Public Showers and Testosterone

Yesterday was a sweatbox of a day. You couldn't blind an eye without breaking into a sweat. Rance I rode our bikes on the carriage paths in Acadia National where it was a bit cooler and mostly shaded by the trees, but still we sweated.

We rode around Eagle Lake and Bubble Pond down to Jordan Tea House. We stopped for popovers and real fresh squeezed lemonade. The kind where it's just lemon juice and water in a tall glass with ice and they bring you little tureens of sugar water to sweeten it to your liking. Then we rode around Jordan Pond back up to Eagle Lake a total of about 12 miles. Still no where near the 150 miles in two days I'm going to do in August but then I won't be riding on packed gravel either.

We finished up around 6pm and call for the show is at 7pm. I had spied a public shower place on my drive around the island on Tuesday so Rance drove me over there so I could wash the stink off. It cost a buck twenty-five for four minutes of hot shower. Not bad at all, considering my alternative was a rub down with Wal-Green Baby Wipes.

It was Rance's day off so he dropped me off at the theater. It promised to be a hopping night because it was already a sold out house by 7pm. It was a fun show, and we're finding our rhythm of playing together. It was so warm outside that when it started to drizzle rain it felt just like Hawaiian rain. Again, I was sweating in all the wrong places.

Today Jen and I are having a girlie date; getting a pedicure and having dinner together. There's a good amount of testosterone in the house right now and I've had to put a moratorium on high-fives for me. I'm just not a natural high-fiver, once in awhile is okay, but seriously not for every sentence, I just can't do it. And yes, I will leave you hanging.

Life is Good

Mike Shreeman left yesterday and now Pat Shay is here. Both times it's been sad to have someone leave especially when the house has settled around a particular rhythem and motion. We all went out and played bocci ball after the show the night before. We had to find out who had the stronger bocci mojo. Mike who lost every game we played last time or me who won every game. So we joined forces with Jen against Rance, Seth, Pat and Larrance. Mike won his first game of bocci that night since being on the island. And Rance adopted my style of play so strong was my mojo. Just toss it down the court, don't think about it. Works every time.

Pat's a great addition to the house. Mellow, calm, interesting and funny as hell on stage. His wife Mary wasn't able to come out with him, but she may still come out later. I had not met Pat before only heard about the legend of Pat Shay and his dancers. I can see why now everytime I mentioned his name as someone who will be in the cast the same time as Rance and I, the response went something like, "Pat Shay?! Oh, wow you're lucky, he's a really nice guy."

Yesterday I went on my first real hike since being here. Seth wanted to go on the same hike only later in the day and then go straight to the theater. It was my day off I wanted to go earlier and get some sight seeing in and not have to worry about going into town. So I went by myself. No amount of talking would convince Rance to go. He'd never make it on Survivor.

For me there are few things better than hiking to the top of a mountain and laying out in a cool breeze on the rocky overhang. It was gorgeous, with a low fog coming in over Sommes Sound, and two eagles soaring above. It was everything a good Christian rock video should be.

The climb up was was only rated a moderate difficulty but for someone short appendeged like me, the climb was a bit tougher. There was lots of bouldering and long reaches both up and down. There were a few times that I had to scoot on my butt as my legs just wouldn't reach the next foothold. But I made it and it felt good to do it alone.

I saw two french woman at the top of the climb. Interestingly I had just read another friend's blog about her stay in Amsterdam and how European women never wear shorts. Sure enough these women had on Calvin Klein Jeans and pure white chunky soled sneakers. I had arrived at the apex a little sweaty and admittedly disheveled. They looked like they had just been dropped off at the top from a chopper with nary a hair out of place. I'll never know how they did it. They started back down about 3 minutes before me and I never saw them again.

After the hike I got in my car and drove around the island scoping out some more potential hiking points. I also stopped by the Pie Lady's place and got a fresh from the oven Maine blueberry pie...so good.

