Great Good Times

Two weeks ago, Amy W sent me a text message asking if I'd be willing to sit with her daughter, Jessie, while the rest of the family rehearsed in Sandy's Seussical the Musical. Amy had no idea how much I would need this distraction, and I was grateful to say I could help on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. When I arrived Tuesday, I found that I know a LOT of people in the cast! It was fun to see people notice me in the second row and mouth "Oh my gosh! What are you doing here?!" I love it when people are surprised and happy to see me! I had a blast sitting with Jessie. She lights up when her dad sings, and at one point laughed so hard she got the hiccups. I tried to scare the hiccups out of her and she gave me an exasperated look. My favorite Jessie moment was when I started singing "I do not like green eggs and ham!" I stopped after that line, but Jessie picked it up "I do not like it, Sam I am!" I was surprised and laughed. She is such a sweet girl. I'm glad I got to know her better. And the show is fantastic, too!

Laren got to go to ComiCon and I am SO JEALOUS! Sunday afternoon she sent me a text asking what kind of t-shirt I wanted. I had no idea, so she picked out a Supergirl shirt with a gold "S" on it. She gave it to me at lunch last week and I love it! I miss you Laren! Good luck with the new job and semester -- I know you'll rock both!

My brother Aaron was in town last week for his 10 year reunion and to introduce our family to his girlfriend, Shonni. I finally got to meet Shonni on Friday, and she's darling! She and I had a blast teasing Aaron (who teased right back, of course). Aaron and Shonni were kind enough to accompany me to see Sandy's Seussical the Musical and indulge me as I chatted with the pro team and the cast after the play. Fortunately, they aren't the sort of people to slink into the background, so I introduced them around and they took all sorts of photos of me with my friends... all on Aaron's camera, so I don't have access to them yet. It was a fun night, though. I'm glad I got them all to myself for a few hours!


I miss Peter. Today was his first day of law school in Philadelphia and I am fiercely proud of him. I hope it went well! His girlfriend, Jordyn, joined my family for dinner yesterday and filled us on on the road trip as they moved his things. She had some awesome photos, too. A few weeks ago, Jordyn's family threw Peter a going-away party. They invited us to Jordyn's parents house, and we ate home-made ice cream in their amazing backyard (complete with koi pond, sweet, no?) It was a fun way to say good-bye. Guess we all have to grow up sometime. I wonder when my turn will be....

Yesterday was my mom's birthday, and she made out like a bandit! We showered her with gifts, and all the kids worked together to provide the dinner so Mom wouldn't have to. All she had to do was open presents, play with her grandchildren, and bask in our love. At least, I hope that's all she had to do. I know my brothers didn't let her do the dishes. My mom is such a modest lady that we take her for granted a lot. We'll have to be better at that, 'cause it was nice to let her relax a smidge for a change. Oh, and kudos to Dave for the roasted garlic idea; I couldn't get enough of it or the bread!


I was invited to four baby blessings within two weeks. The first two were for my nieces, the third for my friend Rachael S's little boy, Aidan, and the fourth for Stephanie M's daughter, Peanut. Stephanie's son, Wakko, was baptized and confirmed at the same gathering as Peanut's blessing, and it was a terrific morning. I took notes at all of these events, and for Aidan, Peanut and Wakko I audio recorded the blessings as well. As I transcribed the blessings for these darling children and their parents, I prayed for the spirit so I could hear the words and reconstruct them (when I compared my notes to the transcription, I realized how extremely lousy my shorthand is). I loved getting to hear the blessings over and over again! I am grateful I get to give the recordings to their families, and that they'll have them to refer to. These are wonderful kids; I can't wait to see how they grow and those blessings come to pass!

It's the Feeling of Being Alive!

Thursday I joined Amy and saw her adorable husband Jason play Sir Danvers Carew in Jekyll and Hyde at Rodgers Memorial Theatre. It was amazing! Such a good show! It's a little short on plot, but it's a character piece anyway, so I didn't mind. I love the music, and Rodgers did a terrific job using the stage and gorgeous costumes to help us suspend our disbelief. I loved watching Jason play an earnest and truely nice guy -- it was a breath of fresh air in the midst of all of the murder and horror going on.

