New York City.
It's 4:00am, and I'm wide awake. There's a bug going around the cast, and I've got it big time! I went to bed early, thanks to Nyquil, but my cough woke me up, and the cats made sure it 'took'. It was so cute, though-- Felix crawled up and perched on my chest, purring like a maniac, as if to say, "You got up just for ME?!"

Yesterday's show was out on Long Island, at a little Catholic school called Saint Dominic's. Several jokes were made about thresholds and lighting strikes, but all escaped unscathed. Patrick said the place smelled like the Catholic school he grew up in. We decided that all Catholic schools must smell -- the smell of communion wafers and guilt.

The principal (I imagine she was a nun) led the children in a prayer before the show; they prayed for (among other things) the "couple of actors in the cast who are sick". It was so cute-- Laura and I were verclempt! I'm not sure it helped much, as I had a horrible show, with a very squeaky, unpredictable voice... but it was very sweet, nevertheless. The moms were also awesome-- they brought coffee and donuts for us, and after the show they gave us money for lunch! Quickest way to an actor's heart is to give them free food, so we were all "This is our favorite school!" Never mind that there weren't dressing rooms (again), and the stage was too small for our set... NOPE... so long as there's partially hydrogenated soybean oil and corn syrup in our bellies, we're a happy bunch of troupers. We took photos with the kids after the show; I'll get a copy for the blog, soon.

Other than that, nothing much to report. Today we head up to another Westchester school, at o-god-thirty in the morning, and then we drive to PA for the night. Just one night away... maybe by the time I get back, I won't sound like Bea Arthur. Not that there's anything wrong with that. I'm sure she's a very nice man -- I mean, lady.

I'm off to try to get more sleep...

New York City.

We are back in the city, sleeping in our own cozy beds, for the moment. About 10 days, or so, we’re back doing ‘local’ shows.

Today, our show was in Terrytown, NY – about 1/2 hour north of the city. Charming town, the theatre we were in was (I think) 120 years old, or so. Absolutely wonderful; I saw both Paul and Greg taking pictures, so hopefully we’ll have some up on the blog for all to see, very soon.

Before the show, we added another word to Briana’s vocabulary: Taint. I’m sure we all know what it ‘taint… I was assured it was in the dictionary, but alas, on dictionary.com there was only the conventional usage present. However, I did google it, and found definitions on URBANdictionary.com. Fabulous, the internet.

After the show, for the most part we dispersed. Briana’s audition for Julliard was this afternoon; Patrick drove in from Jersey, and took off after load-out. The remaining crew found a fabulous little market to pick up some lunch, before heading back to the city.

On a personal note…

Today was Bob Bank’s funeral, in Prague. A week ago, we found out that he’d unexpectedly passed away. Hana, his wife, sent us the funeral notice via email; I didn’t know it, but Bob’s middle name was Warren – just like my darling husband. He was 56 years old.

No one in the cast knew Bob, besides me; all of us are new to each other (except for Paul and Laura), so perhaps this mention of him on our tour-blog is odd, or out of place. Except that, well… today was a really good day… a beautiful day. And all too often, I take good days like this one for granted. I waste them, toss them aside, as I think ahead, to what I ‘should’ be doing, or what maybe I’d rather be doing.

Yet, today… my ‘work’ for the day was comprised of entertaining several hundred children. We reveled in their screams of laughter and delight, as their tiny brains set to work on our story, helping us to tell it. Now, I am home with my husband, and my kittens twitch in their slumber, nearby. And today, as every day, my friends (old and new) share with me their thoughts, their humor, their passions for strong coffee, conversation, and a well-earned beer at the end of the day. They help me to appreciate the beauty of an old theatre, explore an exotic little shop, and point out a stream cutting across a snowy forest.

If I have learned anything this week, it is that …I don’t really know a thing. I don’t know if there’s a such thing as a soul; I don’t know if there’s a supreme being, or human collective consciousness… but what I do know that life is short. Bitter, at times; really, really tough, too. But… in the right light, life is exceptionally beautiful. I am eager to see more of it, to laugh more often and more heartily; and to think less, feel more. But for now, I'll be content just to escape into sleep, and dreaming.

Portland, ME
An exhausting last 36 hours.

My mother won't sleep well knowing this, but we set out yesterday from Waterville ME (heading to Claremont, NH) in the throes of a blizzard. Roads were very bad; I was behind the wheel, and although I was proceeding with great caution, and not going over 35 mph, I lost control of the van just as we got on the highway, and we slid to a stop about a foot from the guard rail. Luckily, no one was behind me, and we managed to get straightened up and back on the road before any traffic appeared in the rearview mirror. I drove for another 20 minutes or so, until I could no longer deny that I was scared to death (images of the van flipping over a guard rail into a ditch, or going end over end with my friends' limbs going every which way, etc), and asked for a volunteer to take over. Patrick obliged, and we crawled along at 35 mph for probably another hour. Finally, somewhere in NH, the snow turned to rain, and we were back to being able to kind of go the speed limit. So... very stressful day, yesterday.