Transition and Swollen Elbows

Seth arrived on Thursday. He's a ball of energy and since he arrived right about the time that Rance and I were heading out to find some sort of adventure we asked him to come along. He was up for whatever came our way. Unfortunately, the only things that came our way were a very docile picnic spot and a hike through a muddy mosquito hall of fame, where once again I proved to be the main course. At one point during this very brief hike, I felt something on my left elbow. When I swatted at it my hand came away covered in blood. That little sucker was so engorged with my blood that he basically exploded on contact. My elbow now looks to be suffering from elephantitis.

Our last show with Abby was great. A sold out house and lots of great energy and love floating around the room. It was also the night of the NBA finals. So after hanging out on the deck for awhile with a very brisk June wind blowing, everyone headed back to the house so our the two Piston's fans in the house could watch the video taped game. I couldn't hang with the fellas, I was beat so I went to bed while Rance, Mike and Seth stayed up until 4 or 5am watching the game. I figured I'd find out in the morning what happened, which I did. Bad news for Mike and Seth.

I went for a four mile walk yesterday and then came back to the house to watch my arm swell and get some more reading time in. I'm currently reading "Wicked" and I'm loving it. At 5 o'clock we had rehearsal to indoctrinate Seth into the ways of ImprovAcadia. He was great, lots of great energy and fearlessness.

The shows last night were fun. I performed my Sybil in front of a small by appreciative audience. It was somewhat slow and more touching than funny but I was happy with it for not doing one in a couple of months.

A gentleman named Steve Raab came in for The Community Well. He's a local historian and buys and sells historical documents. He had wonderful stories of counterfeit documents and finding treasure. After the show he invited the cast over to his and his wife's house for the 4th of July for a barbecue. We'll get a first hand glimpse at some of his favorite documents and pictures in their huge gorgeous house.

Today we may get a chance to go to Echo Lake for a swim. It's supposed to hot here.

Now That's Improv

Tuesday night's show was humming right along. We had a sold out crowd and the first half of the show went really well. During intermission, in the restroom/green room area, a guy started talking to someone about how great the show was and how he could never go up on stage without "dropping trou". All of us in the green room area laughed at that one and we all wanted to see who would lose their pants on stage. Good one sir, good one.

When we come back from intermission Rance is the host for the dream. (The dream involves interviewing an audience member about their day and then we play it back in a dreamlike manner, non linear with funny added.) We've had a lot of dudes come up to be interviewed for this game lately and we wanted to try and get a woman. There were no brave estrogenites in the audience so the "drop trou" guy Chris, raised his hand and came on up.

We all scooted a little bit closer to the edge of our seats. Who knew what this guy was going to do? He looked slightly drunk and he had just told us he wouldn't be able to keep his belt on his pants if he ever came up on stage. But he was great. The interview began and he told us about the day he and his girlfriend Amber had on the island; looking at boats, hiking, Thunder Hole, Sand Beach, lunch, drinking, shopping and all around great day. But it was at the point of shopping that Amber couldn't contain herself and said out loud "What did we go shopping for?" That's when Chris talked about how Amber was hooked "on this getting married idea" and they were looking at rings.

All of a sudden he was down on his knee proposing in front of the Amber, the cast, and the sold out audience. Now, I've been a part of several proposals especially when I was with Portland ComedySportz, people were always calling in and seeing if they could work a proposal somewhere in the show. But Chris had no idea he was going to do this on stage that night. His plan had been to take a moon-lit walk down by the shore and do a romantic proposal. But in the heat of the moment he couldn't contain himself and instead of "dropping trou" he made one completely surprised woman very happy while the rest of us watched and I'll admit to shedding a tear or two.

SPECIAL NOTE TO THE BELLAS: I did a 10 mile ride on Tuesday, it was hot and the roads were super hilly. Thank God for SAG vehicles. I came home and wanted to puke for a short period. My training continues.

Last night was our last night in the house with the original cast before Seth arrives. We had game night and we talked about all the reasons we'll remember Abby. I'll remember the phrases, "I FEEL ALIVE" and "THAT'S HOW I LIKE MY LADIES" The words are in all caps to signify the volume they should be spoken. We'll miss you Abs.

Effing Mosquitos!