Meanwhile, I was surprised to find that my friend Danny Lasko was playing Jekyll/Hyde! Hadn't seen him in years and was thrilled he finally gets to play his dream role. He had an insane amount of charisma and I have no idea where he found all that energy. I had chills every time he came on stage as Hyde. I was so proud of him! It was fun to chat afterwards and catch up a bit. It's always nice to meet someone who is achieving his dreams and knows how truely blessed he is!

There were several other cast members I had performed with years ago that I was excited to see. I don't know why, but I'm always afraid people won't remember me, so I don't always say "hi". But this time I did, and every one of them remembered me and seemed so happy to see me! Hooray! I love having friends in the theatre! One can never feel alone when one is involved in Utah's theatre community. Eventually, you run into each other again and most of the time it feels as though no time has passed. It's fantastic!

Anyway, I had a great time, and will recommend the show to anyone who asks. Tickets are selling out, but go if you can! You likely won't be disappointed. Thanks again Amy for being my date. I love talking with you and cheering with you, too! Well done, Jason! Love you both!

Spoiled by my Girlfriends

I am still reeling over all that happened on Tuesday and Wednesday night. I can't say anymore that my 30th birthday was "blah"!!

Mandee and Laren had both let slip that they were planning something for me. I can't fault either of them, since I tend to have a big mouth sometimes and accidentally stumbled into it both times. So, since the secret itself was blown and I knew something was up, they made darn sure that I had no idea what was actually going to happen. Laren told me very emphatically that there was no party. Since I'd wanted a surprise party my whole life, I was happy to just go along and marvel at their ingenuity. And golly -- I wasn't disappointed!

Laren picked me up about 5:30pm and drove zigg-zaggedly so I'd have no idea where we were going. She had warned me ahead of time that I'd want my camera, so I took the opportunity to take the only photo of Laren I got that night:


Our first stop was director Steph's house. Steph opened the door and gave me a huge hug and invited Laren and I to sit in the chairs on the front porch. She then presented me with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers*! Oh how I love flowers! Then Steph told me to look inside, and I saw that she had hidden a little bottle blue hair gel in there! Yay! How perfect that the woman who made sure I see the Star Trek Experience before it closed also helped me in my desire to bluify my hair. I really appreciate that she doesn't want me to have any regrets! She said that using this stuff I could either just streak a few curls at a time, or use it as a gel which would turn it all blue at once (it washes out). I wish I had put in a streak then and there, but I chickened out. I did put some in about 10 minutes later though -- loved it! It was the perfect way to start the evening.

*Editor's note: As of Saturday 9-20-08, these flowers are still alive and lovely.


Next, we went to Mandee's house. Mandee said later that she made sure to be otherwise occupied so that her husband, Scott could be the one to present me with a pink rose; she really wanted a man to give me flowers! Then Mandee gave me a STACK of gifts! I was so surprised! Each one was lovely and hand-picked for me. I nearly started crying as I opened them. Scott had baked an awesome chocolate cake drizzled with caramel -- dude! I could have eaten two or three slices! But we were apparently on a time table, so we each just had one before we were off again!


Emily H's daughter Grace greeted us at the door, followed directly by her mother. Yay! I hadn't seen Emily since Birdie closed! I love her new haircut! Emily started off by saying that she is Miss America for Halloween every year, and then she proceeded to crown me "Miss Amazing 2008". It was hilarious! She dressed me in a crown a "Miss Amazing 2008" sash and presented me with a certificate. I couldn't believe it when she gave me even more gifts -- the crowning was already so wonderful! I will definitely be putting up the candle and the photo of her, Kate and I from Birdie, and using that photo album. It was just too perfect that it was Emily who thought to make me to be a princess! Loved it! Love her! I was only too happy to acquiesce to Mandee's command that I wear the crown and sash for the rest of the evening.


