A Fond Farwell from Akron, Ohio

It is hard to believe it but the tour is actually over. After 104 shows in six months it ended with the final three peformances in Akron, Ohio. Our three amazingly talented and professional young boys did not even miss a show! In the beginning of the tour everyone assumed the kids would get sick with this type of travelling but our guys proved to be of healthy stock. They didn't even catch the stomach virus that seemed to be very contagious and felled quite a number of cast members. The final performances were one show on Friday and two on Saturday. We had the cast party on Friday night at the hotel after the show. Mikey decided to dress up in his christmas clothes. He looked very handsome. We felt very bad for Quentin's (Oliver) Mom whose plane was cancelled Friday and was trying so hard to make it to the Friday show. We were so happy she made it to the cast party and was there for the final two performances on Saturday. She was very sweet giving Missy and I both pearl necklaces and earrings for watching out for her men on tour. She purchased them while on a business trip in Hong Kong. Mikey enjoyed chasing baby Spencer around at the cast party and had fun taking pictures of and with everyone. Since they still had two shows it did not hit him that the cast party was a goodbye party. Zac (Fagin) was very encouraging telling Mikey that he has the capabilities of becoming the next "Billy Elliot" if he works hard on dance and complimented him on his improv skills. Chaz (Mr. Bumble) provided some sound advice to him to keep him grounded. Ashley told him to make sure he has fun being a kid and playing with his sister. Rhiannon (Nancy) thinks he would be a great "Flounder" in The Little Mermaid and Mikey thinks she would be a great Ariel. I think he is just an amazingly loving and beautiful son and that is good enough for me. During the final performance Missy started first with the tears. I was glad I was sitting in front of her and not next to her. Her whole family was there to see Colin (Dodger) in his final performances in Oliver. We were sitting in front of the sound board so the crew guys gave us crazy hats to wear for the final bows. After the show we wore them back stage and the boys immediately stole them from us. I was doing fine until Mikey broke down and got everybody going with the tears. The real thing that got us all was baby Spencer saw Mikey crying and reach out to hug him with a cry himself. That did it! Tears were everywhere. Erin and Ashley both tried to reassure Mikey by putting their cell phone numbers in his cell. Erin text him on the spot that she missed him already. We continued our crying fest in the lobby of the hotel when Missy, John and I had to hug each other goodbye. The boys had a group hug that just made us cry more. As I reflect on this amazing journey I realize how fortunate we have been to have such good people as Missy, John, Colin and Quentin on this journey with us. I really feel we became a family that looked out for each other and hope we will remain life long friends. Missy became like a sister and John like a brother. Touring is very hard at times and to have someone to support you on the road like these two wonderful people did, helped me to stay on the "bus" when I thought about returning home early. Of course we also had our "Chaz." I couldn't abandoned him either. Mikey will miss all the cast but particularly his ladies. I don't know how their hair will survive without him. (LOL) He had his rituals: Erin and Mikey's special dance backstage during "As Long As he Needs Me." (Erin told me she finally let him lead.) On the bus after the show he would unravel Michele's curls that she needed in the show, give Erin new hair dos, put Rhiannon as his screen saver and tell Ashley all about his life and dreams. Of course he is devasted about leaving baby Spencer whom he became very close to. He told me he will miss Spencer most of all. I also don't know what he will do without Missy who he stalked regularly. I do know that we travelled to 35 plus States and Canada, visited Mt. Rushmore, Garden's of the God in Colorado, went on top of the St. Louis Arch, had a toga party, a school dance, 80's roller rink party and had some amazing times. I wish all the cast members much success and I know they have very bright futures because they are all sooooooooooooooo talented. The memories will last a life time and I hope the friendships will as well. Regarding my memory of this tour: "I WILL KEEP IT AS A TREASURE TO LAST MY WHOLE LIFE LONG............." Love and good luck to all of you. Love, Sue and Mikey
P.S. Don't forget to scroll down to see the photos and if you want to read the archives.

Reading, PA

Mike (Dad) and Maria (Mikey's sister) joined us in Reading, PA. Maria was so exicted to see us as we were to see her. Mikey showered her with presents that we picked up along the last leg of the tour. We had a really, really, really, quick bite to eat at a diner before going to bus call to the theater. Maria was exicted to ride the bus and had a great time playing with Jeremiah (the tutor.) She had fun with the paper bag puppet he made. Baby Spencer was so cute learning Maria's name right away and say Hi every time he saw her. At first they weren't sure of each other because they were both competing for Mikey's attention. We enjoyed front row center seats so Maria had an unobstructed view of the show. Mikey was standing right in front of us when singing "Food Glorious Food," and "Be Back Soon." He couldn't help but crack a smile. He asked Maggie the wardrobe lady to allow him to wear his original red jacket for Maria. She gave him a brown jacket that was big on him about two months ago because the red jacket was tearing easy but Mikey really loves the red one. He was so happy to wear it again. Maria wore her red Christmas dress so that she could take a picture with "Nancy" (Rhiannon) who wears a red dress in the show. Maria loves when she sings "As Long As He Needs Me...." Although sitting up so close last night she really got a kick at of Fagin (Zac). Since she met most of the cast out of costume she as really studying who was playing who as the show went on. She kept asking me "Who plays Fagin." No one ever guesses Zac plays Fagin once he takes his makeup off. After the show Mike and Mikey went to get us Dunkin Donuts while Maria and I had some girl time together. She wore her new ""Ariel" night gown to bed. Today we had to part for two more days. I gave her a giant stuffed pink little pony to hug on the ride home. She promised to pick us up at the airport on Sunday and is so happy we are coming home. Now we are on the bus heading toward Akron, Ohio. We had to pick up the crew on the way because there bus broke down last night. They will really have their work cut out for them once we arrived.
We have to rush to get them there so there will be no lunch stop today. The boys will not be thrilled but it is just another part of tour life. "Be Back Soon."

Houghton, Michigan- Happy 100th Show!

Happy 100th show to the Oliver National Tour 2008-09 cast and crew at the Rozsa Center! It is truly amazing how many shows were performed with such energy and talent as we traveled this great country and Canada. I am so proud of all of you. I have never saw such a talented group of people. It is hard to believe there are only four more shows to go and we won't be seeing everybody on a daily basis. Mikey will be in serious withdrawal, especially without all his ladies and tour brothers. Well to continue documenting this extraordinary journey I will report on todays activities. We spent the morning doing Math and then we met Baby Spencer and Clare by the pool for some water fun. The pool had all glass window from floor to ceiling so you could see all the high mounds of snow while swimming or sitting in the hot tub. Spencer was having a lot of fun in the kiddie pool with Mikey and I gave him few swimming lessons which he seemed to love. We had fun playing "Ring Around the Rosie" in the big pool like I use to do with Mikey when he was little. All I can say is this little boy has brought a lot of joy to everyone on tour. His giggle is something else and very contagious. A little later John and Q arrived and joined us all in the pool fun. Missy arrived in sweats wishing she had a bathing suit on so she could sit in the hot tub. While we were enjoying the pool and hot tub some of the cast made a makeshift sled and enjoyed some sledding. After showering we ate dinner at Apple Bees again because it was the easiest place to walk to with all the snow on the ground. Mikey completed three more sketches of the cast and gave Quentin (Oliver), Chris (Bill Sikes) and Will (Mr. Sowerberry and Dr.) their sketches on the bus. He did a special one for Quentin where he drew him in three different costumes on one page and included his different props throughout the sketch. Chris's was very interesting because it was the murder scene and her drew only Nancy's legs to depict the body. He really captured Will in his Funeral Scene costume and the expression on his face. Once again I cannot believe how talented he is in the art department. Michigan has mounds of snow everywhere and on the way to the theater we passed some amazing snow sculptures. One was even a giant snow castle.....that is how much snow accumulates here. Everyone from the cast was so happy to see the posters at the theater and programs actually had our cast on them. We all fell in love with the poster and the theater was kind enough to get us copies to bring home. Mikey was excited his photo was in two places even though he hates the one photo. I of course love both photos. After the show some of the cast went to Apple Bees. To celebrate Mikey's 100th performance in Oliver, I decided to treat him to a late night dessert. We enjoyed a delcious dessert that was absolutely to die for. It was a small chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. The cake was warm and drizzled with chocolate syrup and vanilla. I could not finish mine but Mikey took care of that. (Okay I know if I am writing about dessert I will really need to check into Weight Watchers as soon as I get home.) Tomorrow we have an 630am load with a 7am roll so I should be really be sleeping instead of writing this but I want to keep it up our last few days. Once I get home I know I will have little time to do this. We are heading to Elyria, Ohio again as a stop over on the way to Reading, PA. We are looking forward to Reading because Maria (Mikey's little sister) and Mike (DAD) are coming to see us. Until tomorrow...................

