It has begun.

Last weekend we opened "Shake, Rattle, and Roll" to some packed audiences. We got our new guy, Brian...who is terrific. AND our new girl, Julie, came in yesterday. She's my age and a dancer from Ohio. Jessica will be leaving for Las Vegas on Saturday. Tony left after our first few shows last Saturday. It's strange to have him gone...though I know we will see him again in a few weeks to check up on the show. The new SUPER Walmart opened near our apartment, which for some reason is very exciting. It looks like our regular schedule will turn out to be noon to seven 6 days a week. I joined the Gold's Gym here so I've been going to classes and enjoying having a big screen tv (instead of our fuzzy rabbit-eared 4 channels). Lisa and I are determined to learn Russian and practice on our iceskaters. Tonight I'm watching the second half of Angels in America and ordering in Chinese with my roommates. So far I'm really enjoying myself. Though I need to start thinking of exciting things to do on my days off.

Another One Bites the Dust

Sooo. We're now minus two. Two days before the show. Hasheen got call offering a job on a cruise line one day and was gone the next. Cypress Gardens seriously needs an out-clause. The obnoxious part is that he DIDN'T tell Tony about it. He tried to go above his head and tell the Entertainment supervisor, Gail, but she wasn't having it and told him to call Tony. And then he told US that he had no intention of calling Tony. It was just incredibly immature. Luckily we called Gail and she said she HAD called Tony so he knew and we wouldn't end up having to tell Tony ourselves the next day at rehearsal (which was a scheduled 10 hour day). Ack. The thing is he (and we) KNEW all day at rehearsal and couldn't say anything. Couldn't prepare in anyway. Nothing. And even though I was angry I sort of felt bad for Hasheen thinking he would have to tell Tony and deal with that as well as pack up completely and leave tonight. BUT he only took his clothes. His friend's car broke down and Jessica had to drive him. He almost got away without paying his rent. AND he was completely unremorseful and insultingly smug. Which was offensive to the other 4 of us who are HAPPY to be here. To have a job, be it at a theme park. And to be making some money and having some fun.
In other news his replacement is getting here this evening. And Jessica's replacement will be here next week. Oh and we got our costumes. Which are hilariously small waisted seeing that I GAVE them my measurement. I guess she just didnt take me seriously. Oh and I get the yellow poodle skirt with records on it.

Wee! A Break.

Yesterday we found out that Jessica got a job in Las Vegas (that she just auditioned for on Wednesday with Hasheen in Orlando) and will be leaving in a couple weeks. So we will soon be getting a new cast member. It's kind of disappointing as we were just getting used to one another and getting excited about the show but I guess that's just the way it goes. Last night Tony took us out to a Mexican resturaunt. Hurray! Tomorrow is our day off. Usually it will be Wednesdays but during the rehearsal process we get Sundays. I have no idea how I will use all my free time. I'll probably waste it on sleep and sloth.
I miss easy internet access (I've been driving to the library).
And I can't wait for my first paycheck (but I think it will be a while since pay period is every two weeks I believe)

Cypress Gardens 101

As many of you may or may not know, I arrived Sunday in Winter Haven, Florida where I will be working for the next 3 months at Cypress Gardens. So far so good. I am doing a 1950's review with 5 other people. I am living with 4 of those people in an apartment about 5 minutes away from the park. I am the youngest. My roomates are Jere (pronounced "Jerry"), Brian, Hasheen, and Jessica. I get my own room (hoorah) but it was unfurnished so I am for the time being living boho on a mat. Lisa makes our 6th and she is living with her soon-to-be inlaws. Everyone is 24 or 25 except me and Jessica who is a little older. Today is only our second day of singing and dancing emphasis on the dancing. And I am sore. The first day Tony (the director) didn't make his flight so we spent the day getting a (paid) guided tour around the park. We went to see the very patriotic (considering the cast is largely Russian) ice show and caught a bit of the water ski show on our lunch break yesterday. I haven't ridden any of the rides yet... they don't have very many they were just added during the renovation. At this time of year the park seems to cater primarily to elderly crowds. It's very scenic the lake is beautiful and they have a mini zoo complete with alligators AND crocs. And the gardens of course. "Southern belles" wander around... there's a pirate comedy show... Yeah, well I like it. The weather here is fantastic, I've been wandering around in a T-shirt all week. Flying south for the winter birds have a good thing going.
The show is going to be called "Shake, Rattle, and Roll"
The songs are:
Let the Good Times Roll
Shake Rattle and Roll
The Sea of Love (I have a solo)
Johnny B Goode (I have the solo)
Love Potion #9
Hound Dog (girls trio)
Jailhouse Rock
At the Hop
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
Since I Don't Have You
Great Balls of Fire
Dream, Dream
Rock around the Clock

I really think it's going to be fun. And a pretty paycheck.

Let's see other interesting tidbits: Tony is Cuban and spent 7 months in refugee camp as well as toured with a ballet company and helped choreograph Chita Revera in Kiss of Spider Woman. Oh, and Grease 2. His assistant, Angela, went to Shorter. She graduated the year before I transfered. And Nakeisha Daneil from Shorter did our "Rock around the Clock" dance (that we are stealling the choreography from) for a show at Wild Adventures -- I saw her in the video last night.Jere and Brian worked at Dollyworld together. Oh! And we have a dog! Jere brought his dog, Toby, who is very lethargic.