Sacramento

We arrived in Sacramento this past Tuesday. We flew Jet Blue here and the flight was very nice. Although it was a 6 hour flight, the time went by pretty quickly. Sarah learned that the portable DVD player only lasts for 4 hours. Good thing Jet Blue has the individual tvs!!!

Our first full day here was Halloween. Our kids had a non-traditional Halloween as there was no time to go trick-or-treating. The kids went to school in their Halloween costumes, and also did their rehearsals in them as well. During one of the breaks we ventured off to a park nearby. There was a Vietnam veterans memorial there, as well as a beautiful rose garden. We got some pretty pictures. We didn't take any pictures of the memorial as we thought it would be disrespectful to take pictures of the kids in Halloween costumes in front of something so solemn. The kids got a lot of candy and cookies backstage, and even got a stuffed animal. I think they had a fun Halloween!

The weather here is gorgeous!!! We're in the valley so it gets cold in the mornings and nights, but then it's sunny and beautiful in the afternoon; mostly in the high 70's. This weather probably is the nicest of all the cities that we've been to so far.

The moms ventured to the Governor's mansion while the kids were in school. We were hoping to see Arnold there, but unfortunately, no one has lived there since the Reagans in the late 1960's. It's now just a museum capturing how the rooms were when people lived there. The outside of the house is completely under reconstruction so we couldn't see what it looked like at all.

We also ventured to Old Sacramento. It's an old fashioned town that looks like a town from the days of the Gold Rush. There are museums there, as well as shops, restaurants and boats. The kids are supposed to go there on a class trip on Wednesday.

The show is going really well. The house has been packed, and the audiences are giving the cast thunderous applause, as well as standing ovations. We are very pleased with the reception here.

Tomorrow is everyone's day off. We are thinking of bringing the kids to Old Sacramento (do the stuff that they wouldn't cover in the class trip). We are also thinking of a town called Sutter that is a replica of the Gold Rush days. We wanted to go panning for gold, but the locals have told us that gold hasn't been found in over 100 years in this area. We've been also throwing around the idea of San Francisco and one of the moms is getting me to see that it could be do-able, but I'm not sure that Sarah wants to do that. I'll keep you posted what we decide to do on our Golden Day!!!

Goodbye St Paul

Today is our last day in St Paul, Minnesota. Listed below is a recap of how things went:

-There has been about 18 days of clouds/rain here (unseasonable for this time of year). This has probably been the dreariest place we've been to! We probably had about 5 minutes of sunlight here. We had to buy winter jackets on our first day here since the first few days were in the 30's with wind chills in the 20's.

-The moms went to the Mall of America three times. The kids went once and had the best time!

-Me and some of the moms almost got attacked twice in one night. On another night two hoodlums pointed to the kids and followed us back to the hotel, and during the day, two of the moms/kids got followed into the grocery store; they called the cops. I bought pepper spray and arranged for a hotel shuttle at night to pick up the kids.

-The moms got to see the show twice; once last Sunday and once tonight.

-Some of the cast members entertained at the Children's Hospital here in St. Paul. There was press coverage, and the story ran on two local news stations; we're trying to get copies of the clips.

-Two company members had deaths in their families.

-Sarah started her private ballet/tap lessons with Elizabeth (the dance captain).

-Two company members gave notice that they will leave in December.

We're definitely looking forward to going home tomorrow to eat home cooked food, sleep in our own beds, and snuggle Popcorn. Oh yeah, and Sarah misses her daddy too!!! :)

Mall of America (in Sarah's words)

October 15, 2007

Today was an exciting day for me because guess where I went?!!! Mall of Americaaaaaaaa! Yeah! I took my first step in and Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! My first step in I yelled so loud! First we went to the aquarium. We saw sharks and fish. We also saw turtles. They were soooooo adorable. We saw octupus and starfish and suprisingly there were no dolphins. After the aquarium I got a surprise. And it was from my mom. I got to make my own doll. It is just like Build a Bear except you don't brush them. You do their hair. After my surprise, I got to touch a sting ray. But don't worry, they cut the stinger off. After that I got to go to Justice. I got nothing. Then we went to eat. I got a milkshake. An oreo one. I got chicken nuggets with it. Then guess where we went?! The RIDES!!! Yeah! My favorite rides were the Tumbler and the orange rollercoaster. Last but not least, the log flume. It was a fun day!

