Hey ya'll!!!
So I have moved...
Yes I know I move every week, but I mean I have moved my blog!!
I found a great site tumblr.com that is really easy and fun!!
I'll keep this blog to put some journal type stuff here and there, but ALL updates are going to go on tumblr from now on.
So if you want to catch up on my latest:
Click HERE
Friday, November 19, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
Now for the Update : )
Hello my friends!!
Happy October! Can’t believe it’s already fall! Did a big shipment of summer clothes to my parents house yesterday. Bye summer dresses and sandals…hello boots and layers!! Not that we are going to very cold places in the next couple weeks. But tis the season. ☺
So we left Charlotte and are onto Des Moines, IA. Last time I was in Des Moines was with High School Musical and I am definitely having a dejavu: same hotel, same theatre, same mall just a mile down the rode. Looking forward to catching up on new movie releases and shopping time this week for sure!
Charlotte was a very sweet town. Holly, Janet, and I rented bikes on Wednesday and rode over to some cute Shops on Central Street and a famous diner named Penguins. If you ever find yourself in Charlotte, check out Hong Kong (an adorable vintage shop), Boris and Natasha (great boutique), and Penguins (amazing dive diner). Our company stayed at the Omni Hotel (beautiful) and it was connected to some great bars and restaurants (aka the Epicenter)… so check that out too! Not to mention a KILLER opening night party at Sonoma. Some of the best food I have ever had at an opening night party… and it was actually healthy!
Besides those little ventures, most of us spent a lot of our time in understudy rehearsal. We are cranking it out… first understudy run thru is this week!! AHHHH So much info thrown at us, but every one is doing an awesome job and I am so excited to see us all FULL OUT soon!
Keeping busy but tour life is a lot easier this time around. It’s so funny not being a swing anymore. I never realized how uptight I was on the Blonde tour until doing this one. I was always learning something, or reviewing, blah blah blah… I rarely relaxed and just had fun. So having my own track has definitely chilled me out and I am able to really explore cities and play more.
That’s all for now.
Sending Big Hugs!
-Ashley
Happy October! Can’t believe it’s already fall! Did a big shipment of summer clothes to my parents house yesterday. Bye summer dresses and sandals…hello boots and layers!! Not that we are going to very cold places in the next couple weeks. But tis the season. ☺
So we left Charlotte and are onto Des Moines, IA. Last time I was in Des Moines was with High School Musical and I am definitely having a dejavu: same hotel, same theatre, same mall just a mile down the rode. Looking forward to catching up on new movie releases and shopping time this week for sure!
Charlotte was a very sweet town. Holly, Janet, and I rented bikes on Wednesday and rode over to some cute Shops on Central Street and a famous diner named Penguins. If you ever find yourself in Charlotte, check out Hong Kong (an adorable vintage shop), Boris and Natasha (great boutique), and Penguins (amazing dive diner). Our company stayed at the Omni Hotel (beautiful) and it was connected to some great bars and restaurants (aka the Epicenter)… so check that out too! Not to mention a KILLER opening night party at Sonoma. Some of the best food I have ever had at an opening night party… and it was actually healthy!
Besides those little ventures, most of us spent a lot of our time in understudy rehearsal. We are cranking it out… first understudy run thru is this week!! AHHHH So much info thrown at us, but every one is doing an awesome job and I am so excited to see us all FULL OUT soon!
Keeping busy but tour life is a lot easier this time around. It’s so funny not being a swing anymore. I never realized how uptight I was on the Blonde tour until doing this one. I was always learning something, or reviewing, blah blah blah… I rarely relaxed and just had fun. So having my own track has definitely chilled me out and I am able to really explore cities and play more.
That’s all for now.
Sending Big Hugs!
-Ashley
Not an update… just some heart spillage
I mentioned earlier that I met up with my friend, Jeff Parker, while in Atlanta. He is a sweet, talented, and brilliant man who was in grad school at UC Irvine when I was in Undergrad. Make a long story short, he is now following his teaching dreams and is a Theatre Professor in Chatanooga, TN. We had a great time catching up, telling stories, and asking questions about our lives and the biz. One topic that has played over and over in my head was when he asked me what’s a piece of advice that he should pass on to his students from me. Loaded question… should be an easy one… most people get that question all the time… I have been asked it before… and yet my answer surprised me. My answer was cliché as it can get… and so many people have told me it before… but I don’t think I ever believed it. So saying it out loud and writing it out to my bloggers makes my heart happy. So thought I’d share.
My answer went something like this: Be Yourself and Trust that you have your own path and journey. It’s so easy to get caught up in who is doing what and comparing yourself to others. We all have our own purpose and own paths to follow. Some of us won’t get a professional gig until our late 30s, some will get some right off the bat and never stop working, some will get jobs right away and then realize they’d rather live in a sweet suburban town and raise a family, some will be huge stars, some will be 3rd singer track from the left, some will veer off the entertainment path completely, and some [like Jeff] will bless others and teach. I am realizing more and more that we have one life to live… so why not follow your dreams and test out your desires (within safe reason of course haha). Who do you have to prove? I am proud to come from a family of high achievers and perfectionists, but sometimes it’s important to remind yourself to not compare yourself to others and if you fail… WHO CARES!?! Something great is coming.
Some of you know that when I first moved to NY, my agents dropped me, I auditioned for 2 agencies who did not take me on as a client, I was not getting any callbacks… I was MISERABLE! Then in a span of 2 weeks, I booked High School Musical at Theatre of the Stars, booked the New York Cast of Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular (Singer track), Legally Blonde, and had 3 agencies calling me about submitting. Truth is… it’s all in God’s timing. There is no use in pushing stuff. I am a firm believer that you HAVE to do the work to get where you want to be, but there is no use trying to push and pull in directions that you may not be destined to go. I feel very blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunities and adventures I have been given thus far in my career… buut I still got a ways to go and I have NO idea where it’s going. A little scary… but also exciting with this business. Who knows… I could get off tour and go back to LA never wanting to perform again (doubt it… but ya never know where my path will lead me when the time comes). I know it’s easier said then done… but I do remind myself as much as possible that every thing that has happened and will happen is all a part of God’s plan. All I can do is be the best I can be, honor him through it all, and enjoy the journey. So I hope you will too. Listen to your instincts, your heart, your prayers, your desires, and enjoy the journey you are given. Embrace your likes, dislikes, dreams, people around you, and embrace who YOU are. You are loved.
And that is that… a little heart spilling on this Travel day! Thanks for letting me emotionally vomit (haha). T.M.I.?? ☺
P.S. Shout out to Isaack who drove quite a ways to Nashville to see the show. He said he was one of my blog followers. So glad people are reading this and so happy to have met him. ☺
My answer went something like this: Be Yourself and Trust that you have your own path and journey. It’s so easy to get caught up in who is doing what and comparing yourself to others. We all have our own purpose and own paths to follow. Some of us won’t get a professional gig until our late 30s, some will get some right off the bat and never stop working, some will get jobs right away and then realize they’d rather live in a sweet suburban town and raise a family, some will be huge stars, some will be 3rd singer track from the left, some will veer off the entertainment path completely, and some [like Jeff] will bless others and teach. I am realizing more and more that we have one life to live… so why not follow your dreams and test out your desires (within safe reason of course haha). Who do you have to prove? I am proud to come from a family of high achievers and perfectionists, but sometimes it’s important to remind yourself to not compare yourself to others and if you fail… WHO CARES!?! Something great is coming.
Some of you know that when I first moved to NY, my agents dropped me, I auditioned for 2 agencies who did not take me on as a client, I was not getting any callbacks… I was MISERABLE! Then in a span of 2 weeks, I booked High School Musical at Theatre of the Stars, booked the New York Cast of Radio City Music Hall Christmas Spectacular (Singer track), Legally Blonde, and had 3 agencies calling me about submitting. Truth is… it’s all in God’s timing. There is no use in pushing stuff. I am a firm believer that you HAVE to do the work to get where you want to be, but there is no use trying to push and pull in directions that you may not be destined to go. I feel very blessed and fortunate to have had the opportunities and adventures I have been given thus far in my career… buut I still got a ways to go and I have NO idea where it’s going. A little scary… but also exciting with this business. Who knows… I could get off tour and go back to LA never wanting to perform again (doubt it… but ya never know where my path will lead me when the time comes). I know it’s easier said then done… but I do remind myself as much as possible that every thing that has happened and will happen is all a part of God’s plan. All I can do is be the best I can be, honor him through it all, and enjoy the journey. So I hope you will too. Listen to your instincts, your heart, your prayers, your desires, and enjoy the journey you are given. Embrace your likes, dislikes, dreams, people around you, and embrace who YOU are. You are loved.
