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!
Friday, September 21, 2007
Sunday, September 16, 2007
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!
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!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
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!!!
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!!!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
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!
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!
Friday, September 7, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
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?
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: What do you enjoy doing most when you are not rehearsing, performing, or in school?
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
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
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
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
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
Monday, September 3, 2007
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.
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.
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