Goodbye Merrillville, Indiana and Hello Houghton, Michigan

We enjoyed the rest of our stay in Merrillville, Indiana. On Saturday we shopped at the Mall and thanks to Colin (Dodger) Mikey now likes Abercrombie. We bought him a pair of plaid shorts and a couple of tee-shirts that cost an arm and a leg! I am convinced they are so expensive because of there shopping bags. I'm not kidding you.....did you ever see them? They have thick wide cloth handles and a big picture of a perfectly muscled male model. I think you're paying for the bag instead of the shirt. Thank goodness I was literally saved by the bell when John called us during shopping to meet him and Q at the movie theater to see "Hotel Dogs." I told Mikey we can't shop anymore because we had to hurry to get to the movies. The walk from the Mall to the Movie theater was brutal. It was freezing, windy and a little dangerous. Nobody in any of these States we visit believe in side walks so you are literally risking your lives as you walk around. Crossing the street is a hazard. With snow everywhere and my boots still not ready for wearing thanks to the bus burglar, I was not a happy camper. However, the walk was worth it because we really had a few good laughs at the movies. I really knew I wasn't in New York when the ticket price was only three dollars and the price even included free popcorn. The soda refills were even free. After the movies we met up with Colin and Missy for dinner. (They had decided to skip the movie and keep shopping!) We ate in a place near the hotel called "Sheffields." The food was good but once again the walk was so cold. I really miss the warm weather states! After dinner we all enjoyed the pool and hot tub. After the pool we ran into Chaz and Allaggio and got in trouble for talking in the hallways. So an impromptu PJ Party sprung up in Missy and Colin's room. Chaz (Mr. Bumble) got into the spirit of things and came in his blue silk robe. Mikey made himself right at home in Missy' s very comfy bed. (LOL) Missy broke out the thirty dollar a bottle white zifandel that she bought at Olive Garden the night before. (She asked to buy a bottle of wine without asking the price!) I tried to refuse the wine but she made me have some! We had some fun and Chaz is always fun to be with. Mikey and Chaz were discussing who would get to be Nancy if a boy got to play her. Fierce competion between those two for the role! Chaz was also still traumatized by what happened to him when he went to a Catholic Church that day with some of the other cast members. Chaz is not Catholic but really missed Church so decided to go with other members of the cast. He wasn't sure if he was supposed to received communion but thought it would be disrespectful if he didn't. He asked the other cast members what to do and they told him how to hold his hands to receive but did not tell him to put the host in his mouth right away. So while we is walking back to his seat with the host in his hand one of the Woman who was giving the wine out chases him down and asked him if he is catholic. When he says no she actually grabs the host out of his hand and chastises him and the cast members he was sitting with. Poor Chaz, we tried to tell him not all Catholic's behave that way. Some of the parishioners actually came up to him and said they were sorry to him. On Sunday, there was a matinee show and the parents really had fun because we sat in the front seats dead center trying to see if we can break any cast members. Mikey spotted us right away during "Food Glorious, Food." We tried to break him but he just smiled from ear to ear. Erin and Will spotted us and tried to sell us some sausages. The parents were also excited when we bought soda and popcorn and the cashier gave it to us free because we were wearing backstage passes. I can tell you this is the only theater that did that for us. After the show there was a Question and Anwser with some audience members. Mikey was thrilled when the moderation stated "He heard one of the cast members got started when they tried out for their talent show in kindergarten without telling his Mom." So Mikey told his story.....he was so cute and I think the audience got a real kick out of him. I was amazed how poised and confident the three boys were while anwsering questions from the audience. The parents also enjoyed listening and learning from the adult cast members when they anwsered the audience's questions. It was also good for the boys to hear. Mikey really enjoyed it. After the Q and A we went to dinner with the Nims, Araujos, Rhiannon (Nancy) and Chaz (Mr. Bumble.) to "Red Lobster." Missy and I had steak with lobster tails that was unbelievably good. (VERY RITZY) The desserts were also awesome. We had good food, good company and good conversation. Today, we had to be on the bus at 730am and we arrived in Houghton 845pm. A long bus ride but everyone made the best of it. After school we watched the movie "Clue." The kids all seemed to really like it. Then the adults, kids and parents played "Catch Phrase." It was the music edition. Everyone had a lot of fun guessing the songs. When we finally got off the bus there was snow everywhere on the ground and we trekked to AppleBees after dropping our luggage in the room. Tomorrow we can sleep a little because the show is not until the evening. Only 5 shows left! Until tomorrow..................

Good Morning from Merrillville, Indiana

We arrived in Merrillville, Indiana about 330pm yesterday afternoon. The bus ride felt short compared to the day before. On the way here we stopped for a nice lunch in Apple Bees with Missy, Colin (Dodger), Rhiannon (Nancy), Chaz (Mr. Bumble) and Zac (Fagin.) Rhiannon had to do an interview about the show with an Indiana newspaper as she ate via phone. The reporter asked her what she was eating. I was very impressed in how she anwsered the questions the reporter asked. I was glad we had the opportunity to lunch with them because we only have a week left. In many ways this tour was very long and in other ways it seems it went to fast and I can't believe there is only one week left. Zac says he may have an Oscar party on Sunday which could be a lot of fun. After arriving at the hotel yesterday we had a chance to relax a little before going to dinner with John, Q, Missy, and Colin. The receptionist at the hotel warned us about purse snatching the the mall area so we decided to leave our purses at the hotel and just take a credit card. (John really did not want to leave his purse! LOL only kidding.) The hotel has a Mall which is a short walk but to get there you have to risk your life crossing some highways. Of course there are no sidewalks. We walked to Olive Garden which must be the most happening place because we were told it was a hour wait. The boys were not thrilled with this and their faces were a study in brooding! Missy and I were determined to eat there so we decided to wait and have a glass of wine. The restaurant bar was in the same area where everyone was waiting except that had a low iron fence to separate the area a little. The boys were not to happy when they were told they had to wait on the other side of the fence and could not be near the bar. Hey, with there brooding face it worked for us to have them 3 ft away from us! Even when we left the people were still crowding in waiting. The meal was delcious and it turned out the wait was only about a half hour and the boys ended up loving the place as we knew they would. The meal put everyone in a good mood again so when we went back to the hotel we all went in the heated pool and hot tub. The kids had fun and the parents relaxed. Today we are all sleeping a little late before we plan to go to the mall. It is snowing so the walk maybe even more challenging today. I will let you know later................Now I am helping Mikey with Math.

Elryia, Ohio

Today was a long bus ride. We left Maryland at 9am and arrived in Elyria, Ohio at around 830pm. If any one sees the tin man tell him I need his oil can for my joints! The kids worked hard in school on the bus today and then everyone watched the movie "Ghost Busters." We stopped for lunch in Cracker Barrel where Mikey bought Maria a big pink Easter Bunny that sings: I Love You a Bushel and a Peck, a Bushel and a Peck and hug around the neck...... He plans to give it to her next week when they come to the show in Reading, PA. We went through just about every kind of weather on our drive here: Hard rain, snow, sunshine, fog, sunshine and snow again. The bus stopped to gas and we went into a Pilot store where Jen pointed out to stuff animal puppets: A monkey with a shirt that said "Cheeky Charlie," and a dog that had a pirate hat that said "Captain." Since Charlie is the role Mikey plays in Oliver and Captain is the role another cast member (Allaggio) plays I could not resist buying them the puppets. They will be forming their own puppet Fagin's Gang with Missy's puppet that sings the Carpenter's hit song, "Close To You." Once we arrived I spoke to the front desk about the best place to eat at this late hour and asked how far a walk it was. We caught a huge break because she offered to use the hotel van to drive us to Apple Bees and pick us up from there in an hour and a half. I was so happy because we were tired and hungry and it was snowing. We had a nice dinner with Q and John and now are relaxing in the room. Now I am going to bed. Good night!