And that is that… a little heart spilling on this Travel day! Thanks for letting me emotionally vomit (haha). T.M.I.?? ☺
P.S. Shout out to Isaack who drove quite a ways to Nashville to see the show. He said he was one of my blog followers. So glad people are reading this and so happy to have met him. ☺
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Working??? hmmm more like "Playing" 9 to 5!
What a surreal couple of weeks it has been!!
2 Weeks in Nashville, a week in Atlanta, and now we are in Charlotte, NC.
Nashville started out with meeting Dolly first thing Monday morning. And she was there for the next two weeks at almost every show and at every day of tech. She made us fudge, laughed and clapped in the audience, sat and ate with us, and made us laugh till it ached. She is everything you would think she is: gracious, sweet, kind, giving, funny, charming, and extremely talented. What a blessing to be able to meet her!
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| Mom, Me, and Vava |
So that was an exciting thing to start with… then it was onto a week of tech. 10 hrs at the theatre every day that week! Before we knew it, it was opening night: red carpets, great first show, and fabulous opening night party!! Not to mention, my mom and grandma got to come for a visit so I was so blessed to have them with me. I had the hottest dates… that’s for sure!
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| Ryah, Micah, Me, and Jesse |
A ton of behind the scenes videos from tech week and from the party are at tpac.org or on TPACS youtube channel. Check them out!
Nashville city highlights:
*BROADWAY: of course! The night life in Nashville is so fun. Each bar has live music, so as you walk down Broadway, the music changes at every door. So we enjoyed that a couple nights post show.
*The Pancake Pantry and Noshville: Nashville’s 2 famous breakfast places. The Pancake Pantry is self explanatory… the best pancakes and a wide variety of kinds. So so good!! And then Noshville is a perfect All American Diner Breakfast. Yum Yum Yum!!!
*2 for 1 Cowboy Boots: I wish I could say that I bought me a pair… but I never made it over there with rehearsal schedule and family time. BUT some of my cast members definitely scored with some great boots!! Lucky them!
Atlanta was the second stop of the tour and what a great stop it was. We got in early Monday and I was able to hop on Atlanta’s easy train system (MARTA) and go visit my aunt, uncle, and cousin in Roswell, GA. I had never been to their place and hadn’t seen them in way too long! They gave me a tour of the city and we had great family time Monday (including a HOME cooked meal… unreal!). Then we got up Tuesday and they drove me around and showed me Atlanta City before I had to be at the theatre to start the week of shows. I got to see them again when they saw the show on Sunday. It was the first time they ever got to see me perform so it was exciting to have them there. My favorite thing about touring is being able to visit with people I hardly get the chance to see. What a blessing to have been able to finally get to see them. During the week, I was also able to catch up with my mom’s best friend and her precious little girl (Erin and Bella Roosen). I hadn’t seen them since Bella was a baby…and now she is 4 and so beautiful! Then my great friend from UC Irvine, Jeff Parker, drove from Chatanooga to come see the show and visit! It had been almost 2 years since we had last gotten together!! What a lucky girl I am to have such supportive family and friends. Can’t thank you all enough for sharing your time with me when I was in town!! Xoxoxo
Dolly stopped by both shows on Saturday. It was thrilling to see the audience’s reaction because it was so unexpected. We had our bows, the curtain went down, then she came on stage real fast, the curtain went up, there was silence in the audience, and then all of a sudden SCREAMING!! People were up on their feet jumping up and down and yelling. So cool to witness. And rumor has it she is making an appearance in Charlotte too… so for all you Charlotte people… you may just want to go to every show just in case.
Atlanta Highlights:
*Renting Bikes: We had a day off on Monday (traveled to Charlotte today before show), so Micah, Ryah, Jesse, Holly, and I rented bikes all day. It was the perfect day to do so, great exercise, and so much fun!! Check out the facebook album of our magical day!
*The Flying Biscuit: Before bikes, we loaded up on some quality brunch at Atlanta’s hit breakfast place! Highlight of the meal: an oatmeal pancake with peaches. It was unreal!!
*Aquarium: Our first bike ride stop was at the Aquarium. I took so many pictures of our time there. It was like nothing I had ever seen!
*Zoo: Micah, Jesse, and I separated from the group to go to the zoo… but it was closed so we rode around Piedmont park instead. GORGEOUS park! At one point we just sat in the grass people watching and watching the clouds roll by. Life is sweet.
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| The Gang at Aquarium |
And that is a novel of our adventures so far. Some of us have made a pledge to each other to embrace our inner child and PLAY on this tour. So we are definitely PLAYING! Stay tuned for more stories.
Love to all
XOXO
Ash
Monday, September 13, 2010
On the Road Again...
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| Ryah and I at 630am waiting for our first plane of the tour |
6:30 Call Time at LaGuardia Airport (hence the sunglasses and large coffees)…First Travel Day of 9 to 5… and yes my bag was already 5 pounds overweight. I am a horrible packer. No matter how many times I pack my bag and send stuff home… my bag is always overweight. So I always try to scope out the nice people at the desk. The woman this morning at Delta Airlines was a gem and a half. Sometimes they tell you to remove stuff even if it’s 1 pound over. She just winked at me and let me go. So to that woman, thank you for making my day! J
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| Laura, Me, and Bekah at Going Away Party |
Leaving NY was really hard this time around (it’s hard every time actually). I was really getting used to living
there in my cute little apartment with my cute little roomies and friends close by. I just love my set up there. We also had a 9 to 5 going away party on Friday night and I was overwhelmed with how many people showed up. It was so humbling and wonderful to see so many friends--some that I hadn’t seen in forever!! Including my high school friend/college roomie/sorority sister Bekah who I hadn’t seen in 3 years!! Then had a great time meeting friends of my new road family! I feel like my NY community is finally solid… and now I’m leaving again. BUT I really could not be more excited for this tour. The people in it, the show, the cities, the stuff I’m learning… it’ll be a good time. So to my NY community of fabulous friends and to the city itself… I’ll see you soon. Love Love Love.
The show is finally set, we got into Nashville at 930am this morning, settled into the hotel, had a meet and greet at the theatre, saw the set, tried on wigs, and had our first Fly rehearsal with Mr Hart, the 3 ladies, and the understudies. Lots of fun. We are all crashed early because Today is D-Day… aka Dolly Day!! She has been an idol of mine for quite some time, so I could not be more excited to meet her. Then tech tech tech and dress rehearsals all the live-long week.
Let the adventures begin…
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| Waiting for the flight... obviously it's a little early for all of us |
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| Micah, Ryah, and Gregg en route to Hotel |
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| Sweet Jesse Asleep on Plane |
*Currently Reading:
The Anita Blake Series by Laurell K. Hamilton (my Aunt introduced me to the series… Very True Bloodesque. The first book is titled Guilty Pleasures… which suits it well since the whole vampire thing is a guilty pleasure for me. Haha. Very excited)
*Favorite New Purchase: My Camera is here! So I am already jumping on the recording band wagon. Stay tuned for a little youtube series on some characters at Consolidated Industries.
*Song on Repeat: “Cowboy Casanova” by Carrie Underwood. Must be getting into the Nashville mode because I am giving some extra love to my country music.
*Inspiration: My Sister, Carly. She is going through college apps and trying to figure out the next chapter of her life. I could not be prouder. She is such a bright girl and I know that she will do well in whatever field she chooses. Love you little sistah. Trust. J
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Tumblin' Outta Bed...
Hey Friends!!!
So I am revamping the blog and starting with adventures in NY! I’ve been back in the city for about 3 weeks now and lots to update about.
First… rehearsals are going really well for 9 to 5. My body is getting used to these long hour days of rehearsals. So so tired… I really am tumbling out of bed and stumbling to the kitchen every morning. Haha. But I love it and I absolutely LOVE my cast. We are just having so much fun. It’s a really neat experience to be apart of an original touring company. Everyone told me it would be completely different then coming in as a replacement. And it definitely is. Something about being able to create something and workshop stuff together… we become family right away. It has been such a cool experience.
