Durham, North Carolina

What a week it's been! We've been staying in amazing condominiums in Durham, which is so nice to have a kitchen and a living room! The week started off in the high 70's then quickly dropped to the low 40's in a day!

Erik and his mom came to visit me! it was so great to see them, especially my boo. His mom took us to breakfast the first day they were here. They got see our opening night in Durham. I could see their smiling, proud faces watching. It was nice to have people I love in the audience that night. Erik and I then went to an opening night party where he got to meet the cast.
Erik came again to the show on Wednesday when he had Patrick in for Stacee Jaxx, so it was cool for Erik to get to see two different versions of the show.




Erik also sent me amazing flowers and a card, which made all the girls in my dressing room jealous!





Last night, we threw a surprise birthday party for Joey! Katie and Alyssa made cake and had balloons! It was fun to get to celebrate with the cast.

Also a big shout out to Joey and Patty who both went on to understudy this week. So proud of you boys! You are so professional and killed it onstage!

Next: Halloween in NEW ORLEANS!!!!

Philly...

This week, we've been in Philadelphia! What a beautiful city! The first day we were here, Lisa and I went into the city. I met lisa's best friend from home, Rosie. She was awesome! Showed us around the area and shopped. The following day we met up with some friends from lisa's school, one of which was an old friend I used to do theatre with in Arizona! it was so great to see Mike when the last time I saw him was over 10 years ago.





Our shows have been going really well! Wednesday night, Mandy Moore the choreographer came to see us. I got to meet her after, and she was absolutely amazing. She loved the show and said I was fierce! That definitely was a moment I'll never forget.

Friday night we had a pretty crazy crowd. There's a part in the show where I have to bend over and pull a cord from an amp with my rear in the audience's face, and this guy was like, "Yeah, give it to me!". Only this show would have Audience members like that, just fearless.





Yesterday, I got to teach a master class at a dance studio representing the show as dance captain. I taught a number from the show and then had a Q & A session with the kids. It was so surreal to be answering their questions and having them look up to me. I feel like it was yesterday I was in their shoes taking a workshop and wishing to be like the teacher one day. It was a very proud yet humbling moment for me. Something I've dreamed for a very long time. I hope to be able to inspire more kids to live their dreams with these classes.





Between shows yesterday, Lisa introduced me to Rita's. This AMAZING Italian ice place. I had mango Italian ice with custard. DElicious!

Last night's show was insanity. We had some drunk women in the front just acting like they were in their own world. It was a sight to see for sure. Now on to Durham North Carolina where Erik is coming to see the show! So excited!

Morgantown...Ashland...Buffalo...Schenectady in one week!!!

This week has been nuts! we had our first all nighter first staying the night in Morgantown, WV then headed to Ashland, KY for one show on a Wednesday night. It was a small intimate theatre which was fun to play. The cast and band got mobbed at the stage door! It was crazy!



After Ashland, we drove to Buffalo to stay the night at the best hotel yet! we stayed at the Hyatt that had an awesome indoor pool! it was the best night sleep I had gotten in awhile cuz our room was beautiful! Lisa and I had a chill night with room service and a bottle of Chardonnay!



Next was Schenectady which is where I am now! we're here for the weekend at the Proctor's theatre. This city is CRAZY! Our Friday night show was the best audience ever. They laughed and cheered at everything! It was the best way to start the weekend here.


Lisa and I have our own dressing room, and we have so much fun together! Today, we played some great 90s tunes on Pandora while we were getting ready. Tonight's show was the most insane show yet. The audience was singing every song, being super obnoxious and loud, and decided to join the cast onstage during curtain call. Some people were even escorted out because they were being drunk and belligerent. It was definitely a night to remember! It reminds me how much fun this show is and no other show has an audience like the one tonight!



So grateful! Two more shows tomorrow then PHILLY!!!

Morgantown...Ashland...Buffalo...Schenectady in one week!!!

This week has been nuts! we had our first all nighter first staying the night in Morgantown, WV then headed to Ashland, KY for one show on a Wednesday night. It was a small intimate theatre which was fun to play. The cast and band got mobbed at the stage door! It was crazy!



