick trip to Richmond to spend some time with Aaron's parents.
Three flights and a car ride around a large fence at Tortola Airport found us on a small boat headed to Guana Island. Chris, our captain, was a young Kiwi-Brit who had been working in the British Virgin Island (referred to by all the locals as the 'BVI') for around three years.
In the dark, we crossed the bay. A large dark hill loomed in front of the boat.
“That's Guana Island. Of course, if looks much better in the day…”
We rounded what we later learned to be, Monkey Point, and came into a cove. The boat’s spotlight illuminated clear water and white sand. Up the hill from the beachside dock, we could lights illuminating square white buildings.
We were transferred into golf carts and headed up the hill. The road was steep, and even at night the driver went at a terrific pace. We giggled as we drove under a canopy of leaves. It was deliciously warm, and the air smelt sweet and fresh. Where are we?!
The guide took us to our room, Ayegata 2 (named for one of the many islands in the BVI). We were told we would have an amazing view of the ocean in the morning. Dinner was being served in the dining area as soon as we were ready.
Our bags were delivered, and we changed into Guana appropriate dinnerware - collared shirt for Aaron and a long dress for me. In the 1930s, the families and groups of people living on the island lived in tents, had no hot water, and bought in all their supplies by row boat, but “they always dressed up for dinner.” The island now has somewhat upgraded from the tents and cold water, but the tradition of dressing up for dinner remains.
Upon entering the dining area, we were shown the bar.
“It’s an open bar, with an honor system. Sometimes there's a barman, otherwise just help yourself. Just record your drinks in the log.”
We promptly ordered mojitos.
We were seated on a candlelit terrace overlooking the dark ocean. The lovely staff proceeded to serve an amazing four course dinner, paired with matching wines. Carrot soup, followed by a salad bursting with fresh tropical fruits and spicy greens. Crackled pork served with roasted yams, potatoes, and tiny onions bursting with flavor. For dessert there was chocolate coulant, a kind of warm cakey muffin oozing chocolate, paired with strawberries that had definitely spent a good portion of their life in a bowl of icing sugar, and vanilla ice cream.
Throughout the night I kept waking up and looking expectantly out the window. Is it daytime yet?!
We sent our passport details and the flights were booked. The trip was also organized to allow us a quick trip to Richmond to spend some time with Aaron's parents.
Three flights and a car ride around a large fence at Tortola Airport found us on a small boat headed to Guana Island. Chris, our captain, was a young Kiwi-Brit who had been working in the British Virgin Island (referred to by all the locals as the 'BVI') for around three years.
In the dark, we crossed the bay. A large dark hill loomed in front of the boat.
“That's Guana Island. Of course, if looks much better in the day…”
We rounded what we later learned to be, Monkey Point, and came into a cove. The boat’s spotlight illuminated clear water and white sand. Up the hill from the beachside dock, we could lights illuminating square white buildings.
We were transferred into golf carts and headed up the hill. The road was steep, and even at night the driver went at a terrific pace. We giggled as we drove under a canopy of leaves. It was deliciously warm, and the air smelt sweet and fresh. Where are we?!
The guide took us to our room, Ayegata 2 (named for one of the many islands in the BVI). We were told we would have an amazing view of the ocean in the morning. Dinner was being served in the dining area as soon as we were ready.
Our bags were delivered, and we changed into Guana appropriate dinnerware - collared shirt for Aaron and a long dress for me. In the 1930s, the families and groups of people living on the island lived in tents, had no hot water, and bought in all their supplies by row boat, but “they always dressed up for dinner.” The island now has somewhat upgraded from the tents and cold water, but the tradition of dressing up for dinner remains.
Upon entering the dining area, we were shown the bar.
“It’s an open bar, with an honor system. Sometimes there's a barman, otherwise just help yourself. Just record your drinks in the log.”
We promptly ordered mojitos.
We were seated on a candlelit terrace overlooking the dark ocean. The lovely staff proceeded to serve an amazing four course dinner, paired with matching wines. Carrot soup, followed by a salad bursting with fresh tropical fruits and spicy greens. Crackled pork served with roasted yams, potatoes, and tiny onions bursting with flavor. For dessert there was chocolate coulant, a kind of warm cakey muffin oozing chocolate, paired with strawberries that had definitely spent a good portion of their life in a bowl of icing sugar, and vanilla ice cream.