Apparently my face is a delicacy in the land of mosquitos. I quietly suffered through a most unfortunate nibbling on my right eye-lid all last week. I swelled and discolored so that it either looked like I had way too much pink eye shadow on, or later in the week, just got punched out by an enraged lobsterman. The final traces of evidence are finally leaving.

Yesterday on my walk by the river I had no idea what a smorgasboard I would be. See, they're sneaky eaters. They really don't let you know they were around until later in the day. For me it wasn't until after the show last night when all my adrenalin levels were lowering, that the nasty fact was uncovered. My face and neck started itching like crazy and knowing what the possibilities are I tried my best to resist temptation. In slumber though resistance is futile. I woke up this morning looking a bit freakish, with lumps and bumps and redness galore. Good Lord, do I want to scratch. First stop today, benedryl or calomine lotion or both.

Last night's show was a blast, lots of good high energy and though the crowd started slow they came along for the ride. The houses are up about 25% over last year at this time and we really haven't had to play to a small house yet.

It feels weird to think that Abby's last show is Thursday. It's our first cast change. She brings so much life into the house it just won't be the same without her. Especially for Mike, he's said Abby's the best relationship he's ever had. Of course she is Mike, she's a lesbian.

The good news is that Seth Weitberg comes in on Thursday. We were lucky enough to audition together and it felt like peanut butter and jam, a natural. Rance has played with him while they were both on DSI's Beatbox. He's going to be great and such a fun addition to the crew. He'll be here to watch the Thursday night show and then he gets thrown into the mix on Friday.

As Abby Would Say...

I FEEL ALIVE!!

Yesterday, we all went to Captain's Cover Adventure Golf, aka the biggest and maybe best mini-golf course in Maine. Rance was tearing up the course with two holes in one, I was stinking up the course, (it might have been my lunch selection) but still had fun.

On my evening off I spent at Reel Pizza a local movie theater that also sells pizza. I watched Madagascrap. Well, I didn't watch all of it as per usual I fell asleep about 10 minutes into it and then unfortunately woke up. I'm a person who normally loves the fairy tale cartoon movies. Finding Nemo, loved it! Shrek I & II, Loved Them!! Toy Story of course! But I just could not get into Madagascar. I think I was turned off by the part of the story line that was trying to sell us on the idea that animals love living in a zoo. I just can't buy off on that, I think more likely it makes 'em nutso.

Sunday Aftermath

First of all, Happy Father's day to any dad reading this post, especially my own and Tony.

Secondly, let me clarify my brief post from yesterday. I don't have a "crush" on Declan the 15 year old. I know that's what I wrote, and I won't even bother editing it, that was more of the girl scout cookie talking. I just think he's a good kid that reminds me a lot of Rance. He brought a couple of guitars to the theater last night and taught Rance a portion of Tenacious D's song "Wonder Boy". And then the two of them sat around and played name that tune for awhile.

Yesterday we all convoyed to some of Jen and Larrance's favorite spots on the island; Echo Lake, the Sea Wall, Long Pond and Bass Harbor. I spied some good hiking trails that I want to go back check out. Before we all headed back to the theater we stopped at the Little Notch Cafe and had a late lunch. Mmmmm...good. Except for Larrance who abhors mayonnaise and got a huge sandwich dripping with Garlic Aioli which is just a fancy name for his nemesis.

Rance and I checked out a local kayaking outfit to go sea kayaking. After talking to the guy a bit and us telling him we're actors at ImprovAcadia he told us that for workers on the island they allow them to go free on standby. Which means if they have at least two people signed up for an excursion we can tag along for free with a tip for the guide strongly encouraged. The weather's supposed to turn this week so we're hoping we can get out there.

Last night's shows were great, the first show was two seats shy of a sell out and the second a good solid number who were completely enjoying the show. Last night was the first night that I felt kind of tired, so I'm taking my first official night off tonight. They've got a pizza/movie house in Bar Harbor that I'm going to check out and then we may all meet up at go over to Donahue's for some karaoke.

But first it's cleaning day.

Saturday Night's All Right

I love a good girl scout cookie, especially when it comes in liquid form. After only one drink tonight after the show I'm feeling fine. I'll write more tomorrow, but let me leave you with this. I've got a slight crush on a 15 year old younger version of Rance.