After Ashland, we drove to Buffalo to stay the night at the best hotel yet! we stayed at the Hyatt that had an awesome indoor pool! it was the best night sleep I had gotten in awhile cuz our room was beautiful! Lisa and I had a chill night with room service and a bottle of Chardonnay!



Next was Schenectady which is where I am now! we're here for the weekend at the Proctor's theatre. This city is CRAZY! Our Friday night show was the best audience ever. They laughed and cheered at everything! It was the best way to start the weekend here.


Lisa and I have our own dressing room, and we have so much fun together! Today, we played some great 90s tunes on Pandora while we were getting ready. Tonight's show was the most insane show yet. The audience was singing every song, being super obnoxious and loud, and decided to join the cast onstage during curtain call. Some people were even escorted out because they were being drunk and belligerent. It was definitely a night to remember! It reminds me how much fun this show is and no other show has an audience like the one tonight!



So grateful! Two more shows tomorrow then PHILLY!!!

Family....

Opening Night was a success! The shows having been going so well and the audience absolutely loves it! The audience is the absolute best part of the show. I get teary eyed every time we get to "Don't Stop Believin" because the audience is on their feet without fail every show. Every night we do a circle with the cast while someone speaks to get us pumped up for the show. My favorite one was what Shannon said on opening night. She said to do the show for all the people in the audience that look at us and hope they can be doing we do. it reminded me how I used to be that audience member growing up and wishing to be onstage. Thank you Shannon for those words because I will carry them with me for every show.



My family came this weekend to see the show, and they loved the show. I was worried about what my parents were going to think of me being a stripper and wearing minimal clothing but my dad assured me to just be the best stripper I can be. It was such a dream come true for them to come see me in the show, and I can't wait for them to come back!



I forgot to mention in my last blog all the amazing gifts I got on opening night! The entire cast got rock of ages hoodies! Kate gave us bourbon room glasses. shannon got us awesome shower gel and glitter from lush. Katie and Alyssa puff painted rock of ages on boy underwear. Dom and Nolan gave me really sweet cards. Patrick gave rock of ages pins and candy! And best of all, Erik and my parents each sent me beautiful flowers! Thank you for all the love!
Next is one show in Ashland Kentucky!!

Opening NIGHT!!!!!!

Opening night was everything I've ever dreamed my whole life as a performer! We had an understudy rehearsal in the afternoon then got ready for the show at night. Backstage there are murals of all the past shows that have performed at the Providence Performing Arts Center, and it hit me that I am now a part of this caliber of performers. it's such an amazing feeling.
The show itself went amazingly! the audience was completely full and it really feels like a never-ending group of people. Its the most surreal feeling to perform to that many people.



After the show, there was a small get together at the theatre, which was nice. Then there was a party at the restaurant in our hotel. It was so nice to finally celebrate our hard work in that one historical night.
I have never felt so happy in my life to be a part of something like this. It is rare to be in a show where every single person involved is kind, supportive, talented, and hardworking. I am beyond proud of this show, and I never take for granted any single moment. This year is probably going to be one of the best years of my life, and I'm so excited it officially started on opening night!!!


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Previews....Quick Like Bunnies

Friday and Saturday were our official preview nights of the show. They both went really well. Kelly Devine, the original choreographer, came to our show Friday night, which was a dream come true. I've auditioned for her two times before for Rock of Ages and it was such an honor to be able to dance for her in the show onstage. She came by on Friday and gave us a great motivational talk about the show which made our Saturday show amazing. After the show, there was a party for the cast and crew at this really cool restaurant/bar. It was a lot of fun getting to hang with everyone after a long week of rehearsals.
On Sunday, we shot footage for local commercials and also took pictures for promotional stuff. We were all incredibly tired but had a great time messin around for the shoot.
On Monday morning, we left for Providence! It was a long drive, and everyone was pretty grumpy. I was on one hour of sleep because I was doing laundry until three in the morning. it was a great bus trip nevertheless!




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