PS- got to Mall of America (MOA)

Arrving in St Paul, Minnesota

We arrived in St Paul yesterday. As I'm not a good flyer, luckily the flight was uneventful. The airport was the craziest airport, as we had to tram everywhere and take elevators up and down. We felt like we were on the Amazing Race. Of course the Larry Craig jokes were flying as well! Luckily Kurt was kind enough to let Sarah put her suitcase on his luggage cart which allowed us to move around. There were points that Kurt even let her ride on the cart- Thank you Kurt!!!

Minnesota is really cute! The theatre is just a few blocks away from the hotel (alot of the moms are upset that we won't be losing weight due to all the walking!). The streets are made of bricks, and there is castle-like architecture. It gets so cold here that the buildings are all connected via above ground, enclosed-bridges. It's really vibrant near the theatre. The show is well advertised with Whistle Down the Wind flags all over the street. There seems to be a lot of young, artsy people who hang around that area. Today we will walk around in quest of finding some eateries.

We went to the theatre yesterday to pick up the luggage. We got to see the backstage area and it was really nice. The dressing rooms are all near the stage, and the school is right upstairs. It looks like everyone is going to really like this theatre.

So today it all starts again. The kids have school, then they have to rehearse with the new set of local kids, I'm sure they'll get a small break, they'll have to do a full cast spacing rehearsal, and then the show begins. It's going to be a long day and Sarah was up at 7:00am! I'm sure she'll sleep late tomorrow.

We'll keep you posted as things progress in Minnesota!

Hello and Goodbye, Hartford!

After three weeks in Houston, one week in Hartford passed in the blink of an eye. With Hartford being the closest stop to NY/NJ on the tour (as of this post), lots of friends and family made the trek up I-95 for the show. Thanks to all of you who came out and showed your support (you know who you are!)

After an informal (and totally unbiased) poll of our friends and family, this show is definitely Broadway bound!

Popcorn (the Cat) and I are extremely happy to have Sarah and her mom back home for a one week break. We've been pretty busy with them back in town. We've already been to Nordstroms, and there's lots more shopping to do before they leave for St. Paul, Minnesota next week. The shopping list: snow parkas, snow shoes, ice skates, Chap Stick, and of course, they'll be "searchin' for salvation in some thermal underwear."

Trip to NASA Museum (In Sarah's words)

This is from Sarah's journal (please keep in mind I cleaned up some of the spelling)

September 19, 2007

Today I went to the NASA museum. It was so much fun. I wanted to stay longer. Now let me tell you how it began. When we got there we first ate lunch. I had a sandwich and they had Dip-in-dots there so I got cookies and cream Dip-in-dots. Boy was that good! After that we went to see a movie. One part of the movie, a rubberband snapped and the whole entire rocketship blew up. Bhewwwwwwwww. The was called "The Space Shuttle Challenger. It didn't even make it to space. Anyway, then we looked at exhibits. We got to see the inside of a space ship. Also a toy dinosaur that came in one of the ships. Then we went to the playground. I got confused because it's so big. My friend helped me find my way back. Then we went to the place where it make you feel like you're actually taking off. All it had was smoke come out of the front. Then we went into the real theater. A lady was talking to us. I felt bad for the lady because when she asked if anyone had questions, no one raised their hand. So she looked upset. I was gonna raise my hand but then she would have to tell the story all over again because my mind was on the report that I would have to write about for school. I could not keep up with her. Oh well. The end!

Opening Night

Hi Everyone- last night was opening night. The theatre was packed with people all the way up to the balcony. The show went really well and the cast got a standing ovation! The cast celebrated with a nice party hosted by the theatre. The kids had a blast and were the last ones to leave the party! Of course they were feeling it today.