Emily's husband -- also named Scott -- kindly agreed to put their kids to bed so she could come with us to our next stop: dancer Stephanie's house! Stephanie's kids were sick, but they poked their kids in and said "Hi" while she brought out her gifts. I was delighted by the pumpkin spice candle and absolutely beautiful orange roses. Seriously, I couldn't have been any more touched. She is such a sweetie, and I was grateful for some time with her, too! Stephanie then pulled out two of my favorite movies: Sense and Sensibility and the Keira Knightley Pride and Prejudice. That's when everyone told me we were going to go back to Mandee's house to watch one together! Hooray! I got to hoard those four fantastic women for at least two and a half more hours!


Disaster struck as we left Stephanie's house, though. There's a light pole that the city decided to put in an awkward place in Stephanie's driveway, and Laren hit it with the front of her car! Emily said her husband might be able to help repair it cheaply -- he's good with that kind of thing -- but we all felt guilty about it. It was the one dark spot of the night.

Another surprise was waiting when we arrived at Mandee's house: Emily B. and Tiffanie were there! It didn't expect that at all, since Emily B. lives in Utah County and Tiffanie and I had emailed that afternoon saying we needed to see each other soon. She's so devious! After a few moments of chatting, Laren called everyone but me into the kitchen. While I sat by myself for the first time that night, the doorbell rang. Someone yelled for me to get it. I was shocked again when I opened the door and there was Rachael (Wretchel!!) with her baby Sabrina! Holy granola! I flung myself into her arms I was so surprised! Before long, the doorbell rang again, and before I could get to it, Amy had opened the door and peeked in! She and director Steph had come together. I don't know why I just couldn't believe that so many women that I love and admire had all come together to celebrate my birthday with me! And more incredible was that they all brought gifts! I have chocolate and yummy-smelling candles to last my new apartment for a good couple of months. That's a good start to a comfy home! Emily B. also gave me a Princess coloring book, just so I could color them all blonde! Oh my goodness, I laughed about that for awhile. Just brilliant. Everyone just seemed so happy chatting together. Most of us hadn't seen each other since the play had closed, and everyone wanted to hold the baby. I regret not getting a photo of everyone there together. It was so comfortable and easy-going and fun. I felt relaxed and loved and happy; what more could a person want?




When I finished opening the gifts, Laren sat me in a special chair where everyone could see me, and explained that she had told me this wasn't going to be a party, because I and all the women there are Goddesses, and this was a gathering of the Goddesses. She said that since it was my birthday, I got to choose where we'd all go together for dessert. I choose the cheesecake factory, so after some hemming and hawing, we left Mandee's house. Tiffanie, dancer Stephanie, and Emily H. needed to get home, so I heaped good-byes and thank yous on them as much as I could. Really, there was no way to exactly convey how happy they had made me!

Laren wasn't able to stay at the restaurant, but she gave me a gift card to cover my dessert! The group at the Cheesecake Factory included Mandee, Amy, Emily B, Rachael and Sabrina, director Steph, and Mandee. What a fun group of ladies! We had a quite table near the back where Sabrina could sleep, and the rest of us could chat and laugh and flirt with our charming and energetic waiter. They made sure the waiter knew it was my birthday so he could flirt outrageously and try to make me blush in the low light. I had everyone try an appetizer I like, the avocado eggrolls. Soo good! Everyone laughed at my reaction when our waiter and a bunch of other servers sang "Happy Birthday" and brought out my slice of caramel turtle cheesecake. I saw they were coming, and people from other tables were looking around, so I waved and smiled enthusiastically so everyone knew the servers were singing for ME! My birthday! Yaaaaaaaaay!

from left: Emily B, Steph, me, Mandee, Amy, Rachael



It ended too soon -- about 11pm -- and Mandee drove me and a huge stack of gifts home. I put all of the flowers in water, organized all of the other wonderful things into boxes to transport to my condo, and placed a huge bag of peanut butter M&Ms into my purse for work. I had a hard time sleeping that night. You know how sometimes you don't want to sleep because you're so happy you don't think even your dreams can compete? That's how I felt. It was such a great night!