It’s so funny too because Ven Daniel (our UPS guy on Legally Blonde) told me, “Ash, watch… your entire vocabulary is going to change.” And he could not be more right. “Totes” and “Fierce” has definitely not slipped out of my mouth as much. Haha. But I miss my Blondies a lot. Mike Isaacson (our producer of both Blonde and 9 to 5) gave a great speech at 9 to 5’s first rehearsal about how important it is to take care of each other on the road. Then he mentioned Blonde and how we were a great example of a great tour because we really were like a family and took good care of each other. So I feel truly blessed to have been apart of that. Check out a video of our first rehearsal.
Back to 9 to 5… We finished blocking and setting the entire show on Saturday. Now we just need to clean, get it in our bodies, and fix transitions and such. But it’s going to be a great show! I have learned so so much from watching my fellow actors. It has been so so so much fun. And the creative team is so wonderful. The site is up and running. So make sure you check the tour schedule to see if we come to a city near you!!
When I am not in rehearsals, I have really been enjoying visiting with friends. My sorority sisters (who now live in NY) and I have been exploring some great brunch places here in the city. One was LANSKYS on 71st and Columbus! Bottomless Cocktail Brunch included with entire brunch menu. Good price and yummy. Plus they bring you a huge loaf of FRESH banana bread when you first sit down. Dangerous. But so so good! It’s a Modern Jewish Deli with great charm and service. Loved it!
4 years ago, I went on a European Cruise and met some lovely new friends from England. We have stayed in contact through the years, and just so happens that one of the girls had a graduation trip to the states with her friends. AND they were in NY the first week I got back! So I took them to the Meatpacking District and we had amazing guacamole and Mexican Food at Dos Caminos. The fact that they had been eating Hard Rock Café and McDonalds was NOT okay. Dos Caminos is so so good! But I actually preferred Rosa Mexicano which is in Lincoln Square. My dad and I went there when he was in town for a few days. Both places are fabulous and on the pricey side. But my meal at Rosa Mexicano (veggie tacos) was one of the best meals I have ever had.
Now of course… the city has much more to offer than food. : ) I have really enjoyed taking pilates, reformer, and yoga class at Yogaworks outside of rehearsal. I bought a great package on gilt.com and have been trying to take good advantage of it while I can. Besides that, my days consist of: Too much shopping, pampering, reading, walking, park time, loving my apartment, loving my roomies, missing my puppy (my parents are spoiling him in California for a bit), friend time, packing, and studying.
Until next time…
So I am revamping the blog and starting with adventures in NY! I’ve been back in the city for about 3 weeks now and lots to update about.
First… rehearsals are going really well for 9 to 5. My body is getting used to these long hour days of rehearsals. So so tired… I really am tumbling out of bed and stumbling to the kitchen every morning. Haha. But I love it and I absolutely LOVE my cast. We are just having so much fun. It’s a really neat experience to be apart of an original touring company. Everyone told me it would be completely different then coming in as a replacement. And it definitely is. Something about being able to create something and workshop stuff together… we become family right away. It has been such a cool experience.
It’s so funny too because Ven Daniel (our UPS guy on Legally Blonde) told me, “Ash, watch… your entire vocabulary is going to change.” And he could not be more right. “Totes” and “Fierce” has definitely not slipped out of my mouth as much. Haha. But I miss my Blondies a lot. Mike Isaacson (our producer of both Blonde and 9 to 5) gave a great speech at 9 to 5’s first rehearsal about how important it is to take care of each other on the road. Then he mentioned Blonde and how we were a great example of a great tour because we really were like a family and took good care of each other. So I feel truly blessed to have been apart of that. Check out a video of our first rehearsal.
Back to 9 to 5… We finished blocking and setting the entire show on Saturday. Now we just need to clean, get it in our bodies, and fix transitions and such. But it’s going to be a great show! I have learned so so much from watching my fellow actors. It has been so so so much fun. And the creative team is so wonderful. The site is up and running. So make sure you check the tour schedule to see if we come to a city near you!!
When I am not in rehearsals, I have really been enjoying visiting with friends. My sorority sisters (who now live in NY) and I have been exploring some great brunch places here in the city. One was LANSKYS on 71st and Columbus! Bottomless Cocktail Brunch included with entire brunch menu. Good price and yummy. Plus they bring you a huge loaf of FRESH banana bread when you first sit down. Dangerous. But so so good! It’s a Modern Jewish Deli with great charm and service. Loved it!
The place us girls went to today was Sarabeths on 81st and Amsterdam. A lot pricier than Lanskys… but so so good and so so cute. Very quaint. If you go… go really early. We had a 45 minute wait. But it was definitely worth it.
4 years ago, I went on a European Cruise and met some lovely new friends from England. We have stayed in contact through the years, and just so happens that one of the girls had a graduation trip to the states with her friends. AND they were in NY the first week I got back! So I took them to the Meatpacking District and we had amazing guacamole and Mexican Food at Dos Caminos. The fact that they had been eating Hard Rock Café and McDonalds was NOT okay. Dos Caminos is so so good! But I actually preferred Rosa Mexicano which is in Lincoln Square. My dad and I went there when he was in town for a few days. Both places are fabulous and on the pricey side. But my meal at Rosa Mexicano (veggie tacos) was one of the best meals I have ever had.
Now of course… the city has much more to offer than food. : ) I have really enjoyed taking pilates, reformer, and yoga class at Yogaworks outside of rehearsal. I bought a great package on gilt.com and have been trying to take good advantage of it while I can. Besides that, my days consist of: Too much shopping, pampering, reading, walking, park time, loving my apartment, loving my roomies, missing my puppy (my parents are spoiling him in California for a bit), friend time, packing, and studying.
And that’s the NY saga! One week until Nashville! CRAZY!!!
Until next time…
XOXOXO
Ashley
*Currently Reading: The Hunger Games (I am on the 3rd book)… SO SO GOOD!!
*Currently Netflixing: Entourage Season 1… starting from the beginning
*Current Song on Repeat: “If it’s Love” by Train.
*Current Inspiration: Dolly Parton. Because of the show, I follow her on twitter and have been doing more research on her. She is such an amazing, inspiring, talented, brilliant, funny woman who definitely stays true to who she is. One of my favorite quotes of hers: "Don't get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life." I just cannot wait to meet her!!
*Favorite new purchase: I bought a new camera!! Should be getting it via mail very soon. So more pics and videos to come!! Woohoo!
Bye Bye Blonde!!
Well… the blonde door has closed. 11 months, 29 cities, 9 tracks, approx. 138 shows on (that I recorded), fun show, great memories, new puppy, fun adventures, new friends, lots of laughs… I couldn’t have asked for a better year. Being part of Legally Blonde has been a true honor and a blessing. When I first booked the tour, I cried. Not because I was excited… it was because I was scared (you know what)less. I remember watching our super swing in High School Musical saying “thank God I am not a swing… I could NEVER do that!” Well… be careful what you put out there. Haha. But I could not be more grateful for the opportunity. I have learned more this year—about myself, people, the business, traveling, life, etc—than I could have ever fathomed.
But what being a swing really taught me was to stop putting pressure on myself. Coming right out of college, it was so easy to get caught up in who was doing what, comparing myself to others, NEEDING a job, having to be successful, money worries, etc. I did not even enjoy those 5 months I lived in NY. They flew on by and I was stressed and focused on everything that was going wrong instead of enjoying the people around me and all the neat things NY has to offer. I have also always been such a perfectionist (since I was hmmm about 4 haha). Truth is… there is so such thing as perfection. And I know that is elementary school teaching “No one is perfect… except God” is something that bible school always taught me. ;-) But... that entire concept fully clicked in LB. You are always competing in college to be on top, be in the best classes, get in the musicals. While that’s great in school (for pushing and getting a better education), it sucks in real life. No good comes from it. So as a swing… I learned that sometimes ya just can’t have the “perfect” show. We all make mistakes, we live we learn, we crash, we burn. ☺
Whether you guys read this full blog or not, it has been such a fun thing to do: to blog! I have enjoyed connecting with you all and reading most of your own blogs. So nice to keep in touch even if we can’t connect directly. Thank you for reading, hearing, responding, and being such a big part of my Legally Blonde travels. Now onto the next adventure. I am hoping this time around, I can focus more on things the cities have to offer.
Big shout out to the non equity cast of Legally Blonde who started rehearsals on the 16th! Work it out, break legs, and enjoy!! : )
Big Hugs and Snaps!!
-Ashley
Some pics from the closing night when the swings got to come on for final bow : ) And yes... one of the boys dressed in drag.