Sarah's dad flew into Houston to see the show. She was so happy to see him. He was blown away by the show, and it was of course overwhelming to see your child on such a big stage, with amazing sets, performing with such incredibly talented people. It really is a very nice cast. Unfortunately he had to leave to go home early today so Sarah didn't really get to spend anytime with him. We will see him again in two weeks when he visits us in Hartford.

There are about 16 kids from Houston in the show. In each city, 16 new kids will join the show which are in addition to the 9 kids who tour with the show. What a nice group of kids, and the parents are incredible. They hosted a barbeque for the whole cast and crew between shows yesterday. I think we have been extremely fortunate with this group of people, and hope we are as fortunate in the other cities.

Today was also a double performance day. The kids are very tired as they stayed out late for the party last night, but everyone seems to be looking forward to a relaxing day off tomorrow. The weather in Houston has actually been very nice, so we're looking forward to getting in some pool time.

That's it from Houston for now. I will keep you posted if of any other blogworthy news that arises here in Houston!

Tour Questions

Hi Everyone- I've gotten a lot of questions about how tours work so I figured that I would go ahead and post the answers.

Housing- the company arranges hotels for us. We pay for the hotel out of the per diem that we get each week (Sarah and I each get a weekly per diem). The quality of the hotels seem be very nice. We are in a Hyatt Regency here in Houston and will be in a Hilton when we reach Hartford. Since we have to use our per diem money, the company negotiates amazing rates for these hotels so it's very affordable. We have the option to stay in other hotels, but then we have to make our own arrangements. Also, the company tries to find hotels that are close in proximity to the venue that the cast is performing in.

Transportation- the company arranges travel for us. We have the option to use their travel arrangements at no cost to us. If we decide to make our own travel arrangements, the company will give you a credit, equal to the price of what your ticket would've been if you went with the company travel.

Food- part of the per diem is meant to cover food. Most of us have been lucky as we have secured refrigerators for our rooms. They're very small, but better than nothing. In addition, this hotel has a microwave and toaster over in the lobby, so we are able to heat stuff up. We have been able to go food shopping so we can eat breakfast and lunch in our rooms, and then we usually go out for a reasonable dinner.

Schooling- the kids have a tutor. There is one tutor for the elementary school kids (4 kids), and one for the middle school and above (5 kids)- so the ratios are better than if your child was in regular school. We have not approached a normal week yet, since we are still in previews and having rehearsals, but it looks like the schedule for school will be Tu-Fri, 11-3. Mondays are completely off from school and performing as most weekends will have 5 performances. Yesterday, the classes did a day trip to the Houston Museum of Natural Science to see the Lucy exhibit. Field trips count as class hours. They are planning another trip to the Houston Space Museum.

I think that covers the main questions. Please feel free to comment if you would like to know anything else.

This past Thursday the show opened to the press so keep your eyes open for reviews!!!

Houston Update

Hi Everyone- we've been here in Houston for 10 days now- This town is very different from NYC. It's either very hot, or very rainy, or both. Restaurants close at 2:00pm, and most restaurants are not open on the weekends. Plus there is a whole underground tunnel system that connects buildings, with a few food places, but that's about it. I'm very upset that there is no place to get a manicure!!! :)

Whistle Down the Wind opened to previews on Sunday 9/9. They had 2 performances that day, and both ended with immediate standing ovations. There was a performance last night as well, and that also got a standing ovation. One of the girls had a previous engagement for last night's performance and Sarah got the opportunity to sing one of her lines. She was able to handle it without a problem. Tonight I hope she realizes not to do the line!

Tomorrow night is the opening night for the press, and there is a small social gathering after the performance. Saturday night 9/15 is the official opening night, and there will be a party after that as well. Sarah is excited for her dad to come to Houston for that (thank goodness for frequent flier miles!)

Touring is definitely an interesting experience. As for us moms, we've been so busy! I think it's hard for people to understand, but it's been a full time job taking the kids back and forth to the theatre multiple times a day, finding places to eat, and then doing the food shopping and laundry (we have small refrigerators in our rooms). The shows end late, and then we have to pry the kids out of bed to get them fed and showered before school and/or rehearsals. I feel very bad as I have had very little time to speak with family and friends back home.