Hello from Salisbury, Maryland

Today we actually travelled through the Bronx on the way to Maryland. I was very tempted to hop off the bus and go home since we were so close. I am a person who never likes to break a commitment so we will finish this out. Only 10 days to go and 6 shows left! The bus ride today was longer then planned. We only had an half hour lunch and sat with Chaz (Mr. Bumble and Rhiannon.) They are fellow New Yorkers and were tempted to jump out at the Bronx too. I think as much as we all can't wait to get home everyone is getting a little melancoly about leaving each other. Once we arrived at the hotel there was only about a 45 minutes to shower and eat before bus call to the theater. Mikey at some Mac an Cheese (thank goodness the hotel had a microwave in the room.) Quentin and John were excited because Q's two Grandmothers, Grandfather, friends, and his adorable sister Reina came to the show tonight. Q's friend Eric who is also 11 years old is a member of the Virginia Opera house. Talent kids are all around! Reina was Tiny Tim in a Christmas Carol in Virgina's Regional Theater this past Christmas. Reina and Mikey hit it off at the auditions and now everytime she visits the show they are like long lost friends! They are less than a year apart so I think they think alike! She is a lot shorter than Mikey but was able to pick him up when he could not pick her up. He is so skinny! I got to meet Gayle's (Q, Mom) mother and father for the first time. They really enjoyed the show and it was nice talking to them in the hotel lobby. Well, I would really like to tell you a little about Maryland but I can't because now, I have to confess that I did not go to the show tonight because...............you guessed it....................LAUNDRY! I couldn't put it off anymore. The good news is: I think I will not have to do anymore laundry on tour. I have enough clean clothes to last until we get home. This exites me to no end, especially since I have a brand new front load washer and dryer just waiting for me at home!!!! Now those of you that read my blog know I have been traumatized by visiting certain laundromats along the way so you will know how happy this makes me. I made the most of my night getting all the laundry done and then packing my final bag to bring home. Mikey and Maria are coming to Reading, PA on February 26th to see the show and I plan to give him all the luggage except what I need for the two days in Akron where the show closes. This way we can travel light at the airport. Tomorrow we travel to a stop over in Elyria, Ohio on the way to Merrillville, IN. So we will be travelling without shows for two days and then have a Golden Day before they perfom a show in IN. Three days without shows! After that we will travel to Houghton, MI for a show. Goodnight!

Springfield, MA

On February 17th, we arrived in Springfield, MA. We joined the Nims and Araujos for our normal food mission. Luckily he was not freezing because we had to walk a little over 1/2 mile to find decent food. The walk was interesting because we had to walk under an underpass by the bus terminal. The boys were very excited because they saw so many discarded "Gin" bottles that they began to count them as we walked. ( In the show Fagin tells "Charlie" (Mikey) to shut up and drinks your gin! Mikey usually smiles and shakes his head up and down holding up the gin bottle. This always causes the audience to laugh. Fagin later gives Oliver (Quentin) gin and he spits it out.) Hence why they enjoyed counting real gin bottles. All I can say is Springfield needs to send sanitation to clean up the mess! Anyway....as usual we were not sure where we were going when we spotted a visitors center. I think the old guy in there was thrilled....it appeared we were his first customers in years. He gave us directions to a great Italian Restaurant that was only a few blocks away and a few blocks from the theater. Missy quickly called Clare the tour manager to tell her we would not be on the bus and would walk to the theater for the show. We really enjoyed the food which had huge portions. Q had plenty of pizza left over so they boxed it for after the show. Last night the parents got to meet Jen's Mom who was very excited to see Jen perform as Dodger. Colin (the normal Dodger) is this amazingly generous boy who let his understudy go on. so her Mom can see her. Jen did an amazing job and she was so fun to watch. I sat behind Colin and Missy and really enjoyed watching Colin's face watching Jen and Missy's face watching Colin. He was so happy for Jen and proud of her and I could tell how proud Missy was of Colin. After the show Colin was very sweet giving Jen a chocolate rose and today Mikey gave her the sketch he drew of her. He only has a few cast members left to sketch and he has been doing amazing work. In addition to sketching the cast in their costumes he now has begun sketching some of the ladies as "Me Dolls." Theses sketches are suppose to capture their personality. He did one of Erin (Ms. Sowerberry) and she has posted it as her profile shot on facebook. Stacie loved it so much she put a special order in and he sketched he as a "Me Doll." He put many of the themes of the tour in that sketch. (Oliver Marquee, Bail Bonds, Walmart, Drugs, Searching for cellphone signals, etc.....) Now it is off to Salisbury, Maryland

Our last day in Lowell, MA

Today Mikey and I went to the local Dunkin Donuts for "Brunch.") It is the same place we went to yesterday that has only a few tables. Apparently there is a group of seniors that regularly hang out at the tables and were not to thrilled with newcomers taking their seats. So we ate fast. (LOL) Then we shopped at CVS to get these chocolate covered pretzels that Mikey discovered yesterday and loved. After that we went to get him a haircut so his hair is nice when he returns to school on March 2nd. It was a little scary when the hairdresser used a flow-bee to begin the haircut. Never seen anything like it! Thanks goodness he looked pretty cute when it was finished. After our stroll we were going to swim and go in the hot tub but it was closed for painting. I thought they meant for the whole day but later found out from Q and John that it later opened. We spent the rest of the afternoon working on Math and Religion and then went to dinner in the hotel with John and Q. Missy and Colin enjoyed their "Golden Day" having room service delivered to the room. Today, Mike and Maria went to O'Neils to celebrate my sister's (Aunt Mary) birthday. Maria is feeling better and sounded wonderful on the phone. I hope to see her next Thursday in Reading, PA. Until tomorrow........................Good Night!

Good Evening from Lowell, MA

After sleeping a little late today we went to Dunkin Donuts to breakfast with Missy, Colin, Q, and John. We did try walking to a diner but it was closed. Then we walked to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium for the matinee show. Missy and I met a little boy named Brendan and his Mom in the ladies room. We noticed how enthusiastic he was about ACT I so I told him that we were the mother's of Dodger and Charlie. He was asking us a bunch of questions about the show and his Mom was asking us about touring life. Then we parted because Brendan was anxious to get his popcorn before the show started again. After Act I, Brendan and his Mom found us and asked if could meet the cast. We promised him that we would try to get some of the cast members to meet him. If was pretty funny because he especially wanted to meet Jack Dawkins and asked if Missy was his Mom. Missy and I were so fried that we forgot that "Dodger" is Jack Dawkins. It took us a minute. Mikey was the first dressed so I brought him up to meet Brendan. Then Brendan wanted to meet Mr. Bumble so I tracked down Chaz. He was so excited to see Colin and kept telling everyone that is Jack Dawkins. He gave Mr. Bumble a big hug. He told us his favorite part was when Mr Bumble bangs on the coffin and shouts "Oliver....are you in there." He did a good impression of Mr. Bumble. I tried to track down as many as the cast as I could for him but there was a reception at the theater so we did not get everyone. He was very happy in the end because he also got to meet Rhiannon (Nancy), Quentin (Oliver), Melissa (Bet, Charlotte), Allaggio (Noah). The cast all signed his program for him. Brendan is an awesome boy who thoroughly enjoyed the show and we were all so happy to meet him and his Mom. After we said goodbye to Brendan we went up to the reception where they had drinks and food. The cast mingled with some of the audience members that came to the reception. The boys always enjoy chatting with audience members. After the reception we went back to the hotel and did our typical "Drop and Go" routine. We drop all our bags and then go find a place to eat dinner. We enjoyed the Italian restaurant we ate in last night so much that we went back tonight. Chaz (Mr. Bumble) joined, John, Q, Missy, Mikey and I for dinner. Colin choose to chill in the hotel room. We all had fun chatting with Chaz and laughing with him at dinner. After dinner we return to the hotel where Mikey has been sketching like mad. He gave his sketches of Fagin, Mr. Sowerbury, Bill Sikes and Noah to Zac, Will, Chris and Allaggio today. He also did a phenomenal sketch of Erin shopping. The details were incredible. Tonight he drew Quentin and is working on something for Stacie. Right now we are in the hotel room and Q very excitedly just knocked on our door to tell us that Oliver Twist is on Channel 2. So guess what we are doing.................I must be out of my mind but we are actually watching Oliver Twist the movie. HELP!!!!!!!