But what being a swing really taught me was to stop putting pressure on myself. Coming right out of college, it was so easy to get caught up in who was doing what, comparing myself to others, NEEDING a job, having to be successful, money worries, etc. I did not even enjoy those 5 months I lived in NY. They flew on by and I was stressed and focused on everything that was going wrong instead of enjoying the people around me and all the neat things NY has to offer. I have also always been such a perfectionist (since I was hmmm about 4 haha). Truth is… there is so such thing as perfection. And I know that is elementary school teaching “No one is perfect… except God” is something that bible school always taught me. ;-) But... that entire concept fully clicked in LB. You are always competing in college to be on top, be in the best classes, get in the musicals. While that’s great in school (for pushing and getting a better education), it sucks in real life. No good comes from it. So as a swing… I learned that sometimes ya just can’t have the “perfect” show. We all make mistakes, we live we learn, we crash, we burn. ☺
Whether you guys read this full blog or not, it has been such a fun thing to do: to blog! I have enjoyed connecting with you all and reading most of your own blogs. So nice to keep in touch even if we can’t connect directly. Thank you for reading, hearing, responding, and being such a big part of my Legally Blonde travels. Now onto the next adventure. I am hoping this time around, I can focus more on things the cities have to offer.
Big shout out to the non equity cast of Legally Blonde who started rehearsals on the 16th! Work it out, break legs, and enjoy!! : )
Big Hugs and Snaps!!
-Ashley
Some pics from the closing night when the swings got to come on for final bow : ) And yes... one of the boys dressed in drag.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
As one door closes...another one opens.
Hello my friends!
Happy August! Cannot believe how fast time keeps flying by. Here we are, the last week of Legally Blonde… night before closing. And it’s really cool that we are ending it in Vienna, VA… the place where I was doing High School Musical when auditioning for the show AND when I started this blog. Kinda neat to do a full circle. Makes me want to read this whole thing over from the beginning... but I probably won't. haha. Maybe someday. : )
Toronto brought us Legally Blonders lots of excitement and fun! Had some great audiences, visitors, day trips, saw Toronto cast of Jersey Boys, saw Toronto cast of Rock of Ages, and had some good good times with each other. My good friend Heather came and visited!! And my other good friend, Quinn, is in Jersey Boys there... so both of them got to come see me go on as Elle during our first week there!! Then Heather and I got to see Quinn shine as Bob Gaudio!!
I got really lucky because my dad had a business trip during our final week, so he and my brother came to visit to see me on as Elle and Margot. Then while dad worked all day, Spencer (my bro) and I got to play! We went to Niagara Falls, Toronto Islands, and then got to meet up with dad to go out at night. So so happy to have had them there!
As mentioned before, I got to play Elle again!!! Unless someone calls out tomorrow (highly unlikely)... I was honored to go on as Elle for my very last show ever. Absolutely surreal and a dream come true. My amazing dresser, Claire, helped me take some pictures of the Elle costumes before the show and during intermission since we don;t have time to take them during the quick changes (that would be a little rough haha).
And I made my Margot debut!
The ladies of LB enjoyed a lovely High Tea (here's all of us dressed all fancy...good looking group!)
AND a bunch of us went and saw the Lady Gaga concert. Kyle, Sara, and Sara were FULL OUT!
In other big news… right when I move into my new apartment in New York and think I am finally settling down… I find out I’m going on the road again. This time I only have to learn 2 tracks (instead of the 9 in Legally Blonde)!! I am thrilled to announce that I have been cast as an Ensemble member/ Judy understudy in the First National Tour of 9 to 5 the Musical!! Original Cast!!
Although I was looking forward to living in the city, I am thrilled to be a part of this show. Check the 9 to 5 website for details on tickets and tour dates!
That’s the update for now. Stay tuned for a heart felt Legally Blonde goodbye : (
Shine on!
-Ashmo
Happy August! Cannot believe how fast time keeps flying by. Here we are, the last week of Legally Blonde… night before closing. And it’s really cool that we are ending it in Vienna, VA… the place where I was doing High School Musical when auditioning for the show AND when I started this blog. Kinda neat to do a full circle. Makes me want to read this whole thing over from the beginning... but I probably won't. haha. Maybe someday. : )
Toronto brought us Legally Blonders lots of excitement and fun! Had some great audiences, visitors, day trips, saw Toronto cast of Jersey Boys, saw Toronto cast of Rock of Ages, and had some good good times with each other. My good friend Heather came and visited!! And my other good friend, Quinn, is in Jersey Boys there... so both of them got to come see me go on as Elle during our first week there!! Then Heather and I got to see Quinn shine as Bob Gaudio!!
I got really lucky because my dad had a business trip during our final week, so he and my brother came to visit to see me on as Elle and Margot. Then while dad worked all day, Spencer (my bro) and I got to play! We went to Niagara Falls, Toronto Islands, and then got to meet up with dad to go out at night. So so happy to have had them there!
As mentioned before, I got to play Elle again!!! Unless someone calls out tomorrow (highly unlikely)... I was honored to go on as Elle for my very last show ever. Absolutely surreal and a dream come true. My amazing dresser, Claire, helped me take some pictures of the Elle costumes before the show and during intermission since we don;t have time to take them during the quick changes (that would be a little rough haha).
And I made my Margot debut!
The ladies of LB enjoyed a lovely High Tea (here's all of us dressed all fancy...good looking group!)
AND a bunch of us went and saw the Lady Gaga concert. Kyle, Sara, and Sara were FULL OUT!
In other big news… right when I move into my new apartment in New York and think I am finally settling down… I find out I’m going on the road again. This time I only have to learn 2 tracks (instead of the 9 in Legally Blonde)!! I am thrilled to announce that I have been cast as an Ensemble member/ Judy understudy in the First National Tour of 9 to 5 the Musical!! Original Cast!!
Although I was looking forward to living in the city, I am thrilled to be a part of this show. Check the 9 to 5 website for details on tickets and tour dates!
That’s the update for now. Stay tuned for a heart felt Legally Blonde goodbye : (
Shine on!
-Ashmo
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Life really is like a box of chocolates...
Hey everybody from Canada!!
Blonde is camped in Toronto for 5 weeks!! Longest sit down so far! Woohoo (atleast since I have been on tour). Week one is over and done. And what an amazing week it has been! Not only did I have the chance to go on for Elle on the Thursday matinee and Sunday evening show… I had some visitors!! My good friend, Quinn Vanantwerp, is Bob Gaudio in the Jersey Boys Toronto Cast. Soooo my dear friend, Heather White, scheduled a trip to see his show and just happened I was Elle the same week she came! What luck!! So… Heather and I got in on Monday, went out with Quinn that night, then Tuesday night she and I got to go see him kill it as Bob Gaudio. If you are in Toronto, and have not yet seen the show, THEY CLOSE IN AUGUST….. RUN TO SEE IT… don’t walk…RUN!! He’s so good and we couldn’t have been prouder. We cried the whole time. Haha. Wednesday night we had a mixer with the Rock of Ages cast, Jersey Boys cast, Miss Saigon cast, and us!! Great shows here in Toronto!! And it was so fun to see friends and meet new ones!! Then Thursday matinee was Elle show #1 of the week. I felt so lucky to have Quinn and Heather out there in the audience. It was kind of a whirlwind show since I hadn’t done Elle in 2 months and hadn’t done the show at all in 3 weeks. But… it went well and I had a blast. My grandparents (aka Vava and Vavoo aka “the Vavs”) came into town on Friday and we got dinner and catch up time on Saturday between shows. Then Sunday evening was Elle Show #2 where the Vavs came, most of the Jersey Boys cast (including Quinn a second time…what a nice friend), and some of the Miss Saigon cast. By far my favorite show so far. It was so thrilling to have so many people out in the audience, I finally felt comfortable in the role, and just had a blast with my cast members. I love these people! Such a blessing to have such a supportive family, friends, and colleagues. happy happy : )
Forrest Gump was right… life really is a box of chocolates. You never know watya gonna get or what to expect. Things here in blonde world has changed quite a bit over our 3 week break an first week here in Toronto. In some sad news… blonde tour is coming to an end. With that… we are losing some of our family members left and right. Our company manager and head of wardrobe left on Saturday for other gigs. So happy for them…but sad to lose them. And then we came back from layoff to hear that the beautiful, talented, and funny Kathleen Monteleone had decided to leave the show early. So happy for her and the exciting things that are happening in her life… but selfishly we all miss her like crazy. All 3 of our lost members brought lots of joy and laughter to tour and they will be missed. Love you guys!! But with losing members, we gain some more!! We welcomed our new company manager: Doug, assist wardrobe: Val, and our new stenographer (who was our vacation swing): Casey with open arms!! Welcome to the family!!