I felt like the Hale Centre Theatre anniversary party on Wednesday was another extension of my birthday! At least, that's how my friends made it feel for me. Candice invited me to be her date, and Kate invited director Steph. I met Candice and Steph at Candice's house, and the three of us drove over together. Kate was running a smidge late and told us to start without her, but we had a tough time getting to the buffet tables because we kept running into people we knew! We first ran into Dave and Patti as we finally made our way into the hallway leading to the rehearsal rooms. That's when we had our first look at Patti's purple hair. She looked fabulous! I accidentally dyed my hair purple once and it did not look nearly as cute as Patti's. I am totally in awe of her bravery!

We grabbed some turkey, yams, rolls, butter, salad, potatoes and gravy (those mashed potatoes were so creamy!) and found a table. The three of us sat with Patti, Dave, Michael Hutch and his date, and Kate arrived after not too long.

I would now like to take the opportunity to say that Steph, Candice, and Kate looked absolutely stunning. They are beautiful women even on their worst days, but it was so fun to have all of us dressed up, and accidentally color-coordinated in black, cream, and gold. I really do need a copy of the photo we took with Patti. I wish I'd taken my own camera to the party, too. I seriously love these women. Seriously.

Before long it was time for the entertainment, so we all trooped into the theatre, and sat on the back row where we could heckle and talk and laugh at unintentially hilarous speeches without bothering too many people. It was awesome to see scenes from the shows run during this last year: I teared up when Kate, Brad Charon, and the octet sang "What Child is This?" from A Christmas Carol; we all laughed as Bredesen pretended to try to kill himself with a fork and a pillow in a scene from Lend Me a Tenor; I felt chills while the northern and southern armies from The Civil War the Musical sang "By the Sword/The Sons of Dixie"(the South was outnumbered during the number, but they did have brooms while the North was unarmed...); my friends and I laughed hysterically as Mary Parker Williams tried to convince the rest of the cast of The Curious Savage that the bathroom was on fire; we marveled at Danny's trampoline skills and jivved with Kate and the Big the Musical cast during cross the line; and looked forward to seeing Candice in Into the Woods while Josh Richardson and Brian Hague sang "Agony". Then we were in for a treat as four actors chosen at random used bumper cars, sticks, and whatever they could to pop the balloons on the other contestants' cars and hats in an attempt to win $500. The last one to have one balloon unpopped was the winner, and boy did they work for it! It was so, so funny!

The program ended with all of us singing "Happy Birthday" to the theatre. Except, I realized at the second verse that Patti, Dave, Candice, Steph, and Kate were all singing to me, and even sang "Happy Birthday, dear Megan". I nearly started crying. It was a very emotional moment for me. The lights finally came up; Candice and I slowly made our way to the German-chocolate cake. Sally Deitlein served us both, and I thrilled when she told me I remind her of Bernadette Peters. If only I were as talented as Bernadette! I felt pretty cool. Candice and I ate cake and chatted and wandered around trying to find Kate and Steph, who we'd lost before going for the cake. After we found them, we decided none of us felt like karaoke or dancing, so we went instead to Applebee's. We made up one of the two tables filled there. The server mentioned she was kind of bummed there weren't more people there, and we said that since it was the Hale party that night, there hadn't been a show which would probably explain the lack of post-show diners. We tried to make up for the lack of any other customers by being as wacky, loud, and fun as possible (so, basically, we were just ourselves). My friends made sure everyone knew it was my birthday and that the servers all sang to me and brought ice cream! Oh, how I loved the attention! I loved having those three women all to myself; I don't see them nearly often enough.

The best part of the evening was that everyone who hadn't been able to attend my surprise party was at the Hale party, so I really did get to celebrate with everyone! I couldn't have asked for more. There wasn't anything else I wanted.

This has probably been the best birthday week in my own 30 years! If only everyone could celebrate this way, no one would ever not look forward to that milestone! I was surrounded by people I love, and I was reminded of all that I have and am and am grateful for. Future birthdays sure have a lot to live up to!

Thanks again to all who made it what it was. Thank you Laren and Mandee for putting together and executing such a mind-boggling and surprising evening, to Candice for inviting me to the Hale party, and to everyone who came to both events and let me know how much you care for me. I truly am blessed to know each of you.