-PS Rance knows about this crush and approves.

When Magic Happens

Okay, so no spoilers on the Batman Begins movie, just a rating of "I liked it". Though as predicted, I did fall asleep during the film. Rance assured me it was during the "funny" moments that I slumbered. I was only out of it for about 10 minutes and then snapped back to reality to watch the rest of the film.

When Katie Holmes came on the screen for the first time there were audible conversations throughout the theater of "that's Tom Cruises's new girlfriend". I didn't even know she was in the movie and it did make me wonder for a moment about the art of PR. Could they really be making such a fuss about their relationship in the hopes of promoting their respective summer blockbuster movies? I admit to doing a high-grade eye roll and the thought of it all. And then I went right back to finish reading my People magazine, it's all so delicious.

Yesterday, Jen and I did yoga by video tape. It's a beginner's yoga tape with Patrica Walden as the host/teacher. Her voice drives me crazy; a mix of sexy whispering with a sprinkling of hippyism. I had the same tape at one time and sold it in a garage sale. But I was glad for the opportunity to do some sort of exercise, it's been raining so much that outside activity isn't much of an option. At least I thought it wasn't an option.

Later in the afternoon Rance and I took a walk around the neighborhood and old downtown area. We walked over to the Ellsworth dam and saw an odd assortment of birds and water fowl, eagles, and ducks and what I think was a heron. Neither one of had brought a camera so we'll go back when it's nicer weather to get some shot.

Last night's shows were fantastic! It was a double header with a normal show at 8pm and then a show called the Community Well at the 10pm slot. The three women in the current cast Jen, Abby McEneny and myself opened the 10pm show as Bra Harbor. A tip o' the hat to Rance for the name. So much fun to play with those two. And then a local resident named Frank Bachman, who at one time toured with the show Evita for 10 years, sang songs that he and Larrance had rehearsed as our source material. None of the actors knew in advance what songs would be sung, but as soon as he started we were mezmorized. What a beautiful rich voice.

Toward the end of the piece Frank came out and sang the song "Somewhere That's Green" from "Little Shop of Horrors". When Rance and I first started dating he made me a mix CD with that song on it, and it's always had a soft spot for both of us. So as soon as he was done with the song Rance and I hit the stage and what happened next felt magical for the both of us. It was such a simple scene, I only said one line, though the scene probably went on for two minutes. We both immediately knew what the scene was about and how to play it. It was one of the most favorite moments I've ever had on stage and to have it with Rance was the best.

At next week's Community Well I'm going to open the show with a one person show based off the Sybilization classes that I took with Andy Eninger. Yikes, keep your fingers crossed and wish me well, I haven't done a solo show since April.

We're all heading over to the quiet side of the island today to make some noise and see the sights before another double header tonight. I love this life and I love these people, damn I feel lucky to be here.

Raindrops Keep Falling

On Monday it was so friggen hot, I mean seriously Africa hot. After the show that night Larrance, Jen, Rance and I were all sitting out on the deck enjoying after show libations and sweets. All of us were thinking how wonderful it was to be able to sit out and enjoy the warm evening. The show went really well over half the theater was sold and it was an appreciative audience.

In a matter of seconds we could feel the weather change from reasonably warm, to cooler, to damn I've got to go get a jacket. Mother Nature broke up the party and has been raining on our plans ever since. I had wanted to get a hike in yesterday but it was too rainy and cold for my tastes. So the biggest outing was for Rance and I to go to the store and ogle the produce section. I hear that Maine has strict laws on incoming produce and pesticide control, whatever it is I'm in awe of the local markets veggies and fruits. They're beautiful. I had visions of me running up to the pile of fresh strawberries and burying my face in the ruby redness of it all, but the vision continued on into the after affects and I thought better of it.

Today our original plans were to go to Pirates Cove the champion of all mini-golf courses on the island but the rain continues on today so we've altered our plans to go see Batman Begins. I'll probably fall asleep 10 minutes into it like I do every action movie. At least it will be a less expensive nap at this local theater.

