taz_39: (Default)
[personal profile] taz_39
Thursday night we went to the open dress rehearsal for Encore's "Hello Dolly!"


It was amazingly good. They got Jodi Benson (Ariel/The Little Mermaid) to play Dolly and she was fabulous. There was one scene where Dolly is scarfing food at an upscale New York restaurant...it's totally silent and all of the focus is on Dolly eating for like 3 minutes...she emoted it all SO well.

But the neat thing is that the other actors/ensemble were just as good. Orlando is packed with talent (and not enough work for that talent) so if you go to see a local performance you will often find yourself asking, "What is someone like THAT doing HERE?" upon being blown away by incredible vocal and acting performances.

One such talent is Jameson's friend Natalie, who is a powerhouse voice and amazing actress. She was in the role of Irene Molloy, the hat shop owner. I don't have pictures but she was amazing and stood out almost as much as the lead.

Anyway, we had a great time and got to support local arts and many of Jameson's friends :)

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Friday was my first of two back-to-back Disney days. I've never done two in a row before and know that second day is gonna hit hard, so trying to take care of myself!

The caramels were well received, I got many nice complements about them and they were a good pick-me-up for everyone after those tough sets. The weekday band members are already screaming, "Save some for us!" in the group chat.


PSA: I have not forgotten about those of you to whom I've promised caramels! Mostly thinking of geminiwench: I didn't forget! It's just too hot, I don't trust that they'd get to you in good condition when the heat index is in the 100s, so am waiting for either a cool(er) week or the fall. Hope that's all right.

Friday with the Main Street Philharmonic went well. It was cloudy for the first half of the day, and overall the temp didn't get above like 93, which compared to 108 feels like a godsend. I am still making musical mistakes in the sets, but am trying to be more engaged and expressive physically, hoping that makes up for it. I don't think many people come to Disney to critique the Main Street Philharmonic, after all.

Got to experience my first shortened parade! We were partway through and it started to drizzle, so instead of marching down Main Street USA we sort of did a weird detour right in front of Casey's hot dog stand. It was awkward but I can see how needs must if the band were caught in a downpour. It was threatening rain all day but never actually did it, so everything else went as normal. I did not have a panic attack and was grateful.

Getting home was an ordeal. It HAD rained just outside of Disney (spotty downpours are a thing here) so there were lots of accidents because there are lots of idiots. It took me a half hour to drive the last three miles home :(

I had hoped to do some data entry, but there was a MASSIVE party going on in the vacation rental next door and between the loud music and being generally tired I just couldn't concentrate. Instead I made myself tea, packed lunch for tomorrow, typed this post up, and enjoyed a little of what I've been calling "Slime Time:" re-watching "Tensei Shitara Suraimu Datta Ken." A new season is out but it's been so long between seasons that I need a reminder of what's happened. "My Happy Marriage" is on the backburner right now but I'll get back to it soon.

When Jameson got home we were both exhausted, but took time to share how our respective days went. He has been rehearsing for the Wounded Warriors games being held on Disney property (there is an opening ceremony with entertainers.) It's going well and I'm glad. His hand is hardly bothering him at all any more, so thankfully physical therapy seems to have been the ticket and surgery won't be necessary. Wooot!

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Saturday was wash rinse repeat, but it was much hotter; it did hit that heat index of 108 again.

During the first set we did the Encanto Medley, and I was pleased with myself for generally doing a better job on it. I also noticed that the Encanto maraca bag has Cinderella's castle buttons like the ones on our vests, except about 1/3rd smaller and with the tiniest text on them.


For the second set I felt like an egg in a frying pan. It was so hot! So hot that it took one's breath away. I was absolutely drenched in sweat afterward and had to go to the locker room to undress and cool down for a bit before rejoining the guys. And it's not even July yet...woof.

The parade started out horrifyingly hot, but there was a thunderstorm several miles away that--while it didn't come our way--kicked up a strong breeze that was very much appreciated. I surprised myself by hardly making any musical mistakes during the parade. Progress!

Between sets I got to know two more trumpet players, younger guys about my age. I forget their names (terrible I know sorry) but they've worked together at Disney for quite a while and have done all sorts of work in the park: Green Army Men, tram driving, holiday projects, Toy Story bands, lots more. We swapped stories about our experiences. It's networking I suppose but I am more glad for the opportunity to meet people who can be my own friends, as opposed to friends poached from Jameson.

I was really pleased with how I played today, and a few of my mentors also commented that I was sounding good or looking more comfortable. May that trend continue.

Back home I ate a quick dinner and launched into data entry, hoping to give myself some kind of reprieve on Monday even if I won't get a full day off. By the time Jameson got home I'd gotten 1.5 hours so that will help. Jameson's gig went well and was a success, and we went to bed feeling musically accomplished!

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Sunday I was sad to have to get up early for more data entry, but that's the price of two Disney days and a dental appointment. By evening I had logged six hours so that will at least give me a half-day on Monday.

We had pizza and wings for dinner. We recently got a new air purifier, and it notified us that there were more particles in the air from cooking the wings! And got to work filtering said particles. Technology is cool.

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Monday Jameson has a performance at a comedy club for his friend, so I'll be tagging along to be supportive...and to enjoy a cocktail, this place has AMAZING martinis! I've had the peach brulee cocktail before and it was incredible.

Of these, which one should I get? 

- Posh Pear: Boodles British Gin, St. Germain, Pear Nectar, Pear Bitters, Pear Slice & Ground Pepper
- WOODSMAN: Woodford Reserve, St. Germain, 10-y Tawny Port, Amish Fig Jam, Mint & Lime

The rest of the week looks quiet so it'll be cooking, housework, data entry, and memorizing the Mary Poppins Medley.

Date: 2024-06-24 03:22 am (UTC)
lookfar2: (Default)
From: [personal profile] lookfar2
This is great! Continuous Quality Improvement! Although I can't imagine, having seen your costume, how the whole lot of you don't just faint in the heat. But you don't.

I'd go for the Woodsman, myself; I think the port won me over.

Date: 2024-06-24 11:09 am (UTC)
zoefruitcake: (Default)
From: [personal profile] zoefruitcake
Both drinks sound amazing but I think Woodsman sounds very unusual

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