Another little show update: I am now a Margot cover! Looks like I may have the opportunity to go on in the 3rd or 4th week we are here in Toronto!! Stay tuned if dates are announced. ☺
Also… more Elle dates here in Toronto:
Wed July 14 matinee at 2pm
Sun July 18 matinee at 2pm
Wed August 4 matinee at 2pm
Sun August 8 matinee at 2pm
Hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying the summer!
XOXOXOXO
Track counter:
Stenographer: approx. 60 times
Judge: 13 times
Mom: approx. 16 times
DA: 10 times
Kate/Chutney: approx. 9.5 times
Combo Track Kate and DA: 5 times
Combo Track Judge and Stenographer: 1 time
Enid: 7 times
Just Jump Rope: 2 times
ELLE: 4 times
Blonde is camped in Toronto for 5 weeks!! Longest sit down so far! Woohoo (atleast since I have been on tour). Week one is over and done. And what an amazing week it has been! Not only did I have the chance to go on for Elle on the Thursday matinee and Sunday evening show… I had some visitors!! My good friend, Quinn Vanantwerp, is Bob Gaudio in the Jersey Boys Toronto Cast. Soooo my dear friend, Heather White, scheduled a trip to see his show and just happened I was Elle the same week she came! What luck!! So… Heather and I got in on Monday, went out with Quinn that night, then Tuesday night she and I got to go see him kill it as Bob Gaudio. If you are in Toronto, and have not yet seen the show, THEY CLOSE IN AUGUST….. RUN TO SEE IT… don’t walk…RUN!! He’s so good and we couldn’t have been prouder. We cried the whole time. Haha. Wednesday night we had a mixer with the Rock of Ages cast, Jersey Boys cast, Miss Saigon cast, and us!! Great shows here in Toronto!! And it was so fun to see friends and meet new ones!! Then Thursday matinee was Elle show #1 of the week. I felt so lucky to have Quinn and Heather out there in the audience. It was kind of a whirlwind show since I hadn’t done Elle in 2 months and hadn’t done the show at all in 3 weeks. But… it went well and I had a blast. My grandparents (aka Vava and Vavoo aka “the Vavs”) came into town on Friday and we got dinner and catch up time on Saturday between shows. Then Sunday evening was Elle Show #2 where the Vavs came, most of the Jersey Boys cast (including Quinn a second time…what a nice friend), and some of the Miss Saigon cast. By far my favorite show so far. It was so thrilling to have so many people out in the audience, I finally felt comfortable in the role, and just had a blast with my cast members. I love these people! Such a blessing to have such a supportive family, friends, and colleagues. happy happy : )
Forrest Gump was right… life really is a box of chocolates. You never know watya gonna get or what to expect. Things here in blonde world has changed quite a bit over our 3 week break an first week here in Toronto. In some sad news… blonde tour is coming to an end. With that… we are losing some of our family members left and right. Our company manager and head of wardrobe left on Saturday for other gigs. So happy for them…but sad to lose them. And then we came back from layoff to hear that the beautiful, talented, and funny Kathleen Monteleone had decided to leave the show early. So happy for her and the exciting things that are happening in her life… but selfishly we all miss her like crazy. All 3 of our lost members brought lots of joy and laughter to tour and they will be missed. Love you guys!! But with losing members, we gain some more!! We welcomed our new company manager: Doug, assist wardrobe: Val, and our new stenographer (who was our vacation swing): Casey with open arms!! Welcome to the family!!
Another little show update: I am now a Margot cover! Looks like I may have the opportunity to go on in the 3rd or 4th week we are here in Toronto!! Stay tuned if dates are announced. ☺
Also… more Elle dates here in Toronto:
Wed July 14 matinee at 2pm
Sun July 18 matinee at 2pm
Wed August 4 matinee at 2pm
Sun August 8 matinee at 2pm
Hope everyone is staying cool and enjoying the summer!
XOXOXOXO
Track counter:
Stenographer: approx. 60 times
Judge: 13 times
Mom: approx. 16 times
DA: 10 times
Kate/Chutney: approx. 9.5 times
Combo Track Kate and DA: 5 times
Combo Track Judge and Stenographer: 1 time
Enid: 7 times
Just Jump Rope: 2 times
ELLE: 4 times
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Closing is Just Around the Riverbeeennnd...
It's Layoff Time here in Blonde land!!
We had a great 2 week run in Cinci!! Great shows, great food, great hotel, not so great weather (boots), and a fun themed Benefit Cabaret. Broadway Loves the 80s!! I was in absolute awe of my cast mates! Everyone was SO creative and FULL OUT. IT was such a fun night!! If you think we had Madonna look-a-likes, Paula Abdul's Opposites Attract (WITH THE CAT), and a guy impersonating Donna Summer...you'd be right. I sang "Holding Out For a Hero" and am sooo grateful for my "Greek Chorus" aka doo doo girls aka Becky Gulsvig (Elle), Candice Woods (Pilar), and Liberty Cogen (Kate/Chutney). They sang back up for me and were incredible. We had so much fun! Videos will be posted soon but for now... check out some pictures!
http://cincinnati.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/photogallery/broadway-loves-the-80s/1960014/content
For you New York/ New Jersey Friends: I am in the show on Saturday (both mat and evening) as the Stenographer. Talk to me about tickets before you buy them!! : )
And BIG NEWS: MORE ELLE DATES!!! I am so excited to tell all ya bloggers that I get to play Elle again! Thurs July 8th matinee and Sunday July 11th matinee in Toronto! If ya decide to make the trip (or are already there)... you should hit up the Toronto cast of Jersey Boys too. My friend Quinn VanAntwerp is playing Bob Gaudio... so two great shows... what else could be a better reason to go to Toronto? : )
So weird... the closing date is just around the riverbend. Only 8 more weeks of shows: 1 in Newark, 1 in Louisville, 5 in Toronto, and 1 in Vienna. We have a layoff this week and a 3 week layoff between Louisville and Toronto. Wow. Wowweee. wow. wow. wow. wow. What an amazing ride this has been. So much emotion and amazing memories... won't even go there yet. My emotional tour recap will come after closing. : )
Until the next city update...
Shine On!
XOXO
-Ashmo
Track counter:
Stenographer: approx. 54 times
Judge: 13 times
Mom: approx. 16 times
DA: 10 times
Kate/Chutney: approx. 9.5 times
Combo Track Kate and DA: 5 times
Combo Track Judge and Stenographer: 1 time
Enid: 5 times
Just Jump Rope: 2 times
ELLE: 2 times
We had a great 2 week run in Cinci!! Great shows, great food, great hotel, not so great weather (boots), and a fun themed Benefit Cabaret. Broadway Loves the 80s!! I was in absolute awe of my cast mates! Everyone was SO creative and FULL OUT. IT was such a fun night!! If you think we had Madonna look-a-likes, Paula Abdul's Opposites Attract (WITH THE CAT), and a guy impersonating Donna Summer...you'd be right. I sang "Holding Out For a Hero" and am sooo grateful for my "Greek Chorus" aka doo doo girls aka Becky Gulsvig (Elle), Candice Woods (Pilar), and Liberty Cogen (Kate/Chutney). They sang back up for me and were incredible. We had so much fun! Videos will be posted soon but for now... check out some pictures!
http://cincinnati.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/photogallery/broadway-loves-the-80s/1960014/content
For you New York/ New Jersey Friends: I am in the show on Saturday (both mat and evening) as the Stenographer. Talk to me about tickets before you buy them!! : )
And BIG NEWS: MORE ELLE DATES!!! I am so excited to tell all ya bloggers that I get to play Elle again! Thurs July 8th matinee and Sunday July 11th matinee in Toronto! If ya decide to make the trip (or are already there)... you should hit up the Toronto cast of Jersey Boys too. My friend Quinn VanAntwerp is playing Bob Gaudio... so two great shows... what else could be a better reason to go to Toronto? : )
So weird... the closing date is just around the riverbend. Only 8 more weeks of shows: 1 in Newark, 1 in Louisville, 5 in Toronto, and 1 in Vienna. We have a layoff this week and a 3 week layoff between Louisville and Toronto. Wow. Wowweee. wow. wow. wow. wow. What an amazing ride this has been. So much emotion and amazing memories... won't even go there yet. My emotional tour recap will come after closing. : )
Until the next city update...
Shine On!