Tonight we have have our first two show night. I'm so happy for Jen and Larrance, last night was a sell-out and it looks like it could be the same again tonight. After all "it is only June" and the numbers for the week continue to climb. And we all are really clicking as an ensemble. Abby who had limited shortform experience prior to coming out here totally rocked the show last night in the game "Stage Directions". She committed so well to everything and the audience was just eating it up.

The rain has been such a downer that I got both this week's People and an Us magazine. I'll just say "ech" to all of it. Why do we give a rats arse whether Jessica or Paris look better in their respective car washing stints? Seriously Jessica did look better, but why do I care?

I promise I won't give any spoilers to the Batman movie on this blog unless you are interested in the opening credits which is mostly likely all I'll see.

What Happened to Sunday?

Abby, Mike and I all rode out to the theater together last night. Rance planned on staying home and catching up on the History channel or something as equally stimulating. By the time we got to the theater we were raring to go. I ran across the street to the Chowder House and got some yummy clam chowder to eat before call. Seven PM rolled around and there were still no reservations. We did some vocal warmups and changed into show clothes. At 7:45 still no one. Finally two people showed up, but they decided they didn't want to be the only two so they said they'd come back tomorrow. At 8:05 Larrance had to make the tough call to cancel the show. It's got to be disheartening, especially after such a great opening weekend. Of course 5 minutes after we called the show five people walked up and had to be turned away.

But it's clear how much local support Larrance and Jen have here, after closing up the theater we walked next door to Apertif for some appetizers and wine. The patrons in there, mostly locals all wondered what we were doing in there, didn't we have a show? When Larrance said that no one had showed up they just couldn't believe it.

The town was really quiet, hardly anyone was walking around Bar Harbor. And I know have a typical Bar Harbor saying to add to my repatoire..."It is only June". Which is said to anyone who complains about the lack of tourists.

We stayed at Apertif trying several of their appetizers. Fortunately I didn't have anything to drink because on the way home Jen and Abby piled into my car for the first all girl outing, which added up to the drive home. Abby played mix-master with my ipod and we had the car rocking with some 80's funk music and we were all laughing and car dancing when I saw the lights flashing behind me.

The drive to and from the theater usually takes anywhere between 40 - 50 minutes depending on the traffic. And they have the strangest speed changes along the way from 50 to 35 to 40 to 25 for seemingly no good reason. I was going about 5 miles over the speed limit and because of the rhythm in my heart I had swerved a little bit to hit the beat. If you like to car dance you know what I mean.

When I stopped the officer who came up to my window looked like he would have been carded to buy cigarettes at the local 7-11. He told me he had stopped because one of my tail lights was out and he had seen me swerve a bit. Of course my ID was in the trunk of my car so he just took my name and my birthdate, and went back to his car to run the information or whatever they do back there.

One thing I can say for Maine police though is that they don't have a mean streak. He just came back and said I should get the light fixed and sent me on my way.

When we all were back at the house we busted out a couple of new games. One called Survive that's a child hood favorite of Jen's. It's this great board game with whales, sharks and sea serpents who are all trying to get your people as you're trying to get them off a sinking island to safe shore. jen, Rance and I played that one. Then we all got around the table to play a game called Flux. A great party card game that had ever changing rules and fools with people's strategic thinking. I finally went to bed around 1:30 and Rance came up after playing a few more hands.

Rance and I got up this morning to take the car over to an auto parts store and get a new light, but we found that the light wasn't out. Weird, that cop was either checking to make sure we weren't drunk or maybe I was being flirted with by a pubescent looking officer of the law. A girl can only hope.

I went on another bike ride today around two fresh water lakes in Acadia. It was really hot and humid here in Ellsworth and I just wanted to escape into the forest. Rance didn't want to go so I went by myself. It was fabulous. So much cooler and around mile 10 I could hear thunder off in the distance. I stopped by Eagle Lake and got off my bike for a bit when the rain started coming. I just stayed for awhile letting the rain wash over me and enjoying the view. It was so peaceful not another soul around. I rode the rest of the way back to the car in the rain shower and couldn't have been happier.

If you ever get the chance to come to Maine do it. If you're an improvisor coming out to Improvacadia this summer consider yourself lucky, it's one hell of an experience.

