*** NEWS ***
Juliana will be going on as Millie on 12/30, 1/3 and 1/4

October 28th, 2003

GOLDEN DAY in Nashville, TN

Hurrah! Working out, stretching and pretending I'm Ariel in the Double Tree's heated indoor swimming pool is leaps and bounds better than lugging luggage at the airport, flying to yet another destination on the Thoroughly Modern Millie 1st Nat. tour. This golden day was v. much needed by me, and I intend to spend its entirety (with the exception of sushi dinner with Andy) alone. I need Jule's time~ so many things in my life are requiring attention.

This week in Nashville has been good. It was a short week for me, as I only did Millie Thurs-Sunday (sick), and I had some readers at performances. I liked my dresser and esp. my wig ladies; I'll miss them.

I ADORE MY NEW JOURNAL! I bought it in the Vanderbilt University bookstore, and it's perfect. On the front cover, it reads

"Please excuse me while I pause and reflect."
- The Marvelous Land of Oz

and there's a picture of Dorothy with Toto and the scarecrow. On the inside front cover, its the Emerald city, pictures of munchkins and more quotes appear periodically throughout its pages, the inside back cover is, again, the Emerald City and the back...the back is my favorite (reminds me of MY Toto in South Bay)...a picture of Toto reading,

"Toto did not really care whether he was in Kansas or the Land of Oz so long as Dorothy was with him."
-The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Already, this journal is precious to me, and it's only my 1st entry!

Cristin's amazing book-gift, "Working on the Inside- the spiritual life through the eyes of actors" has been occupying ALL of my backstage free time at Millie. It's raising some important issues I have placed on hold in my life- or been ignoring completely- both in my spirituality and my craft. It is also inspiring and strengthening faith in my current path and career, to hear, actors like Kristin Chenoweth discuss some of the insecurities they face and how their relationship with God helps them deal with those. Especially helpful to me are the parallels the book draws between acting and spirituality, and the little "tricks of the trade" the actors share, when talking of accomplishing a goal or overcoming an onstage hurdle.

One actor in the book suggests "Sherlock Holmsing" a script- breaking it down piece by piece to form an intuitive knowledge about one's role. I've been known to either over analyze or overlook completely this tactic, but I'm desperate for a more polished craft (like I have with my singing- thanks to the fabulous Bruce Kolb), so Ive decided to have a go at it.

Next, the book also emphasized the importance of being "in the moment" (what Kristin says is KEY to keeping 8 shows a week fresh and interesting...I AGREE!)- both on stage and off! I am one to v. easily be distracted in every day life, and often xs I can be emailing, talking on IM (to several people), talking on the phone, watching tv and thinking about my to do list all at the same time! I used to pride myself on that, but maybe that's not a good thing. Is multi tasking harmful to my work as an actress?

Im beginning to think I need to change my every day life habits to be able to grow further in my on stage work.

Kristin struck me when she said, "be doing what you're doing when you're doing it." I NEED THAT! I'm not sure how to shut my mind off to all but my "in the moment" activity, but I can begin with limiting my FOCUS to only one activity at a time- no more TV AND emailing or IMing AND phone. I'm going to work hard on my focus, because I believe Kristin is right about there being a strong connection between life focus and on stage focus.

One actor said he finds himself losing focus when he hasn't built enough of a relationship with things around him, i.e. other characters, places, activities... he says the stronger those relationships are and the more you know about them, the more likely you will live in them because you KNOW how your character feels about them.

I'm going to work on continuing to strengthen Millie's relationships. MY Millie.

But 1st... a final suggestion which struck me- from Kristin. The way she avoids losing focus and remains "in the moment" is by not getting ahead of herself. Don't think about the next scene, the end of a song or a joke, because if you get there too fast, the audience will too, and when you lose focus of your current moment, so will the audience, and then they might miss an imp. message you have to share. This I KNOW to be true, because I've recently learned, via experience with Millie. The nights I've worried about something ahead of time, its bomb. When I trust it will be there and stay present, it lands beautifully!

I'm going to shower.

***

I've showered and just bought a peppermint ice cream cone for $2.08 and now I'm sitting at one of my favorite spots...my favorite in Nashville...at the riverfront, on a grassy hill overlooking the stadium. The air is crisp, the sky is clear, the river is peaceful, and the sunlight is at that dim but inviting- just before dusk- time.

I'll be doing some Millie work here, making some phone calls and enjoying my last few hours in TN. I hope to return someday. Its been fun, esp. Memphis.