Throughout the night I kept waking up and looking expectantly out the window. Is it daytime yet?!
View from our room
When we awoke, a calm blue ocean stretched out in front of us.
Breakfast consisted of cheese, cured meats, and fresh fruit. There were also options for cereal, granola, yogurt, and hot breakfast with eggs of your choice cooked to order.
After breakfast, we were taken on a tour of the facilities, and signed up for various activities.
Before hitting the beach, we decided to do one of the many hikes that have been mapped out on the island. The Pyramid Trail started right outside our room, and promised great views and a trip to the rock the island is named for.
The trail was marked as easy, and we both became slightly unnerved at the island's ranking. The path was steep, rocky, narrow, and surprisingly challenging.
Breakfast consisted of cheese, cured meats, and fresh fruit. There were also options for cereal, granola, yogurt, and hot breakfast with eggs of your choice cooked to order.
After breakfast, we were taken on a tour of the facilities, and signed up for various activities.
Before hitting the beach, we decided to do one of the many hikes that have been mapped out on the island. The Pyramid Trail started right outside our room, and promised great views and a trip to the rock the island is named for.
The trail was marked as easy, and we both became slightly unnerved at the island's ranking. The path was steep, rocky, narrow, and surprisingly challenging.
All around us were beautiful trees, red turpentines, feathery tamarinds, and nest-like remnants of orchid plants. The dry climate is perfect for cacti, tall Organ Pipes and squat Turk's Caps. Dotted amongst the trees and cacti were an amazing array of bromeliads. Tiny lizards scuttled underfoot, and brown doves flitted in and out of the trees.
Half-way along we came to the edge of the island and the famed Iguana Rock for which is the island is named (we never did find out why the 'I' was dropped). Aaron, being a mountain goat, scampered down to check out the rocks further below. I stayed at the top taking panoramic pictures and trying to ignore my vertigo.
The path looped around the other side of the island. Aaron, who had become expert at spotting lizards, found our first real life iguana, a large pre-historic looking creature who scuttled away after we filmed it bobbing its head. We also spotted several common doves, and a tiny luminescent-green hummingbird with a long hook-shape beak.
Half-way along we came to the edge of the island and the famed Iguana Rock for which is the island is named (we never did find out why the 'I' was dropped). Aaron, being a mountain goat, scampered down to check out the rocks further below. I stayed at the top taking panoramic pictures and trying to ignore my vertigo.
The path looped around the other side of the island. Aaron, who had become expert at spotting lizards, found our first real life iguana, a large pre-historic looking creature who scuttled away after we filmed it bobbing its head. We also spotted several common doves, and a tiny luminescent-green hummingbird with a long hook-shape beak.
The beach
Down on the beach, the air was warm, the water was crystal clear and inviting, and pelicans and brown boobys were nose-diving for fish. Aaron decided to take out one of the small sailboats, and I went for a swim. It was fun to be surrounded by tiny silvery fish and the occasional larger fish with a yellow stripe down its side. We found a hammock hanging beneath some palm trees, and I’m pleased to report it was in perfect working order.
All that activity meant we were starving again. Lunch was a buffet affair, with fresh fish, porchetta, braised bok choy, several different salads all topped with fresh fruit, cous cous salads, bread… We were ready to leave the table when the waitress bought out dessert - orange cake topped with orange slices and mango sorbet. I hope you’re catching on that the food was really out of this world amazing.
In the afternoon we went on an Orchard Tour. Led by the resident botanic expert Vernon, we wandered around the large orchard learning about the cycles of papaya, bananas, mangos, bread fruit, and a whole array of fruits and vegetables. Vernon studied agriculture and agricultural tourism in Cuba, and has been applying organic and sustainable farming practices to the orchard for the past few years.
All that activity meant we were starving again. Lunch was a buffet affair, with fresh fish, porchetta, braised bok choy, several different salads all topped with fresh fruit, cous cous salads, bread… We were ready to leave the table when the waitress bought out dessert - orange cake topped with orange slices and mango sorbet. I hope you’re catching on that the food was really out of this world amazing.
In the afternoon we went on an Orchard Tour. Led by the resident botanic expert Vernon, we wandered around the large orchard learning about the cycles of papaya, bananas, mangos, bread fruit, and a whole array of fruits and vegetables. Vernon studied agriculture and agricultural tourism in Cuba, and has been applying organic and sustainable farming practices to the orchard for the past few years.