Morganton, North Carolina to Lowell, MA hAPPY VALENTINES DAY!

LOVE IS IN THE AIR.......EVERYWHERE YOU LOOK AROUND.......HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!We spent two nights in Morganton, North Carolina. It almost felt like a day off because the kids had the whole day off until bus call at 5:45pm. We were very excited because the hotel was right next to Walmart and Denny's. I bought Mikey a new Mario Party Game to replace the one that was stolen when a burglar ransacked and stole items from our tour bus. Last night Mikey and Q played little cupids on the bus for the cast: Mikey gave out crazy colored Valentine's Day socks and Q gave us all Valentine's Day hearts with candy. Somebody also secretly decorated the bus with red balloons and crape paper while the show was going on. As of last night the secret Valentine's Day decorator was not revealed. Mikey bought baby Spencer a farm shape sorter that Spencer loved. I went to take it off the bus for him to help Clare and he pointed and yelled like I was stealing his toy(LOL).....so I had to take Spencer off the bus too! He is really too cute. We also had the pleasure of meeting Missy's sister Cindy and her husband Gary who came to the show last night and stayed at the hotel. We really enjoyed our time getting to know them in Missy's room after the show, especially since Missy supplied the "Zin." LOL. Gary was doing a good job trying to convince me to move to Tennesee and I was trying to get some secrets about Missy growing up from Cindy. (Missy threw a pillow out me!) Today we flew to Boston to get to Lowell, while the rest of the cast has a two day bus trip to get to Lowell, MA. Lucky my NYPD ID got me on the plane since my license is still lost. Maria's medicine is working and she is feeling better every day. Today, I sent Maria a rose plant and Sad Sam and his girlfriend Honey. (Stuff animals.) Honey has a red bow in her hair. My Mom told me that when the florist delivered them Maria said, "This is the perfect Valentines Day present." I am so happy she liked it and only wish I was home with her. After arriving in Lowell we went with the Nims and Araujos to an early dinner at a nice Italian Restaurant for a Valentines Day dinner. The food was delicious. Then we were all full and exhausted and retired to our rooms to relax. Tomorrow they kids have sound check at 1:30pm. There is no night show and we are off on Monday and staying at this hotel. The hotel is nice and has an indoor pool and hot tub which we plan to use tomorrow and Monday. I want to congratulate my sister Maureen on passing her "Wall Street" test. Only 20% of the people taking the exam passed. I am so proud of her. Well I hope everyone is having a lovely Valentines Day! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOXOOXOXOXOOX

Good Riddance to Jinxville!

We had another really rough night. Maria's cough persisted even though I have been nebulizing her regularly. The cough kept waking her up. For the past couple of days she would wake up and tell me "Momma can I tell you something? I'm sick." It broke my heart. I was really upset when they had to leave for the airport and we had to get on the bus. I felt so bad. Mike and I did not get a wink of sleep, I also felt bad for him having to travel alone with Maria when she was feeling so poorly. He just told me they landed in New York and he is going to take her to the doctor. I told Maria to call Mommy to tell her what the doctor says. Jacksonville just continued to be Jinxville for me. If Maria being sick wasn't hard enough about 4am in the morning my nose started to drip as if it was a faucet. (Sorry don't mean to be gross just illustrating my point.) The misery continued this morning when I discovered my license missing this morning. The kids and parent are being flown to Boston on Saturday to avoid a two day bus trip. I am hoping I can fly on a plane without my license, if not we will have a long bus ride ahead.

Jacksonville Blues!

Hello from my hotel room in Jacksonville. Maria is still sick and I have been staying with her 24/7. Mike took Mikey, Colin, John and Quentin to the movies last night without us. They went to see Coraline in 3D. They all loved it. Last night was another tough night with poor Maria coughing all night. We were supposed to take her to see the 10am show today and had fifth row dead center seats. Unfortunately, she was too sick to go. I felt so bad for her because she was looking forward to seeing the show again. She really likes "As Long As He Needs Me." She perked up a little this afternoon so we went to Apple Bees for lunch. I thought getting out of the room and into the Florida sunshine would be good for her. Turns out it was not a good idea. The cough made her feel like she had to throw up and she would keep wanting to go into the bathroom or sleep on my lap. She is sleeping now peacefully and I hope she feels better since her and Mike travel back to NY tomorrow. He will be bringing her to the doctor first thing. Today when the cast got on the bus for the morning show they discovered the bus was ransacked and Mikey's DS and all his games were stolen. Colin had money taken out of his wallet and everyones stuff was opened and thrown around. They threw the ALL liquid detergent from an over head bin and the cap broke and the sticky liquid spilt on my seat and floor area. I am really hoping it is not in my boots. I am out the point that I can't wait to leave Jacksonville....it is starting to feel like Jinxville to me. I had such high hopes for the good time we would have here. Mike and Mikey are at the evening show and I have to start packing for the long ride tomorrow. Everyone pray that my little angel feels better soon.

Hello from Jacksonville, Florida

"Reunited and it feels so good." If only Maria felt good....poor baby. Mike and Maria joined us in Jacksonville. We spent a nice relaxing day at the beach yesterday. It was sunny and in the 70's. Clare arranged for the bus to take us all to the beach. The boys had a great time becoming Florida Polar Bears. Their tutor Jerimiah joined them for some cold fun in the water. They enjoyed the water and the sand. Mikey and Colin buried Quentin and turned him into a Mer-Man. Little Spencer joined them later to play in the water and sand. His laugh could be heard loud and clear all over the beach. Poor Maria starting coughing the night before and was so exhausted she slept the whole time we were on the beach as well as in the restaurant. We ate at a place called "Sneakers." Everyone was exhausted after the beach and since we had a late lunch we just skipped dinner and relaxed in the room. Poor Maria had another tough night and she has been sleeping most of today. I feel so bad for her because I know she would have enjoyed the beach. Mike and Mikey went to the Museum of Science and History on a school field trip with the tutor and Nims and Araujos. They enjoyed the Planeterium at the Museum. Mike is now taking Mikey to see his old Naval Base. He was stationed here 30 years ago when he was in the Navy. I am hoping Maria feels up to going out later for some dinner and a movie.

Clemson, South Carolina

I am writing this from the bus as we head to Jacksonville. The show was in Clemson, South Carolina last night. Lucky the hotel we stayed in last night was clean and had great beds. It made up for the night before. Everybody really needed a good night sleep after losing so much the night before. After the show last night we were happy KFC was opened since nobody was hungry for dinner before the show. We are so happy to be heading for Jacksonville where we will reunite with Dad and Maria. They are visiting us on tour this week. They are already at the hotel waiting for us so I keep hoping Larry our bus driver steps on the gas a little harder! I talked to Maria on the phone and she is so happy. Last night Maria and Daddy went to see Willy Wonka at the Rockaway Theater Company. She wanted to see Reilly playing the role of Charlie. Today we had lunch at Walmart in South Carolina and then I found the perfect bathing suit and cover up for Maria. I was so happy because I have been looking for a new one for her. There was only one problem......apparently where we were in South Carolina has some "Blue Laws" that will not allow them to sell items other than from the grocery section until 130pm. They let you browse in the store but when you go to the cash register you can't buy the items. I miss New York where the city never sleeps! They did allow me to buy Maria new princess underwear. Apparently you can buy groceries and undergarments before 130pm. I tried to get the lady to sell me the color t-shirts I picked out for myself under the theory that they are undergarments but she did not buy the theory. Guess I will be shopping in Jacksonville. I am excited they we will have a car to get around in. The tour is really winding down now....only twelve more shows. I am thrilled we will be home for good soon but another part of me is panicking about going back to all the responsibilities of "real life." Sitting on the bus with nothing to do is very peaceful at times..............

