Back in the Saddle Again

So, our time in New Port Richey was bound to come to an end. But not without a show, of course. This time, at the River Ridge Center for the Performing Arts, attached to a high school.

I wish my high school had a theater like this.

A full-sized, new stage, with actual fly space, four electrics, an automated traveller and enough smart lights to run four rock concert. And a paid crew. Of high school students. Who were, honestly, one of the best and most enthusiastic crews we've had. Super energetic, really professional and a well-oiled machine. And, get this: the school isn't a performing arts high school. I'd love to see one of their shows.

And then we had our show. And it felt SO GOOD to do it again. As nice as it was to have some time off, I miss the show when we're off. I think I've probably driven the cast mad with the random show bits that come out of my mouth during our off hours, but I really do love doing it. Anyway, we slipped and slid around the stage (there was a puddle that appeared during the opening number; not sure where it came from) and discovered we were rusty in a few spots, but it was a good show. And the kids went crazy. They started cheering after our curtain speech and didn't stop until the end. Ruby actually had to give a few "simmer down now" hand signals during the Froggie scene to keep them from screaming too loud. And, the screams during Tarantula were so intense and perfectly timed that everybody except Leigh lost it during the song. So, that was fun. And a good reminder about why we do this.

Now we're in Deland, at a Comfort Inn, watching something on TV that looks very old, after having downed a pizza (but no beer). We have two days left in Florida, and I already know I'm going to miss it.

Kid quote of the day: At the very beginning of the Treasure song, Grandma hints that there are two treasures in the room that will make Ruby's show perfect. At the first mention of the treasures, a little girl shouted: "You two!!" Kids these days, they sure are smart.

Call tomorrow: 7:15am, parking lot at the Comfort Inn, Deland, FL. We're performing at a church.