XOXO
-Ashmo
Track counter:
Stenographer: approx. 54 times
Judge: 13 times
Mom: approx. 16 times
DA: 10 times
Kate/Chutney: approx. 9.5 times
Combo Track Kate and DA: 5 times
Combo Track Judge and Stenographer: 1 time
Enid: 5 times
Just Jump Rope: 2 times
ELLE: 2 times
Friday, May 7, 2010
An Elle of a Week!!
Are we really already in Indianapolis!?!?! Weird to think I was here 2 years ago with High School Musical… but it was snowing. Nice to see it with the sun out and to be able to go outside! Brady and I have been enjoying time with Megan Lewis and her pup Matilda. We are roommates for the next 3 weeks!! He finally got his last round of shots and is a walking pup. He cracks me up whenever we walk on grass. He pounces/runs with his mouth open and tongue sticking out. I had four people stop me during one walk saying “he looks like he is such a happy puppy!” He has a happy mommy too. : ) Life is so much fun with him! I love the little guy!
Last week was a dream come true! Elle was soooo much fun… and very surreal. One, it was weird looking in the mirror and seeing a blonde. Second...well it was weird that the day ACTUALLY came! I had been waiting for so long and it was finally here!! And then it was surreal looking into the eyes and doing scenes with the incredible actors who play their principle roles every night. I feel so fortunate to have been able to have the experience. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I learned in those two shows from just working with such talented people. And I could not have gotten through it if it wasn’t for the support of my cast mates, my dresser Claire, and my incredible family in the audience! I also got some really sweet messages, emails, FB comments, text messages, tweets, etc etc etc of encouragement. Thank you all for your support. I am truly grateful. Here’s some pics of me as a Blondie : )
Like I said I was going to do… I started the “Happiness Project” this month!! First month is all about having more energy: going to sleep earlier, exercise better, organize, tacking nagging tasks, and acting the way you want to feel. Because of the Elle craziness… I have to be honest… I did not really get to start until a couple days into the month. BUT I already have crossed off some of those “nagging tasks” this past week like doctor appointments, organizing my suitcase and trunk, flossing more, and unfortunately wearing my retainer more (oooo it hurts haha). But it is interesting how knocking off some of those “to dos” and “should dos” makes me feel a lot more accomplished…which makes me more happy! Yay happiness!! : )
Current Obsession: Sriracha Sauce… I put it on everything!!! Eggs, Veggies, You Name it!
Favorite new purchase: My bedazzled and clear jelly flats from Aldo! They are kind of amazing! I feel like Cinderella… except they aren’t glass slippers…they’re jelly. Brings me back to the 5th grade but new and improved 5th grade. : )
Current Book for the treadmill: Book #4 in the Sookie Stackhouse Series
Current Goal of the Week: Finish writing those thank you cards that I owe to a ton of people and get on those agent submissions!!!
Count down until layoff aka NYC: 16 days
Count down to end of tour: 100 days
Track counter:
Stenographer: approx. 52 times
Judge: 13 times
Mom: approx. 16 times
DA: 6 times
Kate/Chutney: approx. 8.5 times
Combo Track Kate and DA: 5 times
Combo Track Judge and Stenographer: 1 time
Enid: 5 times
Just Jump Rope: 2 times
ELLE: 2 times
Have a fabulous weekend!!
XOXOXO
-Ashley
Last week was a dream come true! Elle was soooo much fun… and very surreal. One, it was weird looking in the mirror and seeing a blonde. Second...well it was weird that the day ACTUALLY came! I had been waiting for so long and it was finally here!! And then it was surreal looking into the eyes and doing scenes with the incredible actors who play their principle roles every night. I feel so fortunate to have been able to have the experience. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I learned in those two shows from just working with such talented people. And I could not have gotten through it if it wasn’t for the support of my cast mates, my dresser Claire, and my incredible family in the audience! I also got some really sweet messages, emails, FB comments, text messages, tweets, etc etc etc of encouragement. Thank you all for your support. I am truly grateful. Here’s some pics of me as a Blondie : )
Like I said I was going to do… I started the “Happiness Project” this month!! First month is all about having more energy: going to sleep earlier, exercise better, organize, tacking nagging tasks, and acting the way you want to feel. Because of the Elle craziness… I have to be honest… I did not really get to start until a couple days into the month. BUT I already have crossed off some of those “nagging tasks” this past week like doctor appointments, organizing my suitcase and trunk, flossing more, and unfortunately wearing my retainer more (oooo it hurts haha). But it is interesting how knocking off some of those “to dos” and “should dos” makes me feel a lot more accomplished…which makes me more happy! Yay happiness!! : )
Current Obsession: Sriracha Sauce… I put it on everything!!! Eggs, Veggies, You Name it!
Favorite new purchase: My bedazzled and clear jelly flats from Aldo! They are kind of amazing! I feel like Cinderella… except they aren’t glass slippers…they’re jelly. Brings me back to the 5th grade but new and improved 5th grade. : )
Current Book for the treadmill: Book #4 in the Sookie Stackhouse Series
Current Goal of the Week: Finish writing those thank you cards that I owe to a ton of people and get on those agent submissions!!!
Count down until layoff aka NYC: 16 days
Count down to end of tour: 100 days
Track counter:
Stenographer: approx. 52 times
Judge: 13 times
Mom: approx. 16 times
DA: 6 times
Kate/Chutney: approx. 8.5 times
Combo Track Kate and DA: 5 times
Combo Track Judge and Stenographer: 1 time
Enid: 5 times
Just Jump Rope: 2 times
ELLE: 2 times
Have a fabulous weekend!!
XOXOXO
-Ashley
Sunday, April 25, 2010
: )
Hey ya’ll!! Happy Happy Sunday! Hope your weather (wherever you are) is better than it is here in Appleton. I almost flew away this morning from the wind and rain! And that was after my $4 umbrella from Forever 21 turned inside out and broke into a couple pieces. Awwww farewell my cute rose petal frilly umbrella… I used you once…and then you died. Rest in Peace.
Legally Blonde Land is a happy land. The fabulous Cortney Wolfson came back to play Mom this week while Sara Shepherd was on for Vivienne. Looking forward to having Megan Lewis back this week after a 3 week leave. We miss her very much!! But it was fun to have Cort out. She brought her sweet puppy, Tiffany, out and Brady fell in L.O.V.E. LOVE!! Every night he cries by the door until I let him out to play with her in the hall. His little tag wags and his tongue sticks out and they chase each other around. Every once in awhile he stops, sits, looks at me with a big goofy grin… it looks like he is saying “Oh mom… isn’t she wonderful!?!” I’m convinced he would have a little lisp if he were speaking English.
In personal life… things are really really going well. Brady is adjusting pretty well to tour life and I just love the little guy. We have so much fun! And having a little pup fall in asleep in your lap aint so bad either
I am starting the Happiness Project (by Gretchen Rubin) this month. Not because I am not happy, but life is a constant learning adventure! Why not add a little MORE happiness in the mix while I learn some stuff about myself and others? ☺ In a nut shell, the Happiness Project is where you have a set of goals for the month and then you add new goals each month. The first month is Vitality: Boost Energy, exercise more, eat healthier, sleep, organize are some of the key points to hit. I’ll keep ya posted on my tracking ☺
More LB news: Becky and her hubby Tyler (who does merch on tour with us) are on vacay to Korea!!! They are very missed already!! But with Elle away… the understudies get to be in the play. So the big day is a week away. Weird. It’s been a long time coming… people have asked me why it took so long for me to go on. There’s a lot behind the question. Had to learn all 7 tracks before tackling Elle, there were some costume issues that needed to be sorted out, and I had to wait for Becky’s vacay. BUT the day is FINALLY almost here. Looking forward to my mom, dad, and sister coming out!! I feel so blessed to have them making the long trip. And I am so grateful that the creative team and management have allowed me to have a full tech put in on Thursday! So I get to go through the costume changes and get a sense of Elle’s show with props and scenery. Thank you!! Thank you!! I am just so grateful for this opportunity. I have learned SOOO much and I look forward to the lessons learned while playing Elle.
Track counter:
Stenographer: approx. 49 times
Judge: 13 times
Mom: approx. 16 times
DA: 6 times
Kate/Chutney: approx. 8.5 times
Combo Track Kate and DA: 5 times
Combo Track Judge and Stenographer: 1 time
Enid: 5 times
Just Jump Rope: 2 times
Count Down to Elle debut: 1 week!!!
Count down until closing (weird): 112 days!
