Backstage at Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

I spent my summer with two of my best friends and a bunch of other wacky people, rehearsing and performing in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for West Valley City. Kate had a darling, creative concept, and cast Theresa and I as Goran and Boris, the bumbling spies. It was hilarious! I had my work cut out for me, figuring out the accent and the comedic style. Fortunately, I had a great coach and a great partner. I loved watching all of the characters develop. We had a blast. The kids worked freaking hard and ended up stealing the show, though I must admit Celeste's Grandpa was my favorite character.  "Posh with a Capital 'P'!"

Boris and Goran

Vulgarians!

We both look so pretty sans mustache/eyebrows ;)

Nate sings "Hushabye Mountain" to the orphans

POSH! I watched this song every performance

Emily was a charming and sassy Baronness

Sarah gives Ben a few notes backstage

We're so good at "sneaking." "Thank you, Gunter!"

I'd audition for Heather any time

Kate was 95% of the reason I auditioned this time.
All summer with my Dearest? No brainer!

Sarah is a new forever friend, and her girls crack me up

Third show with Todd, first in the same case (one of the benefits of single casting)!

Alexa and I laughed a lot backstage. She is totally organized, and a total sweetheart.

Michelle and Julia are pure sunshine

Favorite!

Charming, crazy kids

Stars of the show

Our true selves

Whiplash

I'll never again say that a bad blind date won't kill me.

Dan* took me out for Mexican food which is a good way to get on my good side. We then headed over to an ice skating rink in Murray. I go ice skating once every three or four years, but I figured I'd be okay. I'm in pretty good shape after all. I stumbled a few times and managed to keep my feet for about 45 minutes while we talked about movies and theater.

And then, with no warning or wobble, my feet went out from under me, I fell on my back, and then I hit my head hard on the ice. I wasn't knocked unconscious, thank goodness, but it HURT. My vision went blurry and I started crying. I knew I was in shock at the very least. Dan knelt and asked if I was okay and I responded somewhat wittily, "No, it hurts a lot." After a few moments, I let him and another girl help me stand, escort me off the ice, and sit on a bench. An employee came over and asked me a few questions to make sure I didn't have a concussion (I didn't). He also gave me some ice to put on the back of my head. 

After a some sitting and talking, I said, "I think I'm going to go home now." Dan was very sweet, removing my skates and putting my other shoes on and lacing them for me. He then escorted me to my car and followed me home to make sure I got there okay. I did. I apologized for ruining the night and asked if we could try again sometime. No more ice skating though ;)

Theresa stayed with me overnight to make sure I woke up the next morning. I cannot say how much I appreciate that she volunteered to do that, especially since the next morning was Mother's Day. I made her waffles and bacon as a thank you. I did wake up just fine the next morning, thank goodness, and didn't have any of the "danger signs" listed for head injuries on the website I had looked up.

I didn't have any headaches, but over the next couple of days my neck got more and more sore. After four days, I couldn't move it side to side or even lean over without extreme pain. So I bit the bullet and went to an instacare. After an exam and some freaky-looking x-rays, the doctor told me it was whiplash. He prescribed some medication and the next day I felt a whole lot better.

I've been doing well ever since. The back of my head is still tender, but it and my neck are healing quickly. I plan to take it easy for another week or so, and then I'm back into yoga. I already miss it!

So, in closing, I got whiplash on a date. I feel pretty lucky, because it could have been a LOT worse. It would be a funny meet-cute if Dan and I get married. But for now, I finally have a "worst date" story. I'm not likely to forget it anytime soon!

*Not his real name.

FanX 2016, day 3

That last day at FanX was a doozy in all the good ways! Oh, my goodness. It was a good day.

Steampunk Theresa, me as River Song, and cutie Laura

We spent 10am-2pm in the Main Ballroom drinking in the panels. Laura was bummed we had 7th row seats. They were our "worst" of the weekend (and yet they were excellent. We were really spoiled all weekend, mostly because Laura is amazing at spotting and grabbing and saving seats).

Ashleigh and David sat behind us and we joked about how "gross" they are. Ugh, engaged people. So much PDA.

I feel like this is an accurate depiction of them as humans

Their PDA was actually kinda cute

The first panel was Alex Kingston. SHE IS HILARIOUS! So candid and fun. She was unapologetically herself, wacky clothing and all. I think she had even more fun than we did, and that's saying something. She is entertaining and insightful, and I could tell it meant a lot to her that we have enjoyed her work as much as we have.

Theresa said that Jason Isaac's panel was the biggest surprise for her. The guy was friggin' hilarious and totally owned the stage. He started out telling everyone to hurry up and take photos while he did nothing interesting so we could put our phones away and actually take part in the experience. Then he proceeded to get all of the "commonly asked questions" out of the way. Jason told us the story of how he was cast as Lucius Malfoy (even though he originally wanted to be Gilderoy Lockhart) and what it was like on set. He talked about his character in The Patriot and how no villain ever sees himself as a villain -- they always have a reason for being how they are. I was so, so happy, because it turned out he was the thoughtful, insightful, character-oriented actor I always hoped he was.