Boy samples coconut
We discovered that Guana has a farm-to-table program, so a lot of the produce we had been enjoying at our meals came straight from the orchard. At the end of the tour, we were treated to samples of freshly harvested star fruit, papaya, banana, mangosteen, coconut, miracle fruit, and a slice of key lime. Those of you who have ever tasted a key lime will know it’s incredibly sour. Eating a little miracle fruit beforehand has the amazing ability of making the key lime sweet. Apparently there is research underway to use miracle fruit as a natural alternative to sugar.
A sample of the produce in the Orchard. Basil, papaya, water apple, bananas, and eggplant.
After more beach time, we headed to cocktail hour and hors d’oeuvres in the living room of the main house. We met some of the other guests (during our stay, there were never more than 15-20 other guests on the whole island) and made friends with a lovely couple, Drew and Brian, from Atlanta. Dinner was another four course affair, this time with a bottle of champagne courtesy of the Dream Team.
On Saturday morning, we hiked Liao Wei Ping's Trail up to the bat caves. The trail is named for the island's former resident Dr Liao Wei Ping. Dr. Liao Wei Ping is a master gardener, ornithologist, sculptor and poet, who cut many of the trails by hand and started the orchard. He now resides in San Francisco.
Liao’s Trail is more inland than the Pyramid Trail, and so had a denser forest with twisting rope vines, huge trees that housed bromeliads and enormous termite nests, and a plethora of crabs. It was fun to stand still and hear them scurrying across the rocks and leaf litter on the path. We cut away from Liao’s Trail and onto the Orchard Trail which led back to the beach.
Liao’s Trail is more inland than the Pyramid Trail, and so had a denser forest with twisting rope vines, huge trees that housed bromeliads and enormous termite nests, and a plethora of crabs. It was fun to stand still and hear them scurrying across the rocks and leaf litter on the path. We cut away from Liao’s Trail and onto the Orchard Trail which led back to the beach.
The coconut was as big as my head (without the hair...obviously).
I discovered that it was possible to have fresh coconuts delivered to the beach, so began participating in an important tradition of drinking from a coconut on a daily basis.
View from the Massage Hut
Beverage time was followed by massage time. Massage and spa treatments take place in the Spa, a wooden hut with large mesh windows situated between the palm trees and sea grapes right on the beach. The masseuse, Lissa, placed a bowl of hibiscus flowers under the head rest, and with the sound of the Caribbean ocean lapping on the sand, I had one of the best deep tissue massages ever. I had never actually experienced a meditation or massage on a tropical beach with warm flower-scented air wafting through the windows and, I have to say, it lives up to its cliched hype.
After lunch, we headed out on a snorkeling trip. The expedition was led by Captain Chris and Jordan, a Guana Island staff member who has worked for many years as a professional fisherman, and we were joined by our friend Drew.
Chris parked the boat a little way from Monkey Point, taught us how to prepare the masks with detergent, and showed us how to fit the masks properly. In the water, we were given pool noodles so we could spend more time in the water without worrying too much about wearing ourselves out.
The water was a little chilly at first, and the visibility was not brilliant owing to the wind. Once we got closer to Monkey Point, the visibility improved and Aaron and I started to see what all the fuss over snorkeling/diving was all about. We saw several different corals, schools of silver bait fish diving in and out of the water, trumpet fish, rainbow trout, blue tangs, and even a barracuda. Jordan, our resident fisherman, kept declaring he wished he had a line as some hefty looking yellowtails kept swimming by.
After lunch, we headed out on a snorkeling trip. The expedition was led by Captain Chris and Jordan, a Guana Island staff member who has worked for many years as a professional fisherman, and we were joined by our friend Drew.
Chris parked the boat a little way from Monkey Point, taught us how to prepare the masks with detergent, and showed us how to fit the masks properly. In the water, we were given pool noodles so we could spend more time in the water without worrying too much about wearing ourselves out.
The water was a little chilly at first, and the visibility was not brilliant owing to the wind. Once we got closer to Monkey Point, the visibility improved and Aaron and I started to see what all the fuss over snorkeling/diving was all about. We saw several different corals, schools of silver bait fish diving in and out of the water, trumpet fish, rainbow trout, blue tangs, and even a barracuda. Jordan, our resident fisherman, kept declaring he wished he had a line as some hefty looking yellowtails kept swimming by.