Current Obsession: My Clarisonic… it’s a skincare brush that you can get from Sephora (and a few other places)… I have been on so much lately and my skin loves to soak up stage make up. The Clarisonic has completely changed my skin and saved me from some damage. It’s quite the purchase…but well worth it!
Current Food Obsession: Jimmy Johns Unwich!! It’s a sandwich without the bread…. Basically lived off of them in Milwaukee and Appleton!
Current Book for the treadmill: Book #3 in the Sookie Stackhouse Series
Current Book for life: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Current Goal of the Week: Pray Pray Pray and Trust Trust Trust
So much love to you all!!!
Have a blessed week!
Over and out,
Ashley
Legally Blonde Land is a happy land. The fabulous Cortney Wolfson came back to play Mom this week while Sara Shepherd was on for Vivienne. Looking forward to having Megan Lewis back this week after a 3 week leave. We miss her very much!! But it was fun to have Cort out. She brought her sweet puppy, Tiffany, out and Brady fell in L.O.V.E. LOVE!! Every night he cries by the door until I let him out to play with her in the hall. His little tag wags and his tongue sticks out and they chase each other around. Every once in awhile he stops, sits, looks at me with a big goofy grin… it looks like he is saying “Oh mom… isn’t she wonderful!?!” I’m convinced he would have a little lisp if he were speaking English.
In personal life… things are really really going well. Brady is adjusting pretty well to tour life and I just love the little guy. We have so much fun! And having a little pup fall in asleep in your lap aint so bad either
I am starting the Happiness Project (by Gretchen Rubin) this month. Not because I am not happy, but life is a constant learning adventure! Why not add a little MORE happiness in the mix while I learn some stuff about myself and others? ☺ In a nut shell, the Happiness Project is where you have a set of goals for the month and then you add new goals each month. The first month is Vitality: Boost Energy, exercise more, eat healthier, sleep, organize are some of the key points to hit. I’ll keep ya posted on my tracking ☺
More LB news: Becky and her hubby Tyler (who does merch on tour with us) are on vacay to Korea!!! They are very missed already!! But with Elle away… the understudies get to be in the play. So the big day is a week away. Weird. It’s been a long time coming… people have asked me why it took so long for me to go on. There’s a lot behind the question. Had to learn all 7 tracks before tackling Elle, there were some costume issues that needed to be sorted out, and I had to wait for Becky’s vacay. BUT the day is FINALLY almost here. Looking forward to my mom, dad, and sister coming out!! I feel so blessed to have them making the long trip. And I am so grateful that the creative team and management have allowed me to have a full tech put in on Thursday! So I get to go through the costume changes and get a sense of Elle’s show with props and scenery. Thank you!! Thank you!! I am just so grateful for this opportunity. I have learned SOOO much and I look forward to the lessons learned while playing Elle.
Track counter:
Stenographer: approx. 49 times
Judge: 13 times
Mom: approx. 16 times
DA: 6 times
Kate/Chutney: approx. 8.5 times
Combo Track Kate and DA: 5 times
Combo Track Judge and Stenographer: 1 time
Enid: 5 times
Just Jump Rope: 2 times
Count Down to Elle debut: 1 week!!!
Count down until closing (weird): 112 days!
Current Obsession: My Clarisonic… it’s a skincare brush that you can get from Sephora (and a few other places)… I have been on so much lately and my skin loves to soak up stage make up. The Clarisonic has completely changed my skin and saved me from some damage. It’s quite the purchase…but well worth it!
Current Food Obsession: Jimmy Johns Unwich!! It’s a sandwich without the bread…. Basically lived off of them in Milwaukee and Appleton!
Current Book for the treadmill: Book #3 in the Sookie Stackhouse Series
Current Book for life: The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
Current Goal of the Week: Pray Pray Pray and Trust Trust Trust
So much love to you all!!!
Have a blessed week!
Over and out,
Ashley
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Home is Where Your Pup is...
Hello from Milwaukee!!
Back on track from my vacation! The past 2 weeks have reminded me that there is life outside of tour… something that is very important to know while on the road. I feel so blessed to have been able to visit with so many friends and family. I had been looking forward to San Diego since the moment I signed my contract. And now it has come and gone… crazy how time jus flies on by.
A Big thank you to all who came to see the show in SD. It was so great to see so many familiar faces. And the weather was stunning too (for the most part).
My vacation was so nice and relaxing. Stayed at home, went to my little sisters’ show choir competition, ate well, drank wine, had Coffee Bean almost every day, caught up with high school friends, saw movies, lived a normal life. Haha. Just hung out with the family before hitting the Eastern next leg of the tour. As of now, I won’t be back on the west coast until the tour is over. ☹ BUT lots to look forward to as we see the light at the end of the tunnel.
In other big news… I have a little partner in crime joining me on tour. I mentioned briefly that I was on the puppy prowl in the last blog. Little did I know, that very day I found him! Little Brady is a 11 week old Chihuahua and Cockapoo Mix. His foster mom called him and his siblings chickapoos haha. Basically he is the cutest mutt ever. ☺ His mom was rescued (Cuddly Canine Rescue) from a high kill shelter when she was pregnant. A foster family took her in and she had the babies. He is sweet as can be and so well behaved. He spent the first week in San Diego with me (his first hotel) and then came home with me. Today was his first official flying travel day. We are going to drive to most cities on the remaining tour, BUT he travels so well. Sound asleep or playing with his toys. I am so excited to be a mommy!!
Track counter:
Stenographer: approx. 46 times
Judge: 13 times
Mom: approx. 13 times
DA: 6 times
Kate/Chutney: approx. 8.5 times
Combo Track Kate and DA: 2 times
Combo Track Judge and Stenographer: 1 time
Enid: 4 times
Count down until Elle debut: 19 days!!
Current Obsession: Brady!!
Current Book: Got a Kindle for my birthday!! So I have 2 books that I am reading at the same time: Dead in Dallas (the second book in the Sookie Stackhouse Series) and How to Raise the Perfect Dog (of course)
Current Netflix: BIG LOVE Season 2 Disc 4
Current Goal of the Week: Try to help the pup be adjusted to its new crazy lifestyle
That's all for now...
Lots of love
-Ashley Mo
Back on track from my vacation! The past 2 weeks have reminded me that there is life outside of tour… something that is very important to know while on the road. I feel so blessed to have been able to visit with so many friends and family. I had been looking forward to San Diego since the moment I signed my contract. And now it has come and gone… crazy how time jus flies on by.
A Big thank you to all who came to see the show in SD. It was so great to see so many familiar faces. And the weather was stunning too (for the most part).
My vacation was so nice and relaxing. Stayed at home, went to my little sisters’ show choir competition, ate well, drank wine, had Coffee Bean almost every day, caught up with high school friends, saw movies, lived a normal life. Haha. Just hung out with the family before hitting the Eastern next leg of the tour. As of now, I won’t be back on the west coast until the tour is over. ☹ BUT lots to look forward to as we see the light at the end of the tunnel.
In other big news… I have a little partner in crime joining me on tour. I mentioned briefly that I was on the puppy prowl in the last blog. Little did I know, that very day I found him! Little Brady is a 11 week old Chihuahua and Cockapoo Mix. His foster mom called him and his siblings chickapoos haha. Basically he is the cutest mutt ever. ☺ His mom was rescued (Cuddly Canine Rescue) from a high kill shelter when she was pregnant. A foster family took her in and she had the babies. He is sweet as can be and so well behaved. He spent the first week in San Diego with me (his first hotel) and then came home with me. Today was his first official flying travel day. We are going to drive to most cities on the remaining tour, BUT he travels so well. Sound asleep or playing with his toys. I am so excited to be a mommy!!
Track counter:
Stenographer: approx. 46 times
Judge: 13 times
Mom: approx. 13 times
DA: 6 times
Kate/Chutney: approx. 8.5 times
Combo Track Kate and DA: 2 times
Combo Track Judge and Stenographer: 1 time
Enid: 4 times
Count down until Elle debut: 19 days!!
Current Obsession: Brady!!
Current Book: Got a Kindle for my birthday!! So I have 2 books that I am reading at the same time: Dead in Dallas (the second book in the Sookie Stackhouse Series) and How to Raise the Perfect Dog (of course)
Current Netflix: BIG LOVE Season 2 Disc 4
Current Goal of the Week: Try to help the pup be adjusted to its new crazy lifestyle
That's all for now...
Lots of love
-Ashley Mo
Blog I forgot to post...Oopsies
So I haven’t had very good access to internet in the past couple weeks… so I forgot to post this blog… I wrote it on Monday, March 29th.
