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taz_39 **Disclaimer** The views and opinions expressed in this post are my own, and do not reflect the views or opinions of my employer. DO NOT RESHARE ANY PART OF THIS POST WITHOUT PERMISSION. Thank you.
This post covers Wednesday and Thursday.
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Small Little Updates:
There's an update with Jameson!! I can't share too many details, but he's been assigned a new project at his Disney corporate job, and it involves the opportunity to leave his mark on Disney live events in a BIG way!! He got the news yesterday. I am so excited for him, and proud for him!! Wish I could share more...things should become more public and share-able over time.
Our company Media team sent a link to the recent behind-the-scenes session that a local reporter had with our show...it's pretty cool and you get to see DAR, some of our actors, and some of backstage! CLICK HERE to watch.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
WEDNESDAY
I was up early again for no reason but that's ok. A normal slow morning and Madison Foodie Finds, then I decided to walk back to Newbury Street for a shop that had intrigued me called Muji. At the time we first noticed it, Jameson and I had walked like 10 miles and were too tired to window shop. We stopped in very briefly, didn't see much before leaving. I bookmarked it in my head for later.
Turns out it's essentially a Japanese IKEA. They have affordable and minimalist clothing, pillows/bedding, containers, storage solutions, housewares, and most of the same stuff you'd see at an IKEA except much less furniture (though they did have some.)
Shirt-dresses. Basically linen muumuus. But I guess these are trendy right now.
Bedding and pillows. I especially loved that their sheets and pillowcases came in different TEXTURES, from the roughspun and intentionally coarse to the extra-soft and plush.
There was a massive selection of diffusers. The gentle glow was nice.
These pillows are specifically for napping! They were super squishy :)
I REALLY enjoyed looking at everything, and there was a lot that I wanted but couldn't get...and then I got some things that I probably shouldn't have...but Japanese home goods stores are RARE in America in general, and Muji stores in particular are only found in NYC, Boston, and NJ.
My haul:
(Realized while taking this photo that I'm totally fitting the "Millennial Grey" stereotype. I could have picked any of these items in blue, yellow, white, or tan instead. But, well...I do find grey, especially dark grey, to be a comforting color for some reason.)
Soooo I bought too much, but hopefully most of this will prove useful or at least enjoyable! I certainly enjoyed the shopping. Plus it was a 3-mile walk, yay cardio. Back at the hotel, lunch and chill for the rest of the afternoon. Before dinner I decided to send my laundry out again, this time using a local service ("Wicked Clean Laundry"!) Pricing looked about the same as Poplin so we'll see how they do.
The evening show went "ok," we have Michael (key swing) on one keyboard and Leslie (vacation sub) on another, plus a sub in the woodwinds...so to be honest tempos were a little less locked in than they'd usually be. But with this many people out I think that is not the worst that could happen, and the audience was very enthusiastic. Tomorrow we have our very first sensory friendly performance! I am interested to see how it will go!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THURSDAY
I was up at 7:30 because our show is at 11 today. Normal breakfast and getting ready. 11am is two hours earlier than usual for us, however it reminds me of my circus days when we'd have "split shows:" a 10am "kiddie show" in the morning and an evening show at 7pm, with the middle of the day free.
The theater was packed with grade school kids, screaming and laughing and having a good time. Since this was a sensory friendly performance, house lights were always kept on at about 25%, many of our usual sound and lighting effects were cut (strobes, gunshots, lightning, etc), and a special announcement was made before the show to describe some of these changes so people could be prepared. There was also a special "chill out room" set up in a downstairs lobby where, if kids got overstimulated and needed a quiet place, they could go down there and color or play with fidget toys.
It all went ahead just like a normal show, only a lot quieter! It felt weird to not be able to hear some things, but also interesting, and it was kind of nice to have to pay attention a little more. And the kids were very engaged, screaming for the exciting moments and gasping in amazement at Belle in her yellow ball gown :) It's probably the loudest audience we've ever had, and it sounded like everyone had a great time!
Between shows I had a late lunch, hit the grocery for bread and protein, and relaxed with some anime.