Snorkelling at Monkey Point. My mask was being fixed when this photo was taken.
Back at the beach, it was novel reading and piña colada time.
In the evening we enjoyed hors d’oeuvres with our friends, and were seated at the largest table to share dinner with a group of people who have all been coming back to Guana on an annual basis for some twenty years. Our meal consisted of sweet pea soup, carrot salad (served with fresh fruit and micro greens from the orchard), halibut with fresh vegetables, and finished off with sweet cheese.
Sunday was Castaway Picnic day. We were taken by boat to Bigelow Beach and left for four hours to our own devices with a large picnic hamper and cooler. We set up the picnic under the shade of the sea grapes, and headed into the water for a snorkel. We saw more trumpet fish, bait fish, some beautiful fan-shaped corals, and Aaron spotted the tail of a moray eel. After our swim, we savored cheeses, prosciutto, salami, crusty bread smeared with olive oil, tortilla, fresh fruit, and some sweet white wine. Tres romantic and luxurious!
In the evening we enjoyed hors d’oeuvres with our friends, and were seated at the largest table to share dinner with a group of people who have all been coming back to Guana on an annual basis for some twenty years. Our meal consisted of sweet pea soup, carrot salad (served with fresh fruit and micro greens from the orchard), halibut with fresh vegetables, and finished off with sweet cheese.
Sunday was Castaway Picnic day. We were taken by boat to Bigelow Beach and left for four hours to our own devices with a large picnic hamper and cooler. We set up the picnic under the shade of the sea grapes, and headed into the water for a snorkel. We saw more trumpet fish, bait fish, some beautiful fan-shaped corals, and Aaron spotted the tail of a moray eel. After our swim, we savored cheeses, prosciutto, salami, crusty bread smeared with olive oil, tortilla, fresh fruit, and some sweet white wine. Tres romantic and luxurious!
We were left here on our own for four hours. The suffering.
Back on the main beach, I consumed my daily coconut and a piña colada.
In the afternoon, we decided to hike Long Man’s Trail down to Chicken Rock. The hike promised beautiful views of the island, and it delivered. The terrain was different again from the previous two hikes. Some sections were more open, rockier and dotted with cacti. Other sections were denser and more forest-like. In one section we came across a kaleidoscope of orange and black butterflies fluttering about. They were so full of color, so light, so whimsical, it was quite emotional watching them flit in and out of the trees. A little ways on, we came across yet another kaleidoscope of butterflies, this time yellow and black and with different patterns to the orange butterflies. We spotted lone white moths dancing through the air, and a beautiful iridescent green-grey moth hanging out on a leaf.
In the afternoon, we decided to hike Long Man’s Trail down to Chicken Rock. The hike promised beautiful views of the island, and it delivered. The terrain was different again from the previous two hikes. Some sections were more open, rockier and dotted with cacti. Other sections were denser and more forest-like. In one section we came across a kaleidoscope of orange and black butterflies fluttering about. They were so full of color, so light, so whimsical, it was quite emotional watching them flit in and out of the trees. A little ways on, we came across yet another kaleidoscope of butterflies, this time yellow and black and with different patterns to the orange butterflies. We spotted lone white moths dancing through the air, and a beautiful iridescent green-grey moth hanging out on a leaf.
View from Long Man's Trail
We didn’t make it all the way to Chicken Rock, because we realized the sun was starting to set. We arrived back near the main house to a lovely west-facing garden called the Garden of Eden where we were able to enjoy an incredible view of the sinking sun.
An hour later, we were noshing on hors d’oeuvres with our friends and sitting down to our last dinner on the island. Pumpkin soup, tomato and mozzarella salad (served with strawberries and pine nuts, amazing), dorade with grilled vegetables and duck breast with quinoa, and apple financier for dessert.
Monday morning was heart-breaking. How could we leave our island paradise? How would I cope without my daily coconut infusion? Not to mention that Richmond was -10C…
An hour later, we were noshing on hors d’oeuvres with our friends and sitting down to our last dinner on the island. Pumpkin soup, tomato and mozzarella salad (served with strawberries and pine nuts, amazing), dorade with grilled vegetables and duck breast with quinoa, and apple financier for dessert.