They have been working hard to get in the school hours. They are talking about doing a class trip to the Houston Space Museum this Friday, but they need to decide if they should put in more classroom hours, as opposed to doing a field trip. I think that going places that your school would never take you to is invaluable and they should seize the opportunity. The moms will be able to go at our own cost, so we're looking forward to that as well.

Well that's it from Houston for now. Will keep you posted as the show progresses, and the reviews roll in!

We need your help!

I am enlisting your help in spreading the word about our Cancun timeshare week we are trying to rent out since we won't be able to use it.

We have week #44 (Nov 3 - Nov 10) at The Royal Carribean. Information about the resort can be found here and here

The suite sleeps 6, and has a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and one bedroom/bathroom can be locked off for privacy and each has their own separate entrance.

We love this place so much, we've gone every year for the past few years.

By the way, this week happens to be the week of the NJ Teacher's Convention, so all kids have anywhere two to five days off of school. It's a great place to take the family.

If you have any friends or family interested, please have them contact me directly at bradley.safer@gmail.com.

Inside the Mind of an 8-Year-Old

I was getting a little curious about what must be going through Sarah's mind; having gotten cast and going on tour within a two week period. It's a lot for an adult to process and I can't imagine what it must be like for an 8-year-old. So I decided to ask her a few questions and I would like to share them, along with her answers, with all of you.

SD: How do you like being on Tour?
Sarah: It's really fun and I really like it.

SD: What do you like best about being on Tour?

Sarah: I made new friends, and I get a tutor.

SD: What do you like best about being in "Whistle Down The Wind?"

Sarah: It's fun and it's a very interesting story.

SD: What's it like going to school on Tour?
Sarah: It's the same because we still do the same subjects. It's fun.

SD: If someone asks you about Houston, what would you tell them about it?

Sarah: I would say that it's a very beautiful place, it's very hot, and it always rains or starts thundering.

SD: What do you enjoy doing most when you are not rehearsing, performing, or in school?

Sarah: Hanging out with my friends and my mom.

I'd say that she's handling things extremely well for an 8-year-old...heck, she's handling things extremely well for an 80-year-old

Middlesex/Monmouth County NJ Shout Out

This is a shout out to all of our friends from the Monmouth/Middlesex County area of NJ. Gineen Morosco from The Main Street Theater Company wants to know who is planning a trip to Hartford. Drop her a note at maddiegee@optonline.net.

Thanks, Gineen-Sarah is looking forward to seeing many friendly faces in the audience.

Group rates for the Bushnell Theater start at 20 tickets, and of course, with gas as expensive at it is, carpooling is definitely encouraged. Tickets are still available but are selling fast.

The dates for Hartford are 9/25 -9/27 @ 7:30pm, 9/28 @8:00pm, 9/29 @ 2pm and 8pm, 9/30 @ 2pm and 7:30pm. For more info: visit The Bushnell Theater website at: http://www.bushnell.org/index.cgi/24459

Whistle Tour Kickoff!

Hi, everyone. Sarah's Dad here!

I've created this blog to keep our friends and family up to date on Sarah's professional theater debut. Before we get into the day to day, here's a little history to get everyone up to date:

After multiple auditions for various shows and getting the same response of "She's perfect, just a little too small." Sarah's mom found a casting notice in "Backstage" for children UNDER a certain height. Needless to say, we were thrilled, and quickly contacted Sarah's manager about getting her an audition for it.

Sarah auditioned for "Whistle Down The Wind" on Thursday, August 17th and, after a torturous week of waiting, we finally got the call from Sarah's manager on Wednesday, August 23rd that she was cast in the ensemble. Rehearsals began on Friday, August 25th and would continue every day until it was time to leave for Houston, TX on Sunday, September 2. Here is a link to a recent press release from Theater Under The Stars, the show's promoter in Houston.

It's amazing how your whole life can change in an instant. One day, we're living life as usual, and the next, Sarah's mom is quitting her job, I am withdrawing Sarah from school, and Sarah and her mom are on the road for about a month before their first break.

Popcorn (our cat) and I will be holding down the fort from the home office. Hopefully, we'll be able to get Sarah and her mom to post on the blog from time to time.