There’s something about flying into your home turf. I noticed it when I made my move to New York March 13th of last year. Whenever I flew into Southern California, I felt a little more at ease—like I could breathe a little better. So I am happy to say that I am breathing a little better this week! Can’t believe San Diego week is here!! I am really looking forward to catching up with family, college friends, high school friends, even elementary school friends! It’s also my 23rd birthday on Friday!! Talk about perfect timing! I’m sure by the end of the week, I’ll have some fun stories to tell ☺
The past 2 weeks have been pretty busy. We are back to the one weekers (as in sit down in a city for only one week) for quite some time. And by quite some time I mean we have one weekers until we are in Cincinnati on May 10th.
San Jose was such a beautiful and busy week! The weather was absolutely PERFECT! SO nice ☺ I am so grateful to all of those who were able to come out and see the show! I have to send an apology to those people I wasn’t able to connect with or only see for a split second. But I cannot thank you enough for your support and for taking the time/money to come see the show. I feel truly blessed and humbled.
Besides being able to see so many AMAZING friends, some other highlights of the week included my family. My cousin Lauren went to school in San Jose so it was so nice to connect with her over coffee and movie dates. To top it off, my Aunt Karen (her mom flew up from LA to see the show and spend some girl time. She brought her bag of hair tricks and did our hair (see my new obsession section below) then we had a fabulous time going out to lunch and shopping. I also had a wonderful visit with my Vava, Vavoo, Aunt Suzy, Aunt Tracey, Great Grandma Ginny, and cousins: Kailee, Makena, and Bryley! I am so so grateful to you all.
Salt Lake was pretty mellow. Highlights of the week: doing Elle in understudy rehearsal, Rhiannon went on as Elle for her hometown, we celebrated 3 birthdays, and we had a very very fun Sunday night playing Celebrity. If you have never played Celebrity before… GET ON IT! I don’t think I have laughed that hard in such a long time.
I know I said it before, but I am constantly reminded of all you wonderful people in my life. You are all such blessings. Thank you for your support and encouragement. I am so grateful for my cast mates… you make this job such a wonderful adventure. And my friends and family… no words. So much gratitude and love is being sent from me to you. : )
Love you guys!!
-Ash
Current obsession: The Brazilian Blowout: a treatment my aunt did in my hair in San Jose and back in December. I literally just blow dry my hair and it is straight and I am ready for the day. For all you wavy hair people out there: check it out!
Current Book: The Puppy Whisperer… yep I am currently on the puppy prowl (I’ll get into it in a later blog update).
Quote of the week: “The past is history, the future is a mystery, but this moment is a gift which is why it’s called the PRESENT.”
Current Goal: Accept that gift aka Live in the present moment.
Song of the Week: “Vanilla Twilight” by Owl City.
There’s something about flying into your home turf. I noticed it when I made my move to New York March 13th of last year. Whenever I flew into Southern California, I felt a little more at ease—like I could breathe a little better. So I am happy to say that I am breathing a little better this week! Can’t believe San Diego week is here!! I am really looking forward to catching up with family, college friends, high school friends, even elementary school friends! It’s also my 23rd birthday on Friday!! Talk about perfect timing! I’m sure by the end of the week, I’ll have some fun stories to tell ☺
The past 2 weeks have been pretty busy. We are back to the one weekers (as in sit down in a city for only one week) for quite some time. And by quite some time I mean we have one weekers until we are in Cincinnati on May 10th.
San Jose was such a beautiful and busy week! The weather was absolutely PERFECT! SO nice ☺ I am so grateful to all of those who were able to come out and see the show! I have to send an apology to those people I wasn’t able to connect with or only see for a split second. But I cannot thank you enough for your support and for taking the time/money to come see the show. I feel truly blessed and humbled.
Besides being able to see so many AMAZING friends, some other highlights of the week included my family. My cousin Lauren went to school in San Jose so it was so nice to connect with her over coffee and movie dates. To top it off, my Aunt Karen (her mom flew up from LA to see the show and spend some girl time. She brought her bag of hair tricks and did our hair (see my new obsession section below) then we had a fabulous time going out to lunch and shopping. I also had a wonderful visit with my Vava, Vavoo, Aunt Suzy, Aunt Tracey, Great Grandma Ginny, and cousins: Kailee, Makena, and Bryley! I am so so grateful to you all.
Salt Lake was pretty mellow. Highlights of the week: doing Elle in understudy rehearsal, Rhiannon went on as Elle for her hometown, we celebrated 3 birthdays, and we had a very very fun Sunday night playing Celebrity. If you have never played Celebrity before… GET ON IT! I don’t think I have laughed that hard in such a long time.
I know I said it before, but I am constantly reminded of all you wonderful people in my life. You are all such blessings. Thank you for your support and encouragement. I am so grateful for my cast mates… you make this job such a wonderful adventure. And my friends and family… no words. So much gratitude and love is being sent from me to you. : )
Love you guys!!
-Ash
Current obsession: The Brazilian Blowout: a treatment my aunt did in my hair in San Jose and back in December. I literally just blow dry my hair and it is straight and I am ready for the day. For all you wavy hair people out there: check it out!
Current Book: The Puppy Whisperer… yep I am currently on the puppy prowl (I’ll get into it in a later blog update).
Quote of the week: “The past is history, the future is a mystery, but this moment is a gift which is why it’s called the PRESENT.”
Current Goal: Accept that gift aka Live in the present moment.
Song of the Week: “Vanilla Twilight” by Owl City.
Monday, March 15, 2010
There's No Place like California!
Back in Californ-i-YAY!!
Was really sad to leave Seattle… such a wonderful city. I absolutely loved it. Hope to go back someday soon. ☺ Never made it up the famous Space Needle… it was rainy on our day off so I never got the chance to see the view from the top. Boo. BUT I did run there on Saturday morning and saw it form the ground level. Besides that, I saw everything I wanted to see and did everything on my to do list. Yayyy!
Nothing too crazy happened this week… everything went along as scheduled. Finally got my camera up and running so here are some pictures from the shows (Enid and Judge/Cashier):
**For those of you who are wanting to come to the shows in San Jose here is my track line up that is scheduled:
-Thursday: Mom
-Both shows Saturday and both shows on Sunday: DA Joyce Riley
**For those of you who are coming to San Diego, I am scheduled to go on as the Judge /Cashier track all 8 shows!! So go ahead and buy tickets for any show! : )
I am so so so excited to see so many people in the next couple weeks. Please email/call/text/facebook/comment/etc to let me know when you are coming so I can meet up before or after!!
Stenographer: approx. 44 times
Judge: 5 times
Mom: approx. 12 times
DA: 2 times
Kate/Chutney: approx. 8.5 times
Combo Track Kate and DA: 2 times
Combo Track Judge and Stenographer: 1 time
Enid: 4 times
Count down until San Diego (where I get to see lots of friends and fam): 14 days!!
Count down until Elle debut: 48 days!! (May 2nd in Omaha, NE)
Love to all!
Shine on!
-Ash
Was really sad to leave Seattle… such a wonderful city. I absolutely loved it. Hope to go back someday soon. ☺ Never made it up the famous Space Needle… it was rainy on our day off so I never got the chance to see the view from the top. Boo. BUT I did run there on Saturday morning and saw it form the ground level. Besides that, I saw everything I wanted to see and did everything on my to do list. Yayyy!
Nothing too crazy happened this week… everything went along as scheduled. Finally got my camera up and running so here are some pictures from the shows (Enid and Judge/Cashier):
**For those of you who are wanting to come to the shows in San Jose here is my track line up that is scheduled:
-Thursday: Mom
-Both shows Saturday and both shows on Sunday: DA Joyce Riley
**For those of you who are coming to San Diego, I am scheduled to go on as the Judge /Cashier track all 8 shows!! So go ahead and buy tickets for any show! : )
I am so so so excited to see so many people in the next couple weeks. Please email/call/text/facebook/comment/etc to let me know when you are coming so I can meet up before or after!!
Stenographer: approx. 44 times
Judge: 5 times
Mom: approx. 12 times
DA: 2 times
Kate/Chutney: approx. 8.5 times
Combo Track Kate and DA: 2 times
Combo Track Judge and Stenographer: 1 time
Enid: 4 times
Count down until San Diego (where I get to see lots of friends and fam): 14 days!!
Count down until Elle debut: 48 days!! (May 2nd in Omaha, NE)
Love to all!
Shine on!
-Ash
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