Statesboro, Georgia

Hello from Georgia. We were suppose to stay in the Ramada but unfortunately for us they some how lost the reservation for the whole cast. Sooooooooooo.....we are staying in a hotel that is giving me flashback to the Galveston Hotel. It is one of the hotels where the cast rather sleep on the bus then in the hotel room. I personally have not seen any bugs this time but other cast members have seen some in their room. If that isn't enough keep me awake there is a gang of youngsters having a keg party and blaring loud music from there car right outside my hotel room door. It is not bothering Mikey....he is out like a light. Missy and Colin showed us there room where everyone believes the strange brown spots on her ceiling may be from......let me put it this way....number 2! Yes, number 2! (LOL) I tried to make her feel better and told her it could be rust from the ceiling fan, after all....what are friends for! Ordering dinner was also interesting. We had a "Sonic" drive thru next to the hotel. Only one problem.....no car. The have all these separate parking spots with speakers to order. We stood where cars normally pull up to park and then the waitress brings the food out to you. It was pretty funny after the show when half the cast were standing in all these spots ordering. We had some excitement before the show. Fifteen minutes before show time the theater had to be evacuated. The fog machine caused to much smoke in the theater and the fire department responded. Mikey was nervous at first but quickly got over it once outside. The cast all had to go outside in various stages of make up and costume. Chaz was the best in his robe, as was Stacie with her long bloomers. Rhiannon was caught with curlers in her hair. Jen and Erin had fun posing in front of the fire truck as did the boys. The show was delayed by a half hour or so but then finally went on. Mikey and I worked on Math during intermission. I now remember how to determine the Greatest Common Factor and equivalent fractions. We both liked these better than long division! Now I am trying to decide if I should leave the television on to block the noise or to try going to sleep with the noise. Neither option is great for a light sleeper. On a better note I spoke to Maria today. She had a pancake PJ party in school today. Daddy helped the kids make the pancakes. She really had fun. Tomorrow Mike is taking her to see Reilly in "Willy Wonka" at the Rockaway Theater Company. Reilly is playing Charlie and Mikey is so happy for her. He called her today before the show to tell her to "Break a Leg." I can't wait until Sunday because Mike and Maria are joing us in Jacksonville, Florida. We have a couple of days off there and two shows. So we will have time to spend together and they will also be able to see the show again. Okay I am starting to ramble so I will say goodnight......

Where HAVE I been?

Well since I last wrote we have been to Springfield, Ohio, Williamsport, PA, Ogdensburg, NY, two locations in Canada: Kingston, Ontario and St. Johns, New Brunswick, HOME and Gainesville, Florida. It is really hard to keep up when you are doing one nighters and then the computer did not cooperate in Canada. Of course when I was home I did not want to do any writing. I will try to do a quick recap of the places. In Springfield, Ohio, the show was peformed at the Clark State Peforming Arts Center. Erin went on to play the role of Nancy in front of her home town audience and Michelle went on for Erin as Mrs. Sowerberry. Ashley filled in and did an awesome job as "Old Sally." We were staying at the Court Yard Marriot and her parents gave a reception for the cast after the show. A good time was had by all and we thank Erin's parents for being so generous. They also had a huge cake with the cast photo on it. Mikey was very excited to get the piece with the picture of him in his pirate costume. I told him I can finally bite his head off without feeling bad. Mikey was acting like the papparazzi at the party with his new camera. I am not sure we will be posting some of the pictures on facebook! In Williamsport PA, the show was held at the Community Arts Center. Aunt Terry (Mike's Sister) came to see the show and stayed over with us in the Genetti Hotel. We got lucky and had a bigger than normal room. Q wanted to know how come we got a suite! It wasn't a suite but it was a nice size room. We had a nice dinner with Aunt Terry and then after the show she treated the parents to a carafe of wine in our nice room. John and Q came briefly but had to leave when the pizza man was looking all over the hotel for them! (LOL) Aunt Terry really enjoyed the show and told Mikey she was so happy she got to see him. We loved having her. It is so much fun to have vistors on tour. In Ogdensburg, NY, Colin's Dad visited along with other family members and friends. It was snowing and looked like a winter wonderland. Then it was off to Canada in the snow storm. It got really exciting when we crossed the border and Melissa was taken off the bus because she had "Bedazzle" pepper spray. Her Mom gave her the pepper spray and painted the can pink. She also wrote some interesting sayings on the can. I am sure she made the Officers day and he had a story to share that day. They confiscated her bedazzle and let her return to the bus without to much delay. I would like to say we saw a lot in Canada but all we saw was:SNOW, SNOW, SNOW! In St. Johns I was wishing it was nicer weather because they offer "Whale" boating tours. Unfortunately, we were not there in nice weather. The snow piles were about 6 to 7 feet high and there were no side walks. The hotel had a restaurant so we did not venture far because when you walked in the street there were huge puddles. When cars drove by there would be a wave of water coming at you. Mikey and I flew home with a bunch of the cast from NY on Sunday. We had to get up at 3am but were home by 11am. We were very excited to be home and when Maria came running at us in the airport screaming I knew the money spent on the tickets to return home was worth every penny. Mikey got to spend time with Reilly and Janna and see some of his classmates by the school yard. He really enjoyed spending time at the Rockaway Theater company and seeing all his friends rehearsing for "Willie Wonka" which is opening tonight. Reilly is playing Charlie and Mikey is so proud and excited for her. Time home was short but we tried to do a lot. Mikey's cousins Luke and Maria and I got to spend some girl time together. After picking her up from school we had lunch and then went for manicures together. Mikey and Maria had an afternoon of playing with play-doh together and had fun wrecking my kitchen. Mike and I got to go on a date with Maureen and Al to Zum Stamtisch while Mikey and Maria played at Aunt Mary's with Kasey. Kasey baskeball team beat Mary Louis Academy! Since Mikey was kidnapped by the Charles family on his last night home, Mike and I took Maria to a nice dinner at Prima Pasta. Of course first we had to go and buy a "Washing Machine." I still cannot believe with all my laundry troubles on the road that when I went home my washer broke. Somebody up there has a good sense of humor! Yesterday, we flew back and joined the rest of the cast in Gainesville, Florida. Of course Florida in under a "Freeze." The show last night was in the Phillips Performing Arts Center in the University of Florida. Chaz (Mr. Bumble) was very excited because his Dad was coming to the show. Mikey and Colin (Dodger) participated with some of the adult members of the cast in a Q and A with the audience. Mikey and Colin were given hand held microphones to hold and their smiles were beaming from ear to ear. They were very cute and really enjoyed talking with the audience. One member asked Mikey what his wires were for in his hair and on his back. He was really funny trying to explain it. "He told him it was to make his voice lounder." When another audience member asked how the kids got involved in shows, Mikey told them he tried out for his talent show in kindergarten without telling his mom. He told them "My mom heard about it in the bagel shop!" Actually his kindergarten teacher (Mrs. Smith) approached me in the deli, but I was standing next to the bagels (LOL) . He also told them about how our Mr. Bumble (Chaz) told him about the auditon. It was so funny because Chaz walked in just as he mentioned him. Missy and I turned red and almost fell over when a gentlemen stood up and told us he reads our blogs and complimented us on them. I really felt guilty about being behind in my writing after that. This is probably why I am feverishly updating it today! We were teasing the kids that we had fans! Today, we had a nice lunch at Ruby, Tuesdays (Don't ask me where) with Erin, Michele, John and Q. Missy and Colin ditched us to grab the sales at the Mall. Now we are back on the bus on the way to Statesboro, Georgia. Hopefully, we have a place to sleep. Clare is trying to straighten out a snafu with the hotel who forgot we were coming today!