And then he started talking about how Peter Pan is really a story about Wendy, and I cried. That's exactly when I got from his version of Captain Hook. He gets it! He really gets it! I LOVE YOU, JASON ISAACS!! Good storytelling is worth fighting for!

I know. I need help.

Kate Beckinsale was surprisingly funny and cool. She seemed a little uncomfortable with the size of the crowd, but she was utterly charming and honestly answered every question put to her. UTI's and cranberry juice will forevermore make me think of her response to haters everywhere. Man, she's gorgeous.

Note her stiff, "don't touch me" body language. Every photo I've seen of her from the Con looked like this. Poor (rich and beloved) Kate.

Jeremy Renner's panel was only half an hour... and that was plenty of time. I hate to say it, but it's probably the worst panel I've ever seen. He's not a nerd and wasn't willing to joke around or expound on his character in Avengers. He was dull. He was awkward. He kind of acted like he didn't want to be there. It was disappointing. Anyone can have a bad day, but when he was one of he big draws you'd think he'd try a little harder. Good thing he's good on film. I'm still a fan of his acting, but I probably won't be running to see him speak again anytime soon.

Then came the best moment of the entire day. I had wanted a photo with Alex Kingston since she was announced as a guest for the Comic Con last September (and then cancelled because she was filming the Doctor Who Christmas special). I knew I needed a photo with her while I was dressed as River Song. SHE HAS MY HAIR AND HER CHARACTER IS AWESOME. And then Matt Smith announced that he was coming, too, so it was a no-brainer that I had to have a photo with both. I considered a lot of poses, but when the moment came, I said something like, "If I hug you [Alex] will you [Matt] hug me and it's kind of like, um, a sandwich?" They were really sweet about it and hugged me extra tightly. Everyone in line went "Awwwww!" And Matt gave me a side-hug while I thanked them both. His shirt was so soft. I walked away and felt a little overwhelmed. I'd spent about $200 on that photo. I was out of work and probably shouldn't have spent the money, but when it came down to it, it was totally and completely and in all ways worth it. I started crying because I felt so happy. It was a great moment. And then I saw the photo and I couldn't believe how cute it was. It was even better than I'd hoped it would be!

Come on, this is awesome!!

Later, I decided I needed Alex to sign my photo. I only had $20, so Theresa paid the difference, and we begged her manager to let just one more person in before she called it a night. Alex adored Theresa's outfit, and asked about the story behind it, which made Theresa's year. And then Alex saw my photo and said, "Aw, it's like a Love Sandwich!" And then she signed it. Haha! It's perfect!

What's funny is that I posted the photo on Instagram, and later found out that it's been tweeted around a bunch of Matt Smith fan sights. "An Alex, River Song, Matt sandwich." My photo is famous! Geronimo!

Maybe someday I'll ask Matt to sign it, too

I think it's time to retire my River Song cosplay. Now that I've met Alex Kingston, I feel nothing I do in this costume will ever equal that coolness. Plus, the sweater is too big on me now. I've loved being her, and had a few more adventures that day in honor of her.

Clockwise from top left: Megan, Tim (as the 11th Doctor), and me, Melody and Amy Pond (that redhead girl was a perfect Amy and flattered me wanting a photo with me, too), River at the TARDIS ponders "Spoilers" in her diary, the teenage girls we made friends with in line for the Doctor Who photo op, a cyberman and the TARDIS, weeping angels will always be terrifying, and a tiny baby River -- adorable!

River Song and River Tam. That needs to happen sometime. The 'Verse would never be the same.

It's no surprise Star Wars was a popular cosplay choice, coming on the heels of The Force Awakens. A lot of the costumes were rather stellar!

Clockwise from top left: Darth Maul and the Inquisitor from Star Wars Rebels, jedi from the 501st Legion, General Hux, old Luke, Rey, and General Leia, engaged and now famous couple Rey and Finn, with Baby 8, and Mandalorian Merc bounty hunters.

We caught the last ten minutes or so of the Twisted Toons panel. Han Solo with Roger Rabbit's voice was priceless.

Then we enjoyed a bunch of DC Superhero Girls mini-cartoons and hearing from the women who created and brought the concept to life. It was nice to have the female superhero represented. They gave all the littlest kids who asked questions some pretty fabulous action figures. Girl power!

All too soon, it was time for the final event: The Doctor Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Sing Along. I sat on the front row and sang my heart out! It's the best way to end the event. The best moment was during the raffle when David won a custom-made Captain Hammer doll. When he stood up and was dressed as Captain Hammer, everyone cheered. The raffle-caller commented that he'd never before seen a crowd so happy to lose -- haha!

