Tootsie on Tour: Memphis, TN

**Disclaimer: The content of this post reflects my own personal views, opinions, and experiences.
This post does NOT express the views or opinions of my employer.**

The venue: Orpheum Theatre



(stock images)

Covid Tests to Date: 57

TL;DR TikTok:

TikTok by @tromboneontour

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We had the usual type of travel day, split into two groups again.
I was in the earlier group that left around 8:30am. Which is great because I appreciate getting to the next city as soon as possible.

The flights were just fine. We had a layover in Chicago, and I got this beautiful footage of the frozen lake.

https://instagram.com/p/CZ96qDFJhUc

Then, while we were waiting for boarding, I got a text from my former Production Manager on Ringling Bros.
She happened to be on layover in Chitown as well...at the gate right next to mine!!


What are the odds of THAT happening?

By the time we realized we were in the same airport, my flight was already boarding so we unfortunately didn't get time to chat.
But how fun it was to see her! How random and great.
The entertainment world is vast, and also small. And I love that.

We got to the hotel on time I think. It's an older hotel and I am hearing from other members of the cast that some rooms are not so great, but I feel that mine is pretty decent. My only complaints are that the water drains insanely slowly from the tub (gonna ask for Drain-O), and also there was no fridge.

Granted, our route sheet did warn us that this hotel didn't have fridges, so I was mentally prepared at first. But Steve (trumpet) had called ahead and had been told in no uncertain terms that we'd have 'em, so I had gotten my hopes up. And then walked into my room and immediately knew there was nowhere for a fridge to live. This is why I'm a pessimist, folks.

BUT, in circumstances like these, it's important not to give up.
I immediately rang the front desk and asked if there were any fridges available. And there WERE.
One was brought up within the next 30 minutes.
There are not enough for everyone, and when that happens it's just first-come, and Rules of the Road.
I feel bad or selfish at times like these, but also, if this is something that's important to me I will take extra action.
That's all; it's nothing personal.


Stocking my fridge, though, turned out to be quite the escapade.
I decided to walk to the nearest Kroger.
And gosh...Memphis is NOT a very safe city. Like, I was in the circus for five years, living in some of the worst parts of each major city, so I have a lot of experience walking through truly dangerous areas. And this was BAD. Like, Anacostia-level bad.
I'm still gonna walk around, but I'm gonna be REALLY careful. More vetting of the areas I'm walking through this week for sure.
Less time with my face in my phone.

But still, I made it to the Kroger unharassed, and it was "ok". I managed to get most of my groceries.
And then I couldn't for the life of me get an Uber.
When I finally did get someone, after the app searched for a full five minutes, they were 30 minutes away.
I waited and waited as it got dark and cold, alone in a VERY sketchy part of Memphis.
45 minutes later...no Uber.
My parents would kill me if they were alive, and my boyfriend will be angry, but...some random guy who had been grocery shopping recognized my situation for what it was and offered to drive me to the hotel. And I accepted. MOSTLY because the security guard greeted him by name and saw me get in his car. (Yes, there are security guards or cops often hanging out at grocery stores in sketchy areas.)
I insisted on paying him in cash, and he was a perfect gentleman. And I realize that was a bad situation.
And I won't be putting myself in that situation again this week.
Daylight walking only, and now I know: AVOID POPLAR ST IN MEMPHIS.

Anyway, got the groceries and got unpacked, and had a much needed glass of wine to relive stress. That was my Monday.
Tomorrow, adventures!

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Tuesday, I woke up feeling exhausted physically but mentally ready to go.
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