Monday morning was heart-breaking. How could we leave our island paradise? How would I cope without my daily coconut infusion? Not to mention that Richmond was -10C…
One of four resident giant tortoises
We did one last hike, this time down to the beach on the other side of the island. We also visited the island’s resident giant tortoises. We spent our last couple of island hours drinking fresh coconut and piña coladas on the beach, and then it was time to go home.
We boarded the boat, and waved goodbye to Guana Island. We each threw a red hibiscus into the water, hoping the flower would return to shore. If the theory behind the tradition is true, a flower returning the beach means we will also return...
We are incredibly grateful to the Sloan Kettering Dream Team and their amazing generosity for making our dream honeymoon come true. It was a very special way to start 2017.
We boarded the boat, and waved goodbye to Guana Island. We each threw a red hibiscus into the water, hoping the flower would return to shore. If the theory behind the tradition is true, a flower returning the beach means we will also return...
We are incredibly grateful to the Sloan Kettering Dream Team and their amazing generosity for making our dream honeymoon come true. It was a very special way to start 2017.
- Published on
January began in Richmond
We went to the Festival of Lights at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Saw Rodin at the VMFA
Danced at Rachel and Russel’s wedding
We saw the Harlem Gospel Choir
I went to BroadwayCon with Veronica
In February I worked full-time
I saw Allegiance, The Woodsman, Disaster!
Went to the opening night of Smart People
Spoke at a Cycle for Survival event
In March
I saw Daddy Long Legs, An American in Paris, Undrown’d, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, and Dear Evan Hansen (twice)
Started my vaccinations
(re)Started singing lessons
Went to the Easter Parade on Fifth Ave
In April
I re-connected with Dinny and went back to the circus
Yaui came to visit
I saw Young Benjamin Banneker, Sleeping Beauty and the Beast, Shows for Days and
Met Patti LuPone and thanked her for her note.
I tried to start running again
Passover at the Fleisher’s
Started work on the Filmed Live Musicals project
Plagued by anxiety and depression and low energy
May was depression. Shows. Work.
The Robber Bridegroom, Fiddler on the Roof, Cassandra, American Psycho
I spoke at a CancerCare fundraiser
Fell in love with Maine and entertained serious fantasies about moving to a remote island and living in a lighthouse to write.
Fernando and Janine, and Keith visited New York
In June
We watched the Tonys with Annie and Marc
I saw Waitress, The Color Purple and the closing night of Daddy Long Legs
Had a panic attack during an MRI
Discovered I do not have neuropathy (still unclear why I get tingling in my legs and feet, or why my legs and feet cramp at irregular intervals)
Sent off my green card renewal application
Headed to camp
July
Floated down a river on a giant plastic tube
Taught voice lessons galore
Worked on Assassins and fell in love with Sondheim all over again
Delighted at Ghostbusters
Re-sent green card renewal application
August
Went to Falconridge Folk Festival
Went camping in the woods, saw a bear
Conducted my first musical - Urinetown
Visited FoCo and remembered how much I loved living there.
Cycled again for the first time in two years, and remembered how much I love cycling.
September
Back to full-time work
Fingerprints and eye scan for green card renewal application
Turned 32 on a sugar high, powered by an overdose on fairy bread, chocolate crackles, and a wide assortment of Australian chocolates including tim tams and aero bars, and surrounded by wonderful friends
I saw Waitress (again), and Chicago
Started singing with the Cecilia Chorus of New York
Ella’s Atlas Obscura book launch with Miren
October
Full-time work that I didn't love
Teaching voice, taking voice and piano
Absolute Beginner tap class at Broadway Dance Center
Started working with a personal trainer
Performed with the Queer Urban Orchestra singing Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus
Walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and ate pizza in Dumbo with Deb
Watched Tom perform in the finale of the 30th Anniversary performance of Phantom of the Opera in the West End livestream
Saw Sunday in the Park with George
Quit my full-time job
Got a job house managing a new kids show
Passed the test to be a fire guard in a theatre
November
Finally saw Hamilton, on election night
Got mad at Trump for taking away from my enjoyment of Hamilton
Worked a 70 hour week without overtime
Got fired.