Afterwards, we took our now traditional fake panel. I think Carrie took about 20 photos. It was tough narrowing them down! Sad I didn't get a photo with Carrie herself. I won't make that mistake again!

And it was over. They were an excellent three days. Can't wait to see what the next Con brings!

FanX day 1
FanX day 2

FanX 2016, day 1

At the end of FanX this year, Theresa asked what made this convention different from the others. We decided that it was because we'd had more celebrity encounters than ever before.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

As always, I stopped in a day early even though I'd already pre-registered. I wanted to pick up my poster so I wouldn't have to carry it around the crowded Salt Palace the next day. I also hoped they'd have a smaller size t-shirt. They didn't. Oh, well!

The calm before the storm

Thursday, Theresa and I reprised our "Witches of Oz" costumes. We didn't expect to be as popular as we'd been in September, assuming that it wouldn't be the novelty it had been. To our surprise, we were still stopped a lot! It seems that people's love for The Wizard of Oz and Wicked is evergreen (see what I did there?). Our photo was even run again in a Deseret News article as one of "the best photos from Comic Cons past." I cannot begin to tell you how much that tickles me. My mom's gorgeous costume continues to delight, and I love to wear it!

This time, a photo of us ended up on the Salt Lake Comic Con Facebook page, too. Wicked!

We found Laura right away, in line for the Buzz Aldrin Panel

Buzz Aldrin was inspiring. The man walked on the moon! He took most of the iconic photos from that trip. The panel felt I imagine how it would be to have your grandfather tell you stories about "the good old days." (I say "I imagine" because I don't have any living grandfathers to compare him to.) He talked about training, and events during the mission, and how hard it was to come home and deal with depression and alcoholism, and how he's still a daredevil trying new things with his kids and grandkids. He's mega into skydiving right now. So cool. Totally worth the price of the ticket for the chance to hear him speak.

Behind him is a portrait constructed of Legos. It makes me smile.

LeVar Burton was surprised that a good 70% of the questions fans asked him were about Reading Rainbow. Don't underestimate the power of reading, LeVar! He was good-natured and candid. We all sang the theme song together. He talked about how he hated the visor he wore in Star Trek: The Next Generation, and that he liked the new movies as action flicks but felt they lacked Gene Roddenberry's social commentary and vision of the future. I wished I'd had the money to get his autograph later. If he ever comes again, I'm doing it. I want to meet him. Reading Rainbow and Star Trek: The Next Generation were huge parts of my Junior High life.

This was also the day that we convinced Theresa she needed to meet Mitch Pileggi because she LOVES The X-Files. We went to his table and Theresa told him how much the show meant to her as a teenager, I told him he was terrifying in Supernatural, and Laura, well, Laura said, "You have a hair on your shirt." She went to pick it off, but it was attached. SHE PULLED HIS CHEST HAIR!! He didn't even flinch, just calmly and casually tucked it back into his shirt. We should have walked further away than we did before we started laughing. I laughed until I cried. It was the best thing, ever. So, so funny and mortifying. Poor Laura. Good thing she has a sense of humor!

Theresa had also told him about a friend of hers who had a shirt with one of his catchphrases on it. As luck would have it, right after our conversation he was scheduled for photos, and Theresa's friend was the first one in line. She told us later he acted like they were old friends and gave her a hug; she figured for some reason he thought they'd met before. It made a lot more sense after we told her our story.

Most of Thursday was spent shopping and getting our bearings. And running into new and old friends :)

First stop is always the Utah Browncoats booth to buy tickets for the Doctor Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Sing Along.

Clockwise from top left: Jareth and Sarah from Labyrinth, Witches and post-apocalyptic Dorothy, River Song in Jurassic Park, Theresa, Laura and I on the last day, Ugly Concubines from Mulan, Witch "action figures" with BB-8 from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Theresa's Rubix cube, and the Witches with Liv Moore from iZombie and hipster Ariel

The only Dorothy we could find. She was so excited to get a photo with us!

Ashleigh and David as a Doctor Horrible groupie and Captain Hammer 

As luck would have it, Aaron and his girlfriend, Anna, found us among the masses.
He took me to that first Con, so it felt good to reunite at this one, even if he did end up taking about five photos for random folks who kept interrupting our conversation. Good thing he's a good sport!

After the con that evening, Theresa and I attended a bachelorette party/bridal shower for our friend Ashleigh. We met Ashleigh at FanX last year, and she has become a dear friend. We're thrilled she's getting married to someone who tolerates her love for all things Star Wars. I liked getting to meet her family and hear about her and David's courtship. They're a kooky bunch, and we fit right in. Looking forward to the wedding!

One day down. Two to go!

FanX day 2
FanX day 3