Well, I’ve had my first opening night as the new Music Director for @andjulietbway 1st National Tour, and nobody fired me!
I didn’t know if I’d be up for another tour (this is my 7th 🤯), but I have to say it feels pretty “f***in’ perfect”.
The band, crew, and cast have welcomed me with the warmest, most collaborative and genuinely kind arms. Thanks to the fabulous @andrecerullo for your guidance during the transition. You are so loved in this company, and I’ll try my best to honor and support what you have left behind.
Huge thanks to @m2musicnyc@mycleehrens@haleybmusic and @bsherman2222 for trusting me to step into this role.
I’m grateful. ♥️ Oh, and did I mention queer joy? This show is overflowing with it! 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️
Last week I turned 40 and also conducted my final show with @somelikeithotmusical … 20 months of joy, struggle, growth, laughter, and tears. But I got a brand new family that will stay with me for the rest of my life. This company has inspired me, challenged me, and BLESSED me. I spent over 500 shows (1,300+ hours, or 78,000+ minutes) looking up at the stage from the orchestra pit into the eyes of some of the most talented humans I’ve ever had the pleasure of conducting.
I don’t know what to say except thank you. My heart is overflowing with memories and gratitude.
But most of all…thank you @marc_shaiman … your score has made me better in every way. I don’t think I’ll ever receive a gift quite as special as the gift of being able to look after your baby.
What a ride! Onward we go…
Today is my Mom’s birthday. I don’t often take the time to publicly express just how much my Mom means to me. She is so many things to so many people. But to ME, she’s…
My Piano Teacher. My Fellow Adventure Junkie. My 🏀 THUNDER UP ⚡️ Buddy. Best Movie Partner (even though she consistently falls asleep during them). Hardest Laugher I Know. Strongest Woman I Know. Cancer Warrior. Grief Warrior. Kindest Heart I Know. Best Grandma Ever. The Best Mom Ever IT’S NOT UP FOR DEBATE. Impeccable Taste In Music (hence the Earth Wind & Fire music attached). Best Encourager. Best Listener. Best Supporter. Best Friend.
I love you can’t say enough. Happy Birthday, Mom!
P.S. She shares a birthday with both Andrew Lloyd Webber AND Stephen Sondheim. Two people I would know about if not for her.
We’re halfway through our 5 week residency up in Toronto. It may be a frozen wasteland outside, but we’re keeping it HOT inside! I’ve officially started my last month with the tour. Insanity. Delirium. Gratitude. 🔥🔥🔥
I’m absolutely buzzing in rehearsals for this one. Remounting this show at @the_ordway this month is the best gift I could have received this Christmas.
We start performances on Tuesday, and we run through the 28th! People of MSP and beyond, come see us! It’s gonna be special.
One year ago today, Dottie and I found each other. ♥️♥️
This little one and I started our journey together in South Carolina. 39 states later she is still my companion, never satisfied unless she’s right by my side. She’s the best adventure partner….scaling mountains, hiking trails, kicking up sand on a beach, running through open fields. She’s the most intuitive and empathic being I’ve ever encountered. She immediately takes on whatever I’m feeling and insists on making every moment better somehow. My true earth angel who has done exponentially more for me than Prozac ever could.
Here’s to our first year together, Dottie Girl! Every moment has been absolutely precious.
We are halfway through our first week of performances here in LA at @somelikeithotmusical ! The first show I ever worked on in musical theatre was HAIRSPRAY (written by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman) at @arkansasrep nearly 15 years ago when I was 25. I didn’t realize then that Broadway was about to completely take over my world. But as I stood on the red carpet at the @hollywoodpantagestheatre Wednesday night with the one and only @marc_shaiman it hit me like a ton of bricks. The fact that I get to conduct the Hollywood premiere of a Shaiman/Wittman show is something I will never take for granted. Oh… AND I get to do it with some of the most killer musicians LA has to offer. If some like it hot, I must like it scorching! All I can say is I’m grateful. 🔥♥️
Extended family sessions are everything 😍 capturing 4 generations together will never ever get old. It was so sweet to see the love this family has for each other!
A Golden Day to Remember!
Yesterday morning around dawn, Dottie and I loaded into Butch and started the day off at @rockynps ! We then hopped back into Butch and headed northwest to Jackson County to do some off-roading in the middle of bum f**k nowhere. We were literally the only ones up in the mountains. Days like today with my sweet girl are the sweetest days of touring!
Grateful ♥️🙏🏻
DNA TEST RESULTS ARE IN!! Swipe to see the results 😀 🐾
Thanks @embarkvet for cracking the code! We definitely had some preconceived ideas, but were left totally shocked and pleasantly surprised by the results.
P.S. “Supermutt” means Dottie is descended from generations of mixed breed dogs…the top three breeds that were determined within this category are German shepherd, Pomeranian, and miniature schnauzer!