Have a wonderful day yourselves, wherever you readers may be!

OCTOBER 28, 2003

Nashville, TN airport
approx. 7am

Andy and I were out until about 11pm last night, neither of us went to bed until about 1:30 because we had to pack and we are definitely zombie like this morning. 5:30am check outs just shouldn't be allowed.

The remainder of yesterday was a blast. Andy and I had a dinner feast at Ichiban and then walked around the town a little. We began circling around up to where Broadway begins getting shakin' with music clubs, stopping to see the Ryman Auditorium (where the Grand Ole Opry originally began) which was quite busy with a rock concert) We walked through an old fort replica and watched an huge riverboat returning from a dinner cruise, then headed to the Parthenon!

WOW! It was massive and v. impressive. Apparently, it was built for the world's fair but that never came and it has just sat all these years. The iron door was my fav. part- with 6 big head (bottom up) 2 lions, 2 girls and 2 goats. It was so big I maybe was a 1/3 of its height!

Nashville was a lot of fun, and Ill miss it. Just yesterday I really began to settle into it. I could have stayed another week. I really enjoy Tennessee. Maybe Ill return one day. My only regret is not doing Dollywood. *laugh*

Off to Des Moines, where I'm looking forward to doing some pumpkin carving!

******

tonight's show was wonderful, considering we all had v. little sleep (I got 4 hours) last night. The Des Moines audiences are really supportive- they laughed at EVERY joke (loved Gloria, and she loved them! *wink*) and really had a ball! YAY!

2 highlights:

(a) our new cast member (replacing Mr. Broadway Tony! ahaha), Erik Hayden, has joined us. He's cute and seems nice and hopefully hell add a nice dynamic to our group and show. His 1st performance will be next Tuesday in Cleveland.

(b) OUR SHOW JACKETS ARRIVED!!!! Hurrah! My v. first show jacket in the traditional Top Gun style! I've waited my whole life for one of these... finally! I adore it, and it's actually really cute (Diane and Heather both tried it on immediately ahaaha). On the front left side it reads,

"Juliana
1st national tour"



And on the back it has the official Millie logo. PERFECT!

Off to bed!

November 3rd, 2003

I'm on a bus, airport bound once again. I'm thrilled to report that leaving Des Moines marks the end of our one week stops and the beginning of 2 week+ stays which = less flying... hurrah!

"Oh, darling. if you leave me
Ill never make it alone
Believe me when I beg you
don't ever leave me alone"

Abbey Road is the greatest album of all time.

So much has happened since I last wrote! And Halloween has come and go! 2 days must be documented.

1. October 30. Bradley invited me to go with her and Darcie and Troy and Mia to Cummings Pumpkin Patch. I was v. excited for the opportunity to spend time with Darcie again, as it had been a v. long time. We got lost driving there, and I didn't mind a bit because it afforded me the chance to look at many many cornfields- which Id never seen before and think are beautiful!

When we finally arrived, we were disappointed to see that the pumpkins were pre picked and sitting in front of the store! *laugh* We chose from those and continued into the store where we were given apple cider and we bought and quickly devoured homemade apple crisps a la mode (cinnamon ice cream!).

We also fed Koi in a Koi pond, were given our pumpkins for free (because of MILLIE! ahaha) and bought homemade apple butter- divine!

It was a fun and special time.

2. Halloween night! I had a wonderful u/s rehearsal earlier that day. It was the best I've EVER felt about my work as Millie, and John and Darren were v. pleased! I have been working v. hard and making some changes in my life and the way I think about my career, and it paid off. Also, Id regained a huge joy for theatre which had been stifled a bit. Rehearsal was a success and a blast, and I feel like I've finally tapped into everything I needed to for the role! I am soooo looking forward to the day I have my chance to go on. I feel v. ready!

That night was a blast! Heather and Paul threw a party for us, complete with bobbing for apple, special punch and tons of food and candy! We had to dress up, of course, and some v. creative costumes appeared (heather and Paul were good ideas and bad ideas... Bradley was Mia, etc.). I had a ball carving pumpkins with Diane and Andy, and we all stayed up way too late! *laugh*

It made me think about how Christmastime will be. I'm looking forward to spending more holidays with these people, although I'm sad to miss out on family stuff in California. However, I can't ask for a better cast... so festive and loving and fun!