Let my 30th year commence!

Some Enchanted Evening!

Just want to thank Mandee and Laren for joining me at Sandy City's South Pacific last night! I always have fun with these two, and this was no exception. It was cool to sit between these two darling women, and through Mandee see the play with new eyes, and through Laren realize how truely beautiful the music is. With gorgeous music and a thoughtful storyline this show is classic for a reason, and I really enjoyed watching my friend Jason play the hammy Luther Billis. Not only did I wish I were on stage with him, but I wanted to go back to Hawaii and sit on the sunny, peaceful beaches...

I took Amy and Jason up on the offer to join them and their cast at Village Inn afterwards, though I couldn't blame Laren and Mandee for chosing not to come; it was late! I didn't order anything, but Tony let me share his pancakes which I thought was awfully nice! Mmmm... pancakes... I think it worried Jason just a little that I didn't eat more, but I'd been eating all day and felt good about not overdoing it. It was lovely to chat with my Wadsworths and their friends.

Good times! Thanks to everyone who was there.

Good-Bye "Bye Bye Birdie"

Bye Bye Birdie closed on Thursday night. I admit, I'm exhausted and excited to get to spend time doing other things, like working and sleeping and all those things posted in "Still Awake", but I already miss the show, the cast, and the whole experience.

At Kate's advice, I auditioned for the play in March, a little dubious that the pro team would actually consider me for Kim. After all, I'm 29 years old... nearly twice as old as the character. To my surprise and delight, I got the part anyway, and even better, Kate earned her dream role as Rose Alvarez, which meant that we finally got to do a show together!

Music rehearsals came first, which make me nervous especially when I have solos, which I did this time. Fortunately, our fearless music director, Candice, is patient and talented and knew what she wanted. I don't sing high soprano very often -- I pretend I prefer to sing Alto, but most of the time I'm just worried I won't hit the required high notes -- so I was always worried Candice and Steph would trade looks when I missed the A flat in "One Boy" like "why did we cast her again?" Fortunately, if they did I didn't see it, and by the time we actually opened that note (and the B flat in "Hymn for a Sunday Evening") was no longer a problem for me. I even hit a high C in warm-ups a few times! I can now cross that dream off my list -- woo-hoo! Thanks Candice!

Then came two weeks where I didn't have any rehearsals, because the rest of the cast was working on "The Telephone Hour" or "The Shriners' Dance" or "Kids" -- numbers I wasn't in. It's hard to be excited when you aren't involved.

My next scheduled rehearsals had choreographer Stephanie teaching me and the other teens/twenty-somethings-pretending-to-be-teens the choreography for "Lot of Livin'" and "One Boy". I felt like since I was a lead and in the front I had to be perfect right away, but I wasn't. I decided to put my pride and worries about being a lousy dancer aside, and instead of being frustrated I should just work harder. Thanks to Stephanie, dance captain Sarah/Nancy Rei, and Karl for running "Lot of Livin'" with me until I felt I had it right! The choreography was really cool, and ended up one of my favorite moments in the show.

After that point, I had at least 4 rehearsals a week... until I went out of town. My parents and I visited my brother Aaron in Washington D.C. over Memorial Day weekend and it was awesome! I'd been to D.C. once before, and really loved it; my feelings haven't changed. However, I got sick the second day there, and even now am not quite myself again. Ah well, it was a great trip.

I returned home and jumped back into the four rehearsals a week thing. I missed blocking most of the first act and all of the second, but with the help of director Steph and my co-stars I was able to catch up pretty fast.

Then June hit -- and rehearsals came every day! We started running the show with all of the blocking, singing, dancing, costumes, and lines more or less memorized. We didn't have the set until the Saturday before we opened, but even then we didn't hit too many snags.

That last week, I started to feel a little complacent. I felt like opening wouldn't be a big deal -- just like a rehearsal except there would be people watching. I was kind of sad that I wasn't more excited. Yeah, that problem was solved during the dress rehearsal! Some people in the cast had invited friends and family members, and they laughed at all the right places and even some we didn't expect, and it was so fun!

Opening night was electric, and it continued through Saturday's performance. I love to perform! There's just something about being in control of what I do (not necessarily anything else that may happen but oh well), and hearing the music, and dancing, and hearing laughter and applause, and just getting to be a spazz but not a freak 'cause it's within the confines of the show... it's hard to describe. I just love it!

Monday's performance was more than a little hectic, what with the videotaping, and Austin/Hugo, Mandee/Ursula, and Sarah/Nancy Rei all being sick. We made it through, though, and my cousins, Mom, and friends there all said the show was great. Isn't it wonderful that if the audience doesn't know that we're goofing up, as long as we keep smiling and doing our best they don't notice? They love the play for what it is, as they should. It may not have been our best performance, but it was still enjoyable. That's all we can ask for, and I am so glad they could come that night!

We had Tuesday off, and I ended up hanging out with Birdie cast members anyway. At Kate's insistence, Brandon escorted me to Midvale Art's Council's production of Honk! and we sat with Amy and Jason W, director Steph, and friend Kari Ann. Good times! The show was entertaining and creative, and the best parts were my friend Ricky as the villainous french cat, and the show-stopping number "Warts and All" where a chorus of frogs reassure Ugly that one day someone will love him for who he is. Good times.

The show on Wednesday went well, but what with all the performing, going out afterwards, and working during the day, I was starting to feel exhausted. By Thursday, I was looking forward to closing. I'd miss the show and especially the people, but I'd been in rehearsals or performing since I auditioned for Midvale's Little Women the first week of January and I need a break! The folks already cast in other shows and going straight into rehearsals again are in my prayers.

My fear of being too tired to perform that night proved to be unfounded, as just driving to the SLCC made me feel totally jazzed! (It didn't hurt that Peter Brienholt's "Birken Street" came up on my iPod shuffle. I love that song.) I had my make-up done early and was ready for mic check when I saw Kate and Brandon performing "Rosie" on the stage. I watched for a minute, curious as to why director Steph was videotaping, and then decided to go work on my uncooperative hair. I had curled exactly one section when the song ended and the entire cast ran onto the stage, freaking out. I thought "What the heck? It's a good song but..." and then everything clicked into place and I ran onstage to see Kate and Brandon standing on the platform making out and everyone else applauding! He had proposed and I'd totally missed it (but Kate did not miss it even though she was completely surprised, which is way more important than my selfishly wanting to witness it). It was a perfect moment. I am thrilled that I've been able to watch their courtship these last few months and get to know them both better during this show. They are darling separately, and even cuter together. I am so excited for them!



Of course, that put me over the edge, and I really did cry. I felt guilty missing the vocal warm-up, but joined the cast again when I'd pulled myself together.

The show was fantastic. We had a large and appreciative audience, and every scene I went out and thought "Wow. I am so lucky to get to sing this song, or perform with so-and-so, or do this dance one last time." Loved it. I am so glad we had 5 whole performances! I had a ton of fun; it was a great final show.

After, I chatted with the friends who had come to see me, and then had to pack up ALL of the stuff I'd brought for the show: all the costumes, the mirror, the curling iron, the make-up, the teddy bear, the blanket, the multiple pairs of shoes, and I don't know what else. (I had to return the purple dress -- sadness!) When I had all my odds and ends gathered, I was greatful I hadn't had to lug it around every night!

There were multiple changes of plan for the post-show cast gathering, but we all managed to reach the Denny's in Midvale about midnight. As stated before, I was exhausted, so I only stayed long enough for some photos, chatter, and hot chocolate. I wish I hadn't been so tired; I would have liked to stay, but I’d asked enough of my poor physical self and needed to give it a rest.

So, it's over! Well, not entirely -- we still have the cast party. I'm glad that we decided to postpone the party for a few weeks. That way, we'll be really, REALLY excited to see each other because we didn't see everyone yesterday! It's good to miss people I love because I appreciate them so much more.

Thank you everyone for making Bye Bye Birdie the wonderful experience it was! I'll see you soon!