Oh, AND, we get to our motel in Claremont, and it's SKETCH-VILLE. The "Best Budget Inn" ... avoid, if possible, if ever in NH.

This morning we had an early show, (great audience; the kids really loved the show), a kick-ass lunch in an old box-car diner, and then we got back on the road. All of us were pretty much zombies, until after lunch. The stage was slightly raked, and ALL of our scenery is built on castors, so shit was rolling all over the place! It was like ... "ship's going down, captain!" as the dinner table rolls by, by itself. We ended up putting wood blocks down in front of the wheels, just to keep the damn set from rolling off the front of the stage. Very entertaining. Made for some sloppy set changes; not that the kids notice, of course. Basically, someone just wiggles their butt on the other side of the stage, and they're happy.

The drive to Portland was fun. NH is beautiful, and we drove right past New London, where I spent two insane summers. It kind of gave me a little sad, nostalgic twinge... but also made me happy to think that if I ever get hired there again, they're going to have to pay me EQUITY wages. Ha ha!

I drove today, since yesterday's shift lasted all of 26 minutes. We listened to music and talked about 'relationships' ...and the Simpson's. Because, really, how can you have a conversation about ANYTHING without referencing a Simpson's episode?

And here we are, in Portland. Hoping to find a place to get a good meal and a beer, and just hang out a bit.

More tomorrow.
OH-- and Tapey had a growth spirt. We'll have to put photos of him up, soon.

Waterville, ME (day 2)
Today was our first of three shows in Waterville; the opera house is really old and beautiful, which is so freaking cool. The backstage and dressing rooms are really small, obviously original to the building.

I actually think being in an old facility (while sometimes troublesome) is better than being in a new, fancy theatre. There's so much soul, there, so much history, and you feel like a small part of that history once you've performed there. It's like walking into a cathedral: you don't have to believe in god to appreciate how powerful an old, beautiful building can be.

Greg took some beautiful pictures today...

Patrick and I in the wings waiting to go on.


Tim looking out onstage.


Paul getting ready.

Me, applying makeup.


Briana stretching before the show.

Greg goofing off backstage.

The Waterville Opera House
Waterville, Maine

Waterville, ME

So, first of all… we have had a birth in the family! Please help us welcome into the world Tapey. Our little ball of spike tape was born two days ago, and we anticipate watching him grow and develop over the next few months. Pictures are forthcoming.

Today was our first day off of the tour, so naturally we all got drunk last night (except for Briana).

We were in Foxboro MA yesterday, did two shows, and after a kick-ass lunch, we drove to Maine. (Laura says it was four hours; I think it was closer to five; felt like fifteen.) Passenger van conversation consisted of fart jokes and a discussion of Metaphysics. Briana learned another word for her college-bound vocabulary: Hot Carl. So far, we've added "cunnilingus", "frottage", and we taught her how to "toss a salad" and "play a rusty trombone". To be honest, I don't even know what half of this stuff is.

On route, we stopped to fill up with gas, and happened upon a creature at the pump next to ours; it was either Sasquatch, or the furriest mullet on the eastern seaboard. Tim managed to get close enough without disturbing it, and we managed to get a picture of the two of them. It’s a little blurry, so you make the call. Sasquatch, or Mullet?

So, after a long haul… we’re here in Waterville, ME! Not a whole hell of a lot to here, but we’re able to entertain ourselves just fine. We went for seafood last night at this place called the Weathervane, across from the motel. Drinks were watered down, but the food was fantastic. Patrick regaled us all with seafood trivia, including how soft-shelled crabs are prepared. Apparently, the soft-shelled crab is really just a blue crab that’s molting, so it’s shell isn’t hard, yet. And they way they prepare them is pretty brutal; they take a pair of scissors and cut off the crab’s FACE, then they tear off the top shell and then drop it into boiling water. So, children… if there’s anything you feel you need to complain about… just remember, it could be worse. Someone could happen by and cut off your face with scissors.

After dinner last night we got plastered / hammered / what-have-you in the Duece-One-Eight (T&P’s hotel room). All except Briana, of course, who’s being a very responsible 18-year-old. We couldn’t find karaoke, so we settled for Miller Lite in cans, music, and a few rounds of Asshole. I personally imbibed a record amount of beer (almost 2 bottles) in a record amount of time (2 hours). And about ¾ of the way through the evening, we got our FIRST NOISE COMPLAINT of the tour, yo! The management here at the Econolodge called and said our neighbors had complained. Can’t imagine what they were on about. We switched to Greg’s room, and then I petered out at about 1:30. Everyone else kept drinking and laughing. This is a really funny group of people; I don’t think I’ve laughed so much or so often since my Noah/Marc summer of 96.