Goodnight from Kalamazoo, Michigan

Today, Mikey performed in a Matinee at West Michigan University. The cast was thrilled to see a huge billboard advertising Oliver on the highway. It has the picture of Colin and Q from "Consider Yourself." Missy has posted it on her facebook. The theater was huge and had a full house. After the show we went to dinner at Brewsters with our tour family (Missy, John, Colin and Q.) We trekked back through the snow singing songs from the 70's and 80's. I was on a brief roll actually knowing who sung some of the songs. Tonight the Da Vinci Code is on TV and Mikey is totally facinated with it. I told him make sure he does not quote the theories back at St. Frances De Sales School (LOL). He spoke to his Dad on the phone so he could understand the plot better. Now I am getting ready to pack again because we leave 830 tomorrow morning for Springfield, Ohio. It is very cold here and I think it is going to be even colder there. Mikey has been working on his sketch of Zac playing Fagin. I think it is his most interesting one yet. He had Zac posing at intermission in the green room so he could study his makeup. He is becoming a very serious artist! I will be very happy when I don't have to pack every night and drag luggage every morning. The tour is starting to wind down. One of the crew today said we have 21 more shows left. It seems so little a number yet March seems so far off. Tomorrow we are in Erin's (Mrs. Sowerberry and Old Sally) hometown and her parents are throwing a reception for the cast after the show. Everyone is looking forward to that. We just spoke to Maria and Mike a few minutes ago to wish them good night. I can't wait to tuck my little girl into bed again. I am looking forward to flying home for a few days the first week of February. I miss the other half of my family sooooooooooooooooo much!

Hello from Kalamazoo, Michigan

Today, we had a more human bus call (11am). This is good because several of the cast members are under the weather. I am happy to report that baby Spencer is feeling better. We all felt so bad for him yesterday afternoon. He bounced back pretty quick last night and was having Mikey chase him down the hotel hallway. Mikey has been giving him all the love an attention that he can't give his baby sister Maria. Mikey has decided to follow in Colin's footsteps and start learning from Chris (Bill Sikes) how to do pushups, pullups, situps and jump rope. He is very funny because he thinks he has already gained muscles and decided to show them off by carrying Clare's big suitcase up the hotel stairs last night. (One of those hotel's we hate: no elevator.) It was only a three hour drive to this hotel in Kalamazoo, so if felt like a piece of cake compared to all the long rides we had. After Mikey finished his homework we went with Colin, Missy, Allaggio(Noah) to grab a bite to eat. This is another state that does not believe in sidewalks. There are snow piles 5-6 feet high so walking in the street was a little scary. We always seem to have to risk our lives to find food on this tour. We went to a nice place called Brewsters which luckily was not to far of a walk. It is suppose to get even colder the next few days so I am not looking forward to that. I think that Brewster's walk will feel longer once the temperture drops. Missy and I stayed back tonight to do laundry. It is a sad thing when the most exciting thing is that the hotel has a washer machine and dryer. It is amazing how quickly laundry piles up and you just don't want to miss an opportunity to do it when you can. We are happy that we are in this hotel for two nights. These one-nighters are wearing. All you do is pack in the morning, upack at night and then pack back up again the next morning. The worst is that I haven't been able to fall asleep lately until 230am. It wouldn't be so bad if I could sleep on the bus but so far it has been a struggle. Mikey is still loving every minute of it and still has the glow on his face when he is performing. I can see he is going to have a tough time when he has to say good-bye to the cast at the end of the tour. He has been presenting each cast member during the tour with a sketch of them in costume. He finished his sketch of Colin's (Dodger) and gave it to him the other day. Colin has it hanging up on his bus window. I am truly amazed at the details he puts into his sketches. I told him he has to pick up the pace with his sketching because the tour is winding down. I am really pleased by all the sketching he is doing. He has been creating characters for plays that so far are only going on in his head and not written down. He has his "DS" with him but he mostly sketches. This kid got talent from somewhere....but it certainly wasn't from me! I was happy to talk to Maria who was excited about a sleep over at Uncle Jim's and JoJo's house. she told me about all the fun she had at cousin Skye's house. She played with Luke, Johnny and Skye on the trampoline. She loves going to Skye's! Mike is preparing for another Polar Bear Party with his work friends on Sunday. You would think New Day was enough for him, but no he is crazy! Mikey should be arriving back from the show any minute now, so I will say good-night.

Muncie, Indiana

We left Iowa and are in Muncie, Indiana. The front desk man in Iowa told us the big news in Iowa was that a cow froze to death when the cold front moved in. That is until the Oliver National Tour arrived! We woke up and there was a great review of the show in the daily newspaper. Not too much happening in Muncie, Indiana either. We are here for a one-nighter. We arrived at the hotel and Mikey jumped right into the shower. While in the shower the light above it popped and started to smoke. (I guess he may have hit one of his high notes,LOL.) We were lucky because at first we did not realize what the noise was and that there was actually glass in the tub with him. The hotel manager was nice and immediately changed our room. After "Mike Check," Mikey was thrilled to participate with other members of the cast in a Q and A with students at Ball University. It was a lot of fun for him. I think we hit another theater with a phantom in it. Either that or it followed us from the hotel room. There were some sound problems with the opening number "Food Glorious Food." You couldn't hear the beginning of the song as the kids marched out. Later the lights went out on stage. Baby Spencer and a few of the cast members got sick. Hopefully, tomorrow everyone will feel better. After the show the kids got to meet their California tutor's (Kevin Moll) parents. They came to see the show and wanted to say hello for Kevin. Kevin was a great tutor for them and would share his "Rumis" game with them. When Kevin left to tour he forgot "Rumis" and the boys have been so worried about getting it back to him because they knew it was special to him. Many of the kids he has tutor have enjoyed the game. Unfortunately, the game box got a little beat up being stored under the bus with the luggage since it has been under there so long. However, it is finally in safe hands. Colin saved the day by running to the bus and working hard to find the game so that Kevin's parents can give it back to him. Kevin's dad called Kevin in Californina and each of the boys got to talk to him. They all looked so cute while they were talking to him on the phone. I had to tell each of them to hurry up because our bus was about to leave us. We also bid a fond farewell to Clare's (tour manager) mom. She traveled with us for a week to spend time with baby Spencer. He really seemed to enjoy her visit. On another front: Shout out to my nephew Sean on getting into St. Francis Prep High School!

Hello from Burlington, Iowa

"Oh, there's nothing half way about the Iowa way to treat you when we treat you which we may not do at all......We can be cold as a falling thermometer in December if you ask about the weather in July and where so by-gone stubborn we stand touching noses for a week and half and never see eye to eye.............." (For you Music Man fans).
I guess you can guess by now where we are. "IOWA." We arrived here for a one-nighter. The hotel is nice and has a hottub and pool. John, Q, Mikey and I had a lovely walk through the snow piles to get something to eat. (apparently IOWA does not believe in side walks) Thank goodness after Waukegan, Il nothing else seems cold. The walk actually felt good after spending so much time on the bus. Not too much going on today. Iowa's landscape looks very flat and varied from a wheat colored barren grass to areas with white snow. Of course where we are staying the ground is covered with snow. The people were getting a little mad at us for walking rather than driving. Since we did not have the luxury of having a car we paid no attention to them. Tomorrow we have a 7am bus call and are heading to Muncie, Indiana. Love to all. Mikey and Sue

Hello from Missouri

Our wonderful tour manager (Clare) gave us time to stop at the St. Louis Arch yesterday. We were so happy because we passed it in our travel several times but never had the opportunity to stop. The kids enjoyed getting in the elevator that looks like a little spaceship with 5 seats and riding to the top. The Arch is 650feet and overlooks the Mississippi River. You could see the city and the river from the top of the arch. You could see the ice floating in the river and you could also see the stadium. Mikey was using his new camera to snap photo after photo. He layed on the ground under the arch and took photos. We are happy again because we will be staying in the same hotel for tonights again. We had a nice dinner in the sports bar and rested the first night because there was no show. Today, Mikey and I enjoyed having the heating swimming pool all to ourselves. After swimming went to the Mall with Missy and Colin. Q and John went to the Mall ahead of us. We enjoyed eating dinner at Panera Bread and then it was time to go to the show. I stayed back because I wasn't feeling so hot and also to get some laundry done. Tomorrow we are off to Iowa. Goodnight!

Hello from Paducah, Kentucky

We feel like we have landed. We are actually in the same place for two nights! What a pleasure. The cast threw a "Middle School Dance," for Colin (Dodger) because they found out he missed his dance while on tour. They all dressed how they did when they were in Middle School themselves and also acted out the part. Colin was so thrilled that he went back to his room to get spiffed up himself. Mikey just loved every single minute of it. I felt like I was on the set of "Saturday Night Live." See the video Missy posted and you will see why. The girls in the cast all danced with the boys while Ashley played Sister Mary Catherine and made sure they kept room for the holy ghost. Will was teaching everyone the electric slide. Fun was had by all. Will post pictures soon. I thank the cast for caring so much about the kids and being so great to them!