A terrific cast



My gorgeous onstage family, the MacAfees: me, Mother (Emily), Randolph (Jimmy), and Daddy (Jason). Emily thinks she's the odd man out with her dark hair, but I think we all look quite nice together...


Me and my teenage girl posse singing to my "One Boy" Hugo (Austin)


Hugo picks the worst possible moment to be jealous: I am so glad we did this section in slow motion! Though knowing that everyone would keep going slowly until I said my line stressed me out a bit... and made me feel powerful...


Never fear, we used fake cigarettes. When I blew into one end, smoke came out of the other. Thanks Candice for finding them for me!


Emily, me, and Kate: peas in a pod

Giddy about "Birdie"

Hopefully, anyone who reads this post is either IN Bye Bye Birdie, or received my email inviting you to come see it (if you are not in the show, and did not receive an email, I apologize. Please leave a message here or call me and I'll shoot that to you ASAP!) I played Penelope Ann in Birdie nine years ago at the Grand and had a blast, but I can't imagine I had as much fun then as I am this time around. I feel so blessed to be a part of it!

I would now like to list 3 reasons why I am loving this experience:

1. The Pro Team: Steph, Candice, and Stephanie. I respect these women so much! Their goal (as it seems to me) is to produce a quality show and facilitate a positive experience. They are succeeding! They have fantastic artistic instincts, work well as a team, command respect and discipline without being harsh, and are not stingy with praise. They are my rock and my cheerleaders, and I am grateful I get to know them as friends too! Steph, Candice, and Stephanie have shown unfailing confidence in me, and the only way I can think to really thank them for this opportunity is to continue to grow, and give them nothing less than my best every time I rehearse and perform. (Oh, what the heck: THANK YOU LADIES!!)

2. Circle of friends: Was I ever thrilled when I saw the cast list, and realized that a bunch of my dear friends are playing the leads! As well they should be, since they are ridiculously talented. Kate, our Rosie, directed me in Brigadoon last year. We've been friends ever since, and I am really excited to get to finally do a show with her. I got to know Jason and Amy, our Mr. MacAfee and Mae "Mamma" Peterson, and their kids during Brigadoon as well, though I had met Jason before then. It's our third show together, and I am constantly amazed at how versatile he is. I could go on and on about pretty much every cast member, but because of time contraints, I'll just say that we really have developed a community, and I hope that translates on stage. I could (and often do) talk with just about anyone in the cast and feel completely at ease. We have quite a few families involved, and I am surprised at how many people say this is their first play -- everyone is fantastic! They care about the show, and are working really hard.

(A few people to watch: the Mayor's wife in "Kids", Conrad in the Ice House scene, Harvey Johnson's parents in "Honestly Sincere", and little Kira during "American Boy" -- HILARIOUS!)

3. A dream role: How lucky am I to get to play a second dream role in a row? (The first was Amy in Midvale Arts Council's Little Women in March.) I still can't believe it sometimes -- I'm playing Kim! ME! Wah-hoo! I feel giddy every time I go to rehearsal! I love singing Kim's songs, finding new ways to deliver the dialogue, building the character, the interaction with the other characters, the fact that most of my costumes are my own clothes, and getting to tell people "I'm playing Kim" and see them get even more excited to see the show. Practically every scene has a new challenge for me, and it's fun to stretch my creative muscles. My confidence in my abilities as an actress, singer, and dancer has grown tremendously these last two months. I cannot begin to say how grateful I am for that! Plus, I get to play a teenager the year I turn 30. How many people get to say that? Life's lovely when you're a woman like me!

We open in just over a week, and it will be bittersweet; bitter because it means the whole experience is almost over, but sweet because we'll get to perform before an audience who hopefully appreciates all of our efforts and enjoys the production! Meanwhile, I'll be giving my all, and loving every minute of it. Thanks everyone for being a part of this show, whether onstage, behind the scenes, or in the audience. I really couldn't do this without you!!

p.s. Thanks to Erica "Shutterbug" for snapping photos during rehearsals! Every Birdie photo on this site is available because of her.