Today was our day off. Not a damn thing we had to do, nowhere to be – glorious! Paul and Laura slept in, Greg switched rooms so we didn't know where he was; Tim, Briana, Patrick and I got up around 10 and went into 'downtown' Waterville. We saw the Waterville Opera House (which is actually really beautiful), and walked the main drag for shops. We found a thrift shop (not a thing), a flea market (Hughey Lewis poster shall remain in my heart forever), the world's most hideous sculpture, and a head shop where the owner/local dead-head/resident nut-job kept saying, "that'll be one dollar, plus five cents for Uncle Sam". Perma-stoned.

So, it's been an eventful few days.

Lincolndale, NY.

It's already begun! I have no idea where we were, today! And I DROVE us there.
Okay, just checked the itinerary: Lincolndale, NY (about an hour north of NYC), at the Primrose Elementary School. (Sounds snooty, doesn't it? They weren't, very nice, normal group of students and teachers. Although the kids kept yelling "NO!" when the Mayor asks "Is everybody happy?" What's up with that? What have kindergardners have to be UNhappy about? Property taxes? I don't think so.)

We started the day by meeting at the garage (at 125th Street) where the vans live at night... call time: 6:00am. Which meant I was in my car at 5:15; which meant I woke up at ...4:45? Yes, I think that was about right. OUCH.

So at 6:00am we started our day. It's interesting to see what everyone is like at that hour. Greg was passed out in the back of the van; Tim and Paul stayed awake and talked to me while I drove one van, and Laura drove the other.

It was beautiful and snowy up in Lincolndale; and oh, yes, and let's not forget... icy! After load-in, Patrick took the passenger van to the parking lot, pulled into a spot, went to back up and straighten himself out... and oops! ...wheels spinning, van not moving! So before we could go to lunch, we had to dig our van out of the ice. Paul sustained our first cast injury from falling on the ice, while he was trying to break up the stuff under the wheels. (Nothing major; just cut his finger. BUT, blood has been SPILT!) Everyone took turns taking out agressions on the ice, with a tire iron. Brianna, Greg, Tim and I ended up pushing the van out of the ice, with P-trick at the wheel.

The shows were brilliant; the kids were very responsive. They laughed and applauded a lot, which is always cool. They especially loved it when "George" (Paul) shook his butt; and they went CRAZY for the chase scenes (it's like kiddie crack).

On the drive home, Laura (driving the cargo van) failed to see that the highway speed dropped to 45 MPH in a construction zone; when I stopped keeping up with her, she was doing 80. I let her go ahead when I realized that I don't think Theatreworks would pay for it if I were to get a speeding ticket. Luckily, no fuzz... and we made good time getting home.

Just one more day this week doing local shows-- after Thursday's show, we drive north and stay up there (ME, MA, NH) for a whole week. Mmm... I should think about packing, maybe.

More insanity tomorrow!

New York City.
Since today is our day off, nothing to report! I'm nursing a cold, doing laundry, and watching all three HARRY POTTER movies. Tomorrow is our first official day on tour.

For those of you who happen upon this blog (as opposed to friends being sent here), here's the cast of characters:

Laura Rin
(our stage manager, who has several tours of CG under her belt)
Gregory Guy Gordon
Briana Sakamoto
Paul Martin Kovic (second tour as "George"!)
Tim Rush
Patrick Sheperd
and myself, Cara Burdick (and your tour guide)

The seven of us will be spending the next six months traveling the country in a van, performing CURIOUS GEORGE for children and families. This blog will be a record of where we've been, what trouble we've gotten into, and keep you all up to date on where we're going. So that, in case we're headed to a town near you, you have enough warning to evacuate...

More tomorrow...

New York City.
Our last day of rehearsal, and starting Jan. 17, we are officially "on tour".

Our final dress rehearsal today was 'invited'; so several friends and significant were in attendance, which was cool. Tim and Pat have astonishly goodlooking girlfriends; Greg's boyfriend also very cute. The show went well, although there were mumblings of 'nerves' from amongst the cast. (Briana always breaks everyone up when she throws that owl across the stage... why IS that so funny?)

During set up, Laura & Paul played their "mix tape", a compelation CD inspired by the lyrics of the song "Mix Tape" from AVENUE Q. And, oh my... what a GOD AWFUL MIX TAPE! What the hell is WRONG with that Princeton character, anyways? I mean, Beatles tunes aside... "A Whole New World"? "My Heart Will Go On"?? The theme from FRIENDS, for the love of all that's HOLY?!!

So, a moratorium on how often the Mix Tape can be played: once a month, at most. Really. Wouldn't be suprised if the tape were someday found to cause sterility; must use with caution.

We loaded up the van after saying thanks/goodbye to herr director Jeremy; and parted ways for the day. Call on Tuesday is for 6:00 AM up in Harlem. OUCH. For those of us in Brooklyn/Queens/Jersey... OWWWWCH FUCKING OUCH. Gonna hurt. BUT, sooner or later we'll all get used to the early starts, and be able to fall asleep at 8:30 PM, standing up, or while taking a shower. Can't wait.

I've put all of our current cities on my calendar, so if you're a fan of this blog, you can follow us as we zig-zag the Home of the Brave by clicking on the "tour schedule" link, on your right. :)

That's it for today.