Evansville, Indiana

Can you believe Mikey is really in Indiana! "Not Louisana, Paris, France, New York or Rome! But........Indiana, My Home Sweet Home! Okay, I know I am corny but I couldn't resist since his last part before being in Oliver was playing "Winthrop" in Music Man. This has been some week since returning on tour. Basically we travel 300 plus miles during the day and then arrive in time to grab a quick bite and go to the theater. We are looking forward to Paducah, Kentucky because we will actually be in the same place for two nights! Hooray!

Walking in "Memphis," AGAIN!

We were all thrilled to be "Walking in Memphis," again on a stopover to Waukegan, Il. Everyone was so exicted because Matt David and the cast of the Drowsy Chaperone were staying at the same hotel. Matt was our orignal "Mr. Brownlow," and left to be in the Drowsy Chaperone. The cast all had dinner in BB Kings and everyone really enjoyed the music and seeing Matt. Baby Spencer and a fun time dancing to the music. Mikey enjoyed his dance with Rhiannon and some dance moves with Ashley. It was fun shopping on Beale Street again. I bought myself a ceraminc Elvis to hang on the bus but unfortunately he only lasted a morning before falling to the floor and breaking. I still have him from the thighs up! Colin and I were in rare form doing our impression of the "Blues Brothers"(Can be seen on Missy's facebook.) I swear I wasn't drunk....I was just so.........happy to be off the bus! Our next stop was Waukegan, Il. What can I say except that is was minus 20 degrees. The kids did get to meet the cast of "Oliver" from the local theater company. They were putting their show on in a couple of weeks and came to see the show. The kids seem to enjoy talking to each other. Following Waukegan we travelled to Lima, Ohio. Rhiannon broke her finger so Erin went on as Nancy, Michele went on as Mrs. Sowerberry and Ashley played "Old Sally." They all did a great job and the show was very interesting to watch. These ladies are all so talented to be able to step in at a moments notice and perform so well. It was also special for Erin because her parents and friends were able to see the show. On the the next State...............

Hello from Galveston, Texas

Hello...........I'mback. Sorry I have been to cold and exhausted from the one-nighters that I have not had any inspiration to write. After Disney, Mikey and flew to meet the cast in Galveston, Texas. I was blown away by the devastation that still existed there. It brought back so many memories for me of losing my own home. We were lucky enough to have such wonderful neighbors, the Rockaway Community and the NYPD to help us. This community they all were wiped out and here it is 4 months later and the devastation is still everywhere. We saw miles and miles of coastline where just the pilings of houses remained or just the frame. Stores with no insides, cars still stuck in the mud, debris still strewn everywhere; big hotels with holes in the walls on the upper floors and people trying to rebuild again. I spoke to the owner of the grocery store across from the theater. He told me he lost all his inventory but was determine to get the store running again. He gave me a copy of how his store looked in the newspaper at that time. They were lucky in that they were able to throw out everything they had and get the store back opened that same week. He said the water by him was 9 ft and a few blocks away it was as high at 17ft. He told me before the hurricane the downtown area would be packed with people and you couldn't even find a spot. Today we say hardly any people except for those he came to the show. One women in the store told me her house was finally knocked down today and she was hoping to rebuild. While I was in the store I witnessed the store owner give free cleaning products to someone so they can clean their home. It was clear to me as they spoke to me that they felt it as clearly today and they felt it that day. As the women spoke to me about finding somethings in the debris perfectly find and other completely gone it brought me back to when we had to throw out the things from our house after the plane crash. I felt like I was back in time speaking to this women. I just wanted to hug her. Seeing a whole beach community wiped out like that made me a little nervous for Rockway. I hope this community finds the strength to rebuild itself. It will be some task. To take my mind off this sadness we had a very interesting hotel. All I can say is it felt like we were in an episode of "Cops" the tv show. The hotel had the best view of the Gulf of Mexico but that could not make up for the rest. It should have been called the "Double C" hotel. (Criminals and Critters) The cops were there regularly and while we were eating dinner we got to watch a live foot pursuit. Just to make everyone a little extra nervous....the Cops did not catch their man. The criminal element around the hotel I could deal with.....(although I wish I had my piece and handcuffs) it was the critters inhabiting my nightstand that made me stay awake all night. Let's just say the hotel's floors and walls moved and it had nothing to do with a hurricane. The hotel owes me money for my exterminating skills. We were so happy to leave Galveston. We got to shorten our trip by taken a ferry. The cast enjoyed being off the bus. We even were thrilled to see some dolphins and huge pelicans. However, we left Galveston driving past some of the most devestated areas. It was very sad.

Disney

Okay I am behind in my writing due to all the one nighters. I haven't felt very inspired. Let me finish off Disney and then get back to the tour. Disney was a blast and exhausting at the same time. Maria was very thrilled to meet Goofy and Daisy Duck. She also had a lovely chat in cave with "The Little Mermaid" Ariel called Maria her "Little Star Fish." She really had the most fun playing in the sprinkler with the other kids near Ariel's cave. You can spend tons of money but it is still the simple little things that kids like the best. We met Uncle Charlie at Magic Kingdom and after going on the "Peter Pan" ride the groups split. The boys went off with Dad and Uncle Charlie to "Space Mountain," and Maria and I did things she would like. We went on Dumbo, Winnie the Pooh, met Ariel, and saw the awesome 3D Movie:"Mickey's Philharmonic." If you never saw this make sure you do. It was so good that we went again with the boys and they loved it. Maria really loved Minnie's House and enjoyed playing in the kitchen. We all went on Goofy's roller coaster, even Uncle Charlie. During our stay we went to Hollywood Studios and Epicot. At Hollywood studios we all rode the "Tower of Terror," even Maria. The lady behind her was cracking up because every time the elevator went into free fall Maria would fly up a little in her seat and her hair would fly. The boys really loved the Rocking Rollercoaster. Maria and I saw the "Little Mermaid" live show and we all went to the "Beauty and Beast" show. Mikey day was made when he got to fight "Jack Sparrow." They were doing a live perfomance outiside the "Pirates of the Carribean ride." Mikey was one of the kids selected to participate. All the kids were giving sword fighting instructions and a phrase to say to trick the pirate they would fight. The kids all fought Jack's assistance and then when it was Mikey's turn, Jack Sparrow tells him "Your going to fight me." He really loved it! Johnny got to talk to "Crush" the turtle in the "Voyage of the Little Mermaid." The turtle taught him how to say "Totally Sweet." We walked our feet off and would swim every night when we went back to the hotel. The boys really enjoyed the late night swims and snacks. A good time was had by all! Mikey and I had to go home and then fly back to the tour the next morning. Scroll down to check out some pictures.

Hello from Disney in Orlando, Fl

I have come to to conclusion that I am definitely out of my mind. Instead of spending our week off at home like a sane person would who has been on the road since September I am at Disney. Don't get me wrong, I am loving it, every minute of it.....it is just that my feet hate it! We arrived here today and everything went smooth. Disney even gets your luggage from baggage claim at the airport and delivers it to your room. The villa we have is great. We have a huge bedroom with a master suite. There is a separate room for the Jacuzzi Tub, a huge seperate shower room, and walk in closet. It also has a living room, kitchen and suite for the kids. The kids have two queen size beds, a dressing room with large counter and sinks as well as their own bathroom. The kids were a bit exhausted from the early travel since they were all too exicted to sleep last night. We all fought our tiredness and had a lovely dinner at the Yatch Club followed by the Epicot firework displa. Mike, Mikey and Sean even made it for a late night swim. Maria, Johnny and I lost all energy and chose to stay in the villa. Maria enjoyed "Its a Small World" and John and Mikey kept snapping away photos with their new cameras. At lunch Uncle Mike encouraged all the boys to ride the toy stick horses that the restaurant had. They all lined up and rode them around the room. Maria loved it, Sean and John were a little embarassed but were good sports. Mikey of course was the last one to put his horse down. The meals have been great and we plan to meet Uncle Charlie and conquer the Magic Kingdom for real tomorrow. Have a Magical Night! Love, Sue and Family PS scroll down and look left to see pictures.

Happy New Years from Wisconsin and Happy Birthday, Missy!

