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!