Job interviews and applications galore
My birthday bike arrived
Cycled through Prospect Park and fell in love with fall
Cycled down the boardwalk at Coney Island with Paul and Naomi
Signed up with Central Casting and landed background work on Law and Order: SVU, Orange is the New Black, and Power
Spent Thanksgiving with Jesse and Brenda in Ocean City. Moana, amazing food, and excellent company. Running along the beach.
Saw In Transit
December
I got to have a head shot session in the park with Kurt
EN&T appointment - seeing my own vocal cords for the first time
I saw the cinema screenings of Allegiance and She Loves Me and watched the livestream of Bright Star in Concert
I saw The Hard Nut and Paramour
Started auditioning again
Performed at Carnegie Hall with the Cecilia Chorus
Finally got a job in a Broadway house, working as an usher
In between, we shopped at the farmers market and cooked at home. We watched The Good Wife, Jane the Virgin, Cleverman, West World, Bojack Horseman, Mozart in the Jungle, and Last Week Tonight. We worked sporadically on the puzzle.
I researched filmed live musicals and worked on the movie musical project (49 posts, I finally finished 1929!).
I tried to keep running.
I kept journalling. I wrote morning pages and meditated.
I read twenty novels written by women from all over the world.
I started reading a play a day.
I played piano, and kept working on my singing. I played a little flute. A little ukulele.
I was increcibly lucky. Despite the depressing politics, and the immensely tragic awful happenings around the globe, in my own little corner, I was loved and held and supported. Through depression and job loss and on-going cancer recovery, I had a wonderful human by my side. I felt enveloped in love by my family. I have incredible friends. I got to work and play in my dream city.
On the last day of the year, I finally feel like myself again. I am myself for the first time.
Onwards.
We went to the Festival of Lights at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens
Saw Rodin at the VMFA
Danced at Rachel and Russel’s wedding
We saw the Harlem Gospel Choir
I went to BroadwayCon with Veronica
In February I worked full-time
I saw Allegiance, The Woodsman, Disaster!
Went to the opening night of Smart People
Spoke at a Cycle for Survival event
In March
I saw Daddy Long Legs, An American in Paris, Undrown’d, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, and Dear Evan Hansen (twice)
Started my vaccinations
(re)Started singing lessons
Went to the Easter Parade on Fifth Ave
In April
I re-connected with Dinny and went back to the circus
Yaui came to visit
I saw Young Benjamin Banneker, Sleeping Beauty and the Beast, Shows for Days and
Met Patti LuPone and thanked her for her note.
I tried to start running again
Passover at the Fleisher’s
Started work on the Filmed Live Musicals project
Plagued by anxiety and depression and low energy
May was depression. Shows. Work.
The Robber Bridegroom, Fiddler on the Roof, Cassandra, American Psycho
I spoke at a CancerCare fundraiser
Fell in love with Maine and entertained serious fantasies about moving to a remote island and living in a lighthouse to write.
Fernando and Janine, and Keith visited New York
In June
We watched the Tonys with Annie and Marc
I saw Waitress, The Color Purple and the closing night of Daddy Long Legs
Had a panic attack during an MRI
Discovered I do not have neuropathy (still unclear why I get tingling in my legs and feet, or why my legs and feet cramp at irregular intervals)
Sent off my green card renewal application
Headed to camp
July
Floated down a river on a giant plastic tube
Taught voice lessons galore
Worked on Assassins and fell in love with Sondheim all over again
Delighted at Ghostbusters
Re-sent green card renewal application
August
Went to Falconridge Folk Festival
Went camping in the woods, saw a bear
Conducted my first musical - Urinetown
Visited FoCo and remembered how much I loved living there.
Cycled again for the first time in two years, and remembered how much I love cycling.
September
Back to full-time work
Fingerprints and eye scan for green card renewal application
Turned 32 on a sugar high, powered by an overdose on fairy bread, chocolate crackles, and a wide assortment of Australian chocolates including tim tams and aero bars, and surrounded by wonderful friends
I saw Waitress (again), and Chicago
Started singing with the Cecilia Chorus of New York
Ella’s Atlas Obscura book launch with Miren
October
Full-time work that I didn't love
Teaching voice, taking voice and piano
Absolute Beginner tap class at Broadway Dance Center
Started working with a personal trainer
Performed with the Queer Urban Orchestra singing Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus
Walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and ate pizza in Dumbo with Deb
Watched Tom perform in the finale of the 30th Anniversary performance of Phantom of the Opera in the West End livestream
Saw Sunday in the Park with George
Quit my full-time job
Got a job house managing a new kids show
Passed the test to be a fire guard in a theatre
November
Finally saw Hamilton, on election night
Got mad at Trump for taking away from my enjoyment of Hamilton
Worked a 70 hour week without overtime
Got fired.