The evening show went better than the matinee playing-wise, and afterward we were invited to hang out with Jim Abbott who is a Disney producer-of-sorts. He's a friend of Jameson's so it's pretty funny that they've just missed seeing each other in Boston by a few days! We gathered at a cool bar/restaurant called Hobgoblin with upscale Asian fusion food and some creative cocktails, many of which were based on health tinctures and came with adorable little "spell" cards which we read dramatically to each other out loud. For example there was a gin and sage cocktail meant to drive out wicked spirits, and a bourbon drink meant to attract money.
I hadn't planned to drink but Jim was buying and imo when someone offers that, it's rude not to at least have ONE drink. I went with the Cosmic Thief: cacao and vanilla-infused clear rum, passionfruit and lime essences, milk clarified for a smooth feel (which also meant I had to take a lactaid to drink it as milk-clarified alcohols do contain whey.) It was delicious, delicate, fruity, smooth, and a treat worth breaking my calorie count for :D Jim was an incredible host and made sure to talk with everyone at the table, like he even got up and moved around to make sure everyone got a chance to meet him. He and Jameson have been friends for 10+ years so I've heard a lot about him, but this was my first time meeting him. What a cool human!
I said my goodnights around midnight so I could get back and type up this post. Another late night out, but I should be able to sleep in a bit tomorrow (if my body will let me.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday: Not totally sure what I'll do today but might visit Virtuosity Musical Instruments? Or go take pics in the Public Garden? Or visit a bakery? Haven't decided and it may depend on weather. One evening show.
Saturday: Two show day, nothing planned. It's also load out!
Sunday: Golden Day in Boston!!! One last hurrah. I've already spent too much money here and done quite a lot so don't have high expectations y'all :p
This post covers Wednesday and Thursday.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
Small Little Updates:
There's an update with Jameson!! I can't share too many details, but he's been assigned a new project at his Disney corporate job, and it involves the opportunity to leave his mark on Disney live events in a BIG way!! He got the news yesterday. I am so excited for him, and proud for him!! Wish I could share more...things should become more public and share-able over time.
Our company Media team sent a link to the recent behind-the-scenes session that a local reporter had with our show...it's pretty cool and you get to see DAR, some of our actors, and some of backstage! CLICK HERE to watch.
--- --- --- --- --- ---
WEDNESDAY
I was up early again for no reason but that's ok. A normal slow morning and Madison Foodie Finds, then I decided to walk back to Newbury Street for a shop that had intrigued me called Muji. At the time we first noticed it, Jameson and I had walked like 10 miles and were too tired to window shop. We stopped in very briefly, didn't see much before leaving. I bookmarked it in my head for later.
Turns out it's essentially a Japanese IKEA. They have affordable and minimalist clothing, pillows/bedding, containers, storage solutions, housewares, and most of the same stuff you'd see at an IKEA except much less furniture (though they did have some.)
Shirt-dresses. Basically linen muumuus. But I guess these are trendy right now.
Bedding and pillows. I especially loved that their sheets and pillowcases came in different TEXTURES, from the roughspun and intentionally coarse to the extra-soft and plush.
There was a massive selection of diffusers. The gentle glow was nice.
These pillows are specifically for napping! They were super squishy :)
I REALLY enjoyed looking at everything, and there was a lot that I wanted but couldn't get...and then I got some things that I probably shouldn't have...but Japanese home goods stores are RARE in America in general, and Muji stores in particular are only found in NYC, Boston, and NJ.
My haul:
(Realized while taking this photo that I'm totally fitting the "Millennial Grey" stereotype. I could have picked any of these items in blue, yellow, white, or tan instead. But, well...I do find grey, especially dark grey, to be a comforting color for some reason.)
- The oblong pillow was advertised as having a "mochi" texture. I love it. It's small enough to bring with me, very squishy, and can be used as a neck, back, or knee pillow. But mostly I just want something to squeeze (Throughout life I have always owned small pillows or stuffed animals for this purpose.)
- A cheap 16oz bottle there on the left for travel days. Typically I use a 20oz Path reusable bottle, but those are too tall for my backpack side pockets and often fall out. Also Path bottles only last 3-4 months for me before they're either damaged from dropping or start smelling no matter how well I clean them (something to do with the lid I think.) I'm hoping this biomass plastic bottle will last longer, and it looks very easy to clean too.