Off to Cleveland! :)


November 6th, 2003

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BRADLEY!!!!
(and welcome, Erik Hayden, to our cast)

Bradley and I just had the most wonderful talk... and I love being friends with the newly turned 21 yr old! (it's 1:44am on her b, day.. so its V V NEW! ahaha)

Darcie and Troy threw her a party tonight (part one of her b day celebrations...as were going to clubs and bars tomorrow) in their room, and we had a countdown to midnight, to her 21st b. day! SO MUCH FUN! I got the chance to talk to some people I don't spend a lot of time with outside the theatre, which was fun. I helped Darcie make nachos in the kitchen, and she gave me some great ideas for my gift basket for Bradley's gift. (a "now that you're 21..." gift*grin*) Also, Darcie and I had some wonderful bonding time.

I so admire her in EVERY way! She has a heart of gold, and God definitely sent me to this cast so I could be friends with her. She's such a strong woman and such a star! She's soooo talented, yet so humble. What a great role model to have.. and an honor to be u/s her!

I'm sad to be the only remaining member of the 20 club! But I'm thrilled for Bradley! How exciting! I love her! I love Darcie! I'm so thankful for the blessings in my life!

Goodnight!


November 13th, 2003

Today was great fun! Despite the super strong and loudly thrashing winds, I slept v. well last night and it served me well today. And what a demanding and wonderful day it was!

I forgot to check the u/s rehearsal schedule upon leaving the theatre last night, and I thought rehearsal was at 1pm. However, I knew Erik had rehearsal earlier, and I wanted to arrive as early as possible (discipline- so I'd concentrate on Millie work and not the emails piling up rapidly which I must return!). I arrived at a quarter to 11am, way too early, and sat in the freezing cold (its lightly snowing!) and did scripts work for a while before deciding to keep warm at Starbucks instead (ps, gingerbread soy lattes with whipped cream are currently my fav. drink).

I worked on my script- running the show from start to finish in my mind, with the aid of my ipod for certain musical numbers. I tried to incorporate all of my notes from last run through so Id show my progress today. Rehearsal, as John called to inform me, began at 2, and I headed over about quarter to 1 and began vocalizing. The run thru went extremely well, and when I finished Eric said, "every time you do it just gets better and better, and that's wonderful" which made me beam!

He had some notes for me (melody line a bit lost in opening part of Jimmy and R too soon on "roveR" and "flatteR"), and one in particular was extremely insightful and fun- something I wasn't previously aware of.

There's a definite musical contrast between Millie in NY and Millie with ensemble in NY- musically speaking. When Millie is alone on stage, she sings a v. Dixieland melody and tempo. When the ensemble is joins in and as the song progresses, it shifts to extremely jazzy. How neat to show the contrast of Millie and her new life in Salina to her new life in the city, and its written so brilliantly! I'm looking forward to making that adjustment. *grin*

John has yet to give me my notes, but he seemed pleased, and Darren didn't have too many. Janelle told me I sound amazing (and today I was icky!), and she says I'm really getting "fierce." It means a lot coming from her, because I so respect her as an actress. And I LOVE when she's my Muzzy... she always sets me up so beautifully for Gimme Gimme!

Speaking of..I have to say Gimme... is what I'm most proud of from rehearsal today. It was the best I've done it, and my emotions were v. accessible to me. I'm trying to pinpoint for myself what made the difference, so I'll remember for next time.

1. clear choices in beg.
2. clear focal points
3. spontaneous
4. rise from poof grounded
5. did only what came to me
6. kept energy up and out- not down.
7. tried to be only ME!

God is so good!!!!

After rehearsal, I met up with Ellen and her friends Booty and Christy, as well as a group of about 15 people, for a Q and A session at Starbucks (another gingerbread latte~ yum!). While waiting for everyone to arrive, I received a call from Trent Carlini, my Elvis friend from Vegas, who spoke to me in Italian and sang, "Are you lonesome tonight?" over the phone! *laugh*

The Q and A was a blast! I loved answering questions and sharing my experiences with aspiring actors! They were all so eager and enthusiastic and asked v. intelligent questions! I mostly enjoyed sharing my faith as it relates to my career with them. I learned the two are even more related than I thoughts, and it was great for me to be provoked with certain questions!

After the show, Diane, Hollis, Mark and I went to my 2nd Q and A of the day~ with certain audience members, many of whom were children. The questions asked were slightly less intelligent (this bunch def. weren't actors themselves like the group earlier- but v. nice people!), and it was fun seeing the young kids light up while listening to us. Hollis and others had great things to say, and I learned from listening to them too! I'm going to do as many Q and A as possible! What good is talent, joy and blessings if not shared?!

I was asked how many shows I've done. I roughly guesstimated 13 or so.

1. Annie
2.Showboat
3. Wiz. of Oz (3xs)
4. Secret Garden
5. Joseph
6.Birdie (2wice)
7. Little Women
9. Singin' in the Rain
10. Good News!
11. Nine
12. PYW
13. Millie

Not counting school shows, only 9! WOW!

I'm off to bed! Goodnight to all!


November 15th, 2003

Today was quite busy and exciting and eventful...and LONG!

I woke at about 9:45am (the earliest I've "rised and shined" in a long time!), and I quickly prepared a suitcase full of things to send home to California. I'm trying to lighten my load and have recently decided life's too short to wear anything one doesn't feel fabulous in- so I'm redoing my wardrobe. Andy and I met up around 11 and went to the post office- I was so glad for his help!

After successfully sending a few boxes, we walked down towards the water and paid a visit to Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, aka, Juliana's Paradise!

Because of my costume fitting (hurrah!) @ 4pm, we only had a few hours and I easily could have spent a few DAYS in there- absorbing everything there is to see- but we did see and do a lot.

Highlights:

-Elton John's white piano on which he wrote "Your Song"
- Britney Spears' "Oops I Did it Again" video wardrobe
- video of Aretha Franklin singing "Amazing Grace"

and my absolute FAVORITE exhibit was the John Lennon exhibit which had the following:

- John's jacket from 1964 performance of "I Wanna Hold Your Hand"
- HELP! cape
- ...Pepper outfit (and Ringo's too!)
- John's "Give Peace a Chance" GUItar.. which he etched a drawing into, which was awesome!
- Original hand written lyrics to some wonderful songs (Beautiful Boy, Just Like Starting Over), including my favorite (In My Life)
- Grammar school report cards
- A genius book called Daily Howl, which he created and wrote in High School and had fun stories and illustrations.
- The glasses he was wearing when he was shot (v. v. sad and hard to see)

- Original lyrics by PAUL *grin* to "Hey Jude," another of my favorites.

After the museum, we visited the gift shop where Andy bought me multi coloured GUItar picks that say "Rock Hall of Fame" on them and I got a v. cool Ann Margaret CD (I've always loved her).

Then.. off to my costume fitting! I tried on all of my outfits, and for the first time I had all of my shoes and Darcie's wonderful dresser, David, to help! We talked through the quick changes and how they work and what I'll be responsible for doing during them. I quickly realized I need to work on my balance, as I could hardly stand on one foot in a heel to change clothes (I've gotten used to having the light town next to me in the show, so I can cheat and hold it if I need to). I also realized I need to start wearing earrings an practice finding my hold without the aid of a mirror (my show earrings are clip on, but Millie's are not), and Gerbie has promised to change my show earrings so I can being practicing! :)

Costumes are so much fun. I don't think its hit me yet that I'm ACTUALLY going to be wearing them out there for an audience because I'll be PLAYING Millie, but I enjoyed seeing them on, and I think the purple Forget About the Boy and the Green Speakeasy are my favorites.

I'm exhausted and need to nap before the show!


November 22nd, 2003

6 Days until I'm Millie! EEK!
I'm v. excited and ready!

I've just been having the BEST time in Cincinnati. My 1st day here (weds.), Bradley and I went to see my favorite hair specialist- Rondel at Salon on Madison- and he remembered me and my hair from almost 2 years ago. He pulled out the picture my friends Angel and Tiffany and I took last time we got our hair done together, and I was shocked! haha! Memories! *grin*

Bradley went off for her pedicure while Rondel worked on getting my hair looking beautiful. While being worked on, I was flipping through a magazine and found an advertisement for O.P.I nail polish's Broadway Series- that is, nail colours named after Broadway shows! AMAZING, and they had a "Thoroughly Modern Millie"- hurrah! I rushed to tell Bradley, and the gal working on us, Christine, offered to pick it up for us to use on our pedicures! How fun! Turns out, its a v. sheer pinkish/purple-ish/ sparklish colour and too light for toes, so we used it over a plum and it's beautiful. Honestly, it could be olive green and we'd still proudly wear it for it's name's sake! *laugh*

Bradley's hair and my pedicure was next. She looks adorable. The cut is v. short and she's no longer a blonde, which I love because it totally brings out her eyes!

After our appointments, Lauren (friend from school) met us and we had lunch in Hyde Park and Bradley got to sample Graeter's Ice Cream! mmm...

The show went really well, and after I met up with my friends, Mike and Danny, from CCM, who Id not seen in almost 2 years. Funny how the love and friendship was still there, and we had a fun time. We went to Skyline Chili (everything else was closed!) and ended up running into a few others from CCM- including my friend Aaron Albano, who soon leaves for Broadway's Bombay Dreams!

Mike told me a group of about 7 are coming to see me on Thanksgiving night! Hurrah! Patti James, my fav. tap teacher, is coming too! YAY!

We've been having gorgeous weather here, and I've been working out at the Y and I'm v. v. happy.


November 27th, 2003

It's absolutely FREEZING in my room, and I really want to take a long, hot bath but Bradley's still in the bathroom. *pout* I'm making a hot pot of throat coat tea, and Im thinking a bath and cup of tea are the only things which may actually calm my flip flopping stomach and intense nerves (?) in anticipation of today.

Today is my put in rehearsal as Millie, from 1-5, at the theatre, onstage with the entire cast. Wow. In mics (yes, I wear 2 as Millie, like when I was Dorothy in Oz) and wig and costumes and all of my shoes. EEK!

I'm super excited, and I know the cast is going to be sweet, supportive and encouraging...I only hope I do a great job. Lord, guide my EVERY step and let it all be wonderful!

Last night at curtain call I felt like I would explode as I watched all our super stars like Diana, Sean, Hollis, Pan, Cavenaugh... bow- and anticipated Darcie's entrance, knowing I'd be doing it in a mere 48 hours! The rush from the thought alone is almost unbearable, and I'm not sure how Ill EVER contain and control myself come Thursday (or even today at the put in).

I've been having show dream after show dream for the last 2 weeks. They began as nightmares, but they've shifted into something else- last night's was almost a Millie competition... with millions and millions of "Millies" all performing for the company and trying to get put on in the role. Weirdness.

Yesterday, I arrived at the theatre at 4pm to run my quick changes with David and Gerbie and Ruth and Michael and various others who help by holding mirrors and doing up shoes, etc. I was petrified doing even that! I sat, as Ruth prepped my hair flawlessly, staring at myself in Darcie's mirror, marveling at the wonders of my life and too afraid to speak.

We ran consecutively, beginning with the country girl to modern change. This change scares me the most because there's so much to think about.

1. Hand of suitcases
2. superwoman unsnap front of dress
3. step out of dress and shoes (while wig is coming off)
4. step into modern dress and shoes.
5. immediately reach up for new wig
6. grab hat (as single pin hits new wig)
7. place hat, looking in mirror to adjust
And RUN ON STAGE!

We began by slowly walking through each change, then we tried it a little faster each time- finally up to speed. I think well be ok (with all the changes) because its such a
well oiled machine as Ruth assured me. They all know exactly what they're doing, and I trust them completely. David reminded me of Megan's advice- stay calm, and it will all work.

The next quick change we worked was from speed test (apple scene) into Speakeasy- v. fast! Things to remember.

1. unzip cuffs of sleeves after door slam while running to David s.L.
2. pull off shoes
3. step out of dress and tap pants
4. pull on hose!
5.step into Speakeasy (remembering they're shorts!)
6. Step into shoes while removing speed test earrings.
7. clip on Speakeasy earrings
8. powder face to conceal Speed test blush while Ruth holds back sides of wig.

Next, Speakeasy into Soy Sauce *(blue velvet)

1. unsnap bra to dress while running off stage
2. Step out of green dress
3. pull off shoes
4. step into blue velvet
5. step into shoes as green earrings come off and blue earrings go on.
6. put on hat (place further back on head than think!)
7. grab purse with gloves and run to door for soy sauce scene.

When come off stage between soy sauce and Muzzy's party, add tap pants to dress (where I'm a mess, loosing balance, but we have time!)

And that's it for the quick changes.

I've had to train myself to balance on one foot in heels and find the holes in my ears without a mirror and to not pee during the whole of act 1. Can't drink too much water. *laugh* cuz there's NO time!

I'm looking forward to Act 2. Should be MUCH easier- in many ways!

Wish me luck!

*******

My head is spinning. I can't think of anything and I cant make the pounding inside stop.

The put in rehearsal was great, and I had no reason to be so incredibly worried, but I'm on total information overload and cant remember anything. Luckily, I'm tracking Darcie tonight and that should help a lot.

Must eat something. must lie down. *deep breaths*

(To read the entry about my first
time on as Millie, click on *Millie*
on at the top of the page.)

Write to Juliana at Juliana@haineshisway.com