Job interviews and applications galore
My birthday bike arrived
Cycled through Prospect Park and fell in love with fall
Cycled down the boardwalk at Coney Island with Paul and Naomi
Signed up with Central Casting and landed background work on Law and Order: SVU, Orange is the New Black, and Power
Spent Thanksgiving with Jesse and Brenda in Ocean City. Moana, amazing food, and excellent company. Running along the beach.
Saw In Transit
December
I got to have a head shot session in the park with Kurt
EN&T appointment - seeing my own vocal cords for the first time
I saw the cinema screenings of Allegiance and She Loves Me and watched the livestream of Bright Star in Concert
I saw The Hard Nut and Paramour
Started auditioning again
Performed at Carnegie Hall with the Cecilia Chorus
Finally got a job in a Broadway house, working as an usher
In between, we shopped at the farmers market and cooked at home. We watched The Good Wife, Jane the Virgin, Cleverman, West World, Bojack Horseman, Mozart in the Jungle, and Last Week Tonight. We worked sporadically on the puzzle.
I researched filmed live musicals and worked on the movie musical project (49 posts, I finally finished 1929!).
I tried to keep running.
I kept journalling. I wrote morning pages and meditated.
I read twenty novels written by women from all over the world.
I started reading a play a day.
I played piano, and kept working on my singing. I played a little flute. A little ukulele.
I was increcibly lucky. Despite the depressing politics, and the immensely tragic awful happenings around the globe, in my own little corner, I was loved and held and supported. Through depression and job loss and on-going cancer recovery, I had a wonderful human by my side. I felt enveloped in love by my family. I have incredible friends. I got to work and play in my dream city.
On the last day of the year, I finally feel like myself again. I am myself for the first time.
Onwards.
- Published on
Work-wise
I’ve had some hiccups over the past year
Getting back into work has been harder than I expected
Post-cancer
My attitude to work has changed
I’m less willing to put up with bullshit
When a work situation has less-than-ideal, but changeable
I have said something
Life is too short for shit...
It has not always gone well
After a series of winding roads
A couple of accidental wrong turns
And much sighing and wondering why getting a decently paid job doing what you love is so damn hard
I’m finally doing what I want to be doing
Being a performer in New York City
I’m auditioning again
And singing
And learning piano
And teaching voice
I signed up as an extra with Central Casting
Law and Order SVU (I can finally call myself a New York actress!)
Orange is the New Black
Power
It’s fun being on set
Seeing how it all works
Hanging out with the other extras in holding
Discussing the pro’s and con’s of “being union”
Sharing our lives from the outside world
It’s not glamorous
Sitting for hours in an audition waiting room
Or standing outside in early December pretending that it’s summer
(Those little pocket hand-warmer things are a godsend)
The instability of the work
The terrible pay
The constant striving to be better
But after such a long wait, it’s wonderful to be
Back in the game and
Playing.
I’ve had some hiccups over the past year
Getting back into work has been harder than I expected
Post-cancer
My attitude to work has changed
I’m less willing to put up with bullshit
When a work situation has less-than-ideal, but changeable
I have said something
Life is too short for shit...
It has not always gone well
After a series of winding roads
A couple of accidental wrong turns
And much sighing and wondering why getting a decently paid job doing what you love is so damn hard
I’m finally doing what I want to be doing
Being a performer in New York City
I’m auditioning again
And singing
And learning piano
And teaching voice
I signed up as an extra with Central Casting
Law and Order SVU (I can finally call myself a New York actress!)
Orange is the New Black
Power
It’s fun being on set
Seeing how it all works
Hanging out with the other extras in holding
Discussing the pro’s and con’s of “being union”
Sharing our lives from the outside world
It’s not glamorous
Sitting for hours in an audition waiting room
Or standing outside in early December pretending that it’s summer
(Those little pocket hand-warmer things are a godsend)
The instability of the work
The terrible pay
The constant striving to be better
But after such a long wait, it’s wonderful to be
Back in the game and
Playing.