Schmeil, Schmazzle, Hots and Pepper Corporated! We're gonna make it after all...........We landed in the land of Laverne and Shirley! Unfortunately I forgot my winter coat in sunny Florida. It was almost cruel sending us from Florida to here. We went from 80 degrees to 3 degrees. I was silly enough to leave my winter coat on the tour bus in Florida. So here I am in fridge temperatures without a coat. (Can I get credit towards my Polar Bear membership.) We landed here about 4pm on New Years Eve. We are staying in a beautiful hotel with real comfy beds and have two days off without a show. For New Years Eve we went with our tour families (Missy, Colin, John and Quentin) to a nice Italian Restaurant right across the street from the hotel(Thank God, since no coat!) We were amazed that we got seat right away since when we called around they would not take any reservations. The food was delicious and then we went back to Missy's room to celebrate her birthday and New Years. We celebrated NY Time and then Wisconsin Time. Missy's husband Steve sent her a bottle of Champagne which she so kindly shared with John and I. (Thank you, Steve) The kids had a fun pillow fight which can be seen on facebook. There are other interesting videos on facebook from the night which I will not describe! Let just say the Champagne got to me! I presented Missy with her birthday present....an official Morley Polar Bear shirt. She is now an honorary member until she really joins us, hopefully, next year. Mike gave us a full report from home and sent pictures of the Polar Bear party. He said it was really freezing and his thumbs hurt for two hours after the swim. We have been doing the Polar Bear party for the past six years on New Years Day since we live right by the beach. This year Mike bought two big polar bear statutes to put on the stoop to welcome those that came to the party. This is the first year it has been so cold. This year separated the men from the boys and the woman from the girls. In my house the teenage girls went in while the teenage boys couldn't bring them selves to jump in. GO GIRLS! (Kasey, Jessie and Mariah) Maria told me she was very cold just watching and that Daddy thought she went in because JoJo wrapped a towel around her over her coat to warm her up. Mikey and I really missed being there today. Missy and Mikey both wore their Polar Bear shirts today. I guess if we wanted to show Mike up we could have jumped in the Great Lake nearby the hotel but that just would have been crazy! Tomorrow the boys don't have a show until the evening so it is like having another day off. We really look forward to down time, especially when we are in a nice hotel. Now that I have caught up with all my posting...........my fingers hurt! Happy New Years to All and to All a Good Night! Love, Sue and Mikey ....P.S. Don't forget to scroll down and look left at all the new pictures I added!

Hello from Sarasota

We were sad to leave home but Sarasota, Florida was a great first stop to help cheer us up. It was sunny and in the 80's. The Sarasota Marina Hotel had a beautful pool with an outdoor Tikki Bar. I finally got a Pina Coloda in the sunshine. We had a round to celebrate Missy's upcoming birthday in the sunshine. The sun really felt good. Mikey enjoyed the pool, especially after Ashley joined him. It was so nice beside the pool that we (Missy, John and I) decided to have Pizza delivered and eat right there before the show. Our room had a little terrace that looked out at the water inlet and the beautiful boats. We were happy to have Mike's Aunt Eunice and family come to see the show. It was great seeing them. On December 30th we were really happy to see Uncle Charlie. He lives in Sarasota and joined us for breakfast. We then sat by the Marina and Mikey and Uncle Charlie walked on the dock looking at all the boats. Uncle Charlie really enjoyed the matinee and then we went to Apple Bees for Dinner. We really enjoyed our day together and then Mikey had to go an perform in an evening show. Uncle Charlie was very sweet when he called me later to tell me what a nice day he had with us. We are happy he has decided to join us for a day in Disney when we are there next week. I really like Sarasota, especially how warm it was in January. I procrastinated packing for our trip to freezing Wisconsin. But the show must go on...................

Home for the Holidays!

Mikey and I were thrilled to go home for Christmas. Maria and Mike picked us up at the airport on December 21st. There were tight hugs all around! We knew it would be a crazy fast week but we were determine to get the most at of it. On Monday we went upstate to see Grandma and Aunt Eileen for Christmas. We had a lot of fun exchanging presents and catching up with each other. On Tuesday I visited the beauty parlor to get rid of the "Skunk" look! Wednesday I shopped, wrapped presents and then the family went to Aunt Mary's for Christmas Eve dinner. It was delicious. Christmas morning opening the presents Santa left was so much fun. Mikey pretended to faint when we told him about Disney and of course Maria had to do the same. The kids loved all the presents. Daddy made us some waffles for breakfast and then we had to clear the presents out of the living room to make room our guests. On Christmas the whole family came to our house and at some point I stopped counting how many seats we need for dinner! The little cousins had lots of fun opening presents and playing in Maria's room. Nana made delicious spiral hams and Uncle Artie contributed by making a leg of lamb which seemed to disappear quickly. Thanks Mom for all the wrapping and cooking because I could not have survived without your help. It was fun tell cousin Johnny that he was going to disney with us. I wrapped a shirt I bought for him in Mt. Rushmore. I told him I know you wanted money but I thought this shirt was better. You could tell as he looked at the shirt that he rather have money. Then I told him to read the note I wrote. It said" You will need to wear this shirt in a very special place in two weeks. See below for clues. On the paper was stickers of Mickey Mouse. His face was priceless. He seem to be afraid to guess so I finally told him it was Disney. He did not believe us at first and kept asking "Are you serious." The day after Christmas we took Mikey and his friend Reilly to see "Young Frankenstein." Before the show we ate at Ruby Tuesdays. The kids absolutely loved the show and Mikey has not stopped singing the songs. I apologized to the cast in advance! Some of them are verrrrrrrrrrrry interesting and not necessarily age appropriate! LOL. The next day was his actual birthday and we had a few of his friends and family members over to celebrate. He really enjoyed playing with his cousins and Will, Michael, Brandon and Caroline. He misses all of them while he is away. It was so good to see Mary who shamed me into updating this blog. Maria enjoyed playing with Alex. Sunday was our day to pack again. Maria and I stayed in our PJ's all day. It was hard leaving Mike, Maria and Nana again. Knowing I would be home in a week to take Maria to Disney got me through it. Not sure what will get me through when I have to come back after Disney. I guess I'll take it "One Day at a Time."

Hello from Melbourne, Flordia

Okay sorry I have not written but so much was going on. The next few posts will be catch ups. We were in Melbourne Florida December 20th and Lakeland, Florida before that. During that time the Cast made time to rehearse Christmas Carols. They made time in their busy schedule to go Christmas Caroling at a Nursing Home for the residents. John was so happy to be part of the Choir! The residents seemed to really enjoy it. When the cast was done with Christmas songs they decided to give their audience a taste Oliver. They really enjoyed hearing the cast perform a few numbers. Mikey, Colin and Q were happy they could finally participate in Oom Pah Pah! (LOL) On December 20th, Mikey and I were so excited that Uncle Bill, Aunt Loretta, and Aunt Loretta's sister Dolly came to see the show. Aunt Loretta surprised Mikey by visiting him in the dressing room. It was so nice to have company on the road. We had great seats and then Uncle Bill treated us to a nice dinner in a place near the theater that looked like a tikki hut. Mikey really enjoyed the chicken wings. Aunt Loretta and Mikey had great dessert with bite sized brownies and banana fosters. Unfortunately, we really had to rush dinner because Mikey had another show to perform in that night. Since this was our last night before going home for Christmas all the Secret Santa's were revealed and the gifts given out. Mikey's Secret Santa (Clare) gave him his current favorite movie S.T. and some yummies. My Secret Santa was Ashley and she gave me some of my favorite things. She along with Erin also had the most festive and creative outfits for the holiday party at the pool after the show. Mikey was the Secret Santa to Erin and he really was so happy he picked her. He had so much fun buying presents for her. I had Adam and had fun leaving him presents I thought he would like. Colin had Chaz and tortured him by making him read clues that led him to other people who had the clues that would reveal his final present and secret santa. We all had lots of fun but were so glad we are going home. Zac, Chaz, Ashley, Mikey and I all had a nice lunch at the Outback while we waited for our return flights home. I was very excited to be proofed when I asked for a Bloody Mary. I don't think I have been proofed in 20 years. I was so excited I called Missy to tell her. Hope everyone has a Happy Holiday season!