- A tiny lightweight 6oz thermos which I was very excited to find. A lot of soups and protein shakes have two servings per bottle, and yet the containers they come in aren't resealable. Most of my tour containers are not leakproof and not designed to hold liquids. This is lightweight, it's the perfect size for a minifridge, and also looks easy to clean.
- A box of brown sugar candies to share with the band (they are quite good!)
- And finally, some Malay grass house slippers. I'd bought cheaper Chinese house slippers a while back, but you get what you pay for and they didn't fit properly + the bottoms wore out in no time. These are comfortable plus I love the texture and smell of the woven grass :) It would be great if they'd last at least a year.
Soooo I bought too much, but hopefully most of this will prove useful or at least enjoyable! I certainly enjoyed the shopping. Plus it was a 3-mile walk, yay cardio. Back at the hotel, lunch and chill for the rest of the afternoon. Before dinner I decided to send my laundry out again, this time using a local service ("Wicked Clean Laundry"!) Pricing looked about the same as Poplin so we'll see how they do.
The evening show went "ok," we have Michael (key swing) on one keyboard and Leslie (vacation sub) on another, plus a sub in the woodwinds...so to be honest tempos were a little less locked in than they'd usually be. But with this many people out I think that is not the worst that could happen, and the audience was very enthusiastic. Tomorrow we have our very first sensory friendly performance! I am interested to see how it will go!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THURSDAY
I was up at 7:30 because our show is at 11 today. Normal breakfast and getting ready. 11am is two hours earlier than usual for us, however it reminds me of my circus days when we'd have "split shows:" a 10am "kiddie show" in the morning and an evening show at 7pm, with the middle of the day free.
The theater was packed with grade school kids, screaming and laughing and having a good time. Since this was a sensory friendly performance, house lights were always kept on at about 25%, many of our usual sound and lighting effects were cut (strobes, gunshots, lightning, etc), and a special announcement was made before the show to describe some of these changes so people could be prepared. There was also a special "chill out room" set up in a downstairs lobby where, if kids got overstimulated and needed a quiet place, they could go down there and color or play with fidget toys.
It all went ahead just like a normal show, only a lot quieter! It felt weird to not be able to hear some things, but also interesting, and it was kind of nice to have to pay attention a little more. And the kids were very engaged, screaming for the exciting moments and gasping in amazement at Belle in her yellow ball gown :) It's probably the loudest audience we've ever had, and it sounded like everyone had a great time!
Between shows I had a late lunch, hit the grocery for bread and protein, and relaxed with some anime.
The evening show went better than the matinee playing-wise, and afterward we were invited to hang out with Jim Abbott who is a Disney producer-of-sorts. He's a friend of Jameson's so it's pretty funny that they've just missed seeing each other in Boston by a few days! We gathered at a cool bar/restaurant called Hobgoblin with upscale Asian fusion food and some creative cocktails, many of which were based on health tinctures and came with adorable little "spell" cards which we read dramatically to each other out loud. For example there was a gin and sage cocktail meant to drive out wicked spirits, and a bourbon drink meant to attract money.
I hadn't planned to drink but Jim was buying and imo when someone offers that, it's rude not to at least have ONE drink. I went with the Cosmic Thief: cacao and vanilla-infused clear rum, passionfruit and lime essences, milk clarified for a smooth feel (which also meant I had to take a lactaid to drink it as milk-clarified alcohols do contain whey.) It was delicious, delicate, fruity, smooth, and a treat worth breaking my calorie count for :D Jim was an incredible host and made sure to talk with everyone at the table, like he even got up and moved around to make sure everyone got a chance to meet him. He and Jameson have been friends for 10+ years so I've heard a lot about him, but this was my first time meeting him. What a cool human!
I said my goodnights around midnight so I could get back and type up this post. Another late night out, but I should be able to sleep in a bit tomorrow (if my body will let me.)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Friday: Not totally sure what I'll do today but might visit Virtuosity Musical Instruments? Or go take pics in the Public Garden? Or visit a bakery? Haven't decided and it may depend on weather. One evening show.
Saturday: Two show day, nothing planned. It's also load out!
Sunday: Golden Day in Boston!!! One last hurrah. I've already spent too much money here and done quite a lot so don't have high expectations y'all :p
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Date: 2026-05-01 01:11 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2026-05-01 01:54 pm (UTC)