Opening Weekend

Maine in the summertime is a great place to be if you can avoid mosquito interaction. I've been doing pretty good so far. Rance and I went on a bike ride yesterday on the carriage paths in Acadia park. History has it that Rockefeller once owned about 80% of Mt. Desert Island and he had all of these carriage paths built with beautiful stone bridges and packed gravel roads. At his death he bequeathed the island back to the state and it's now a national park. There's over 42 miles of paths and the pass through some of the most beautiful scenery these eyes have ever seen.

I haven't been on my bike since early fall last year so it felt good to be back in the saddle. Especially knowing that in early August I'll be back in Portland, OR riding with my girlfriends (The Bellas) in the MS 150; one hundred fifty miles in two days.

Rance brought a couple of cameras and we got some fantastic photos of Witch Pond, a deadwood forest in the middle of a body of water, dragonfly and snapping turtles. I preferred to keep riding because it was only when we stopped for photos that the mosquitoes invaded. But the shots will be well worth it.

So now I've vowed to ride at least two days, preferable three a week to get my body ready for the ride. And to hike at least one day. Lofty goals since we've been staying up until around 2am every night after the shows and not dragging my butt out of bed until around 10:30 or 11am.

Speaking of the shows, what a great opening for the theater. We were sold out on Friday night the crowd was great and we delivered a solid show. Last night the early show was one of those audiences of quiet enjoyers. If you're a performer you know the type, they don't want to laugh out loud, but you can see they're enjoying the show. Then afterwards they can't tell you enough how much they liked it.

Before the show there was a young girl and her mom in the bathroom area which is right outside of our "green room". The two are separated but nothing but a large canvas cloth so we can hear everything that goes on. The young girl was having a complete anxiety attack because she didn't want to be called up on stage, crying and whining in real worry. There seemed to be nothing the mom could say to relieve her fears. Finally, after our hearing this go on for an inordinate amount of time, Jen knocked on the bathroom door and told her that we couldn't help but overhear and that none of the actors would "pick" on her and she could relax and enjoy the show. You should have seen her beaming during the show, laughing and clapping her hands. Sometimes it's hell to be nine.

After the quiet 8pm show we decided to let that one go and vow to have as much fun as the audience in the 10pm show. Preparing us for Jen's first night off she had handed the hosting duties off to Rance for the 8pm show and I took the 10pm show. The crowd was definitely ready to go by 10pm and so were we. Especially when during our first game, "Replay", we got Kung-fu porn as one of the suggestions. Jen, Rance and Mike played it beautifully and we continued rolling in the fun the rest of the night.

We've scheduled our nights off for this week which feels kind of weird this early. None of us really want to take a night off because it's been so much fun but we all understand the need to, to keep our heads in the game. Rance is taking tonight off and I'll take tomorrow. Already it will feel weird not to have one of us there.

One Down Can't Wait for the Rest

Last night's show was a blast. It was for Mt. Desert Island Medical Group employee appreciation. Even though they had bought out the entire theater apparently they didn't appreciate as many people as the house sat so it wasn't completely sold out with people. No whoop. Those that were there were loving it, and we were loving them.

The format of the show was about 1/2 hour of short form games with more emphasis on scenic games than line games. Everyone gets a turn to host one of the games and the actors rotate in and out of the game lineup. We played a "Moving Bodies/Audience Moves Us" game that was fantastic. We got a middle aged woman volunteer who was almost as active as Portland's own Andrew Berkowitz and the scene between Rance and Mike ended up with them dancing and Rance being dipped. Hilarious.

We ended the first half with Larrance's choice, my personal favorite game. Doing any kind of singing with Larrance is like wearing a canola oil body suit, sliding down a butter hill...so, so easy. He's able to lead and follow the singer so well that at times you can't tell who's doing what. Such a talent. Both of them are. Jen is a joy to be on stage with, willing to take lots of risks and commits to everything. I feel so lucky to be here.

After a brief intermission, we came back with "The Dream". We had a great volunteer who's a local actor so she was fantastic on stage and gave us a ton to play with, including the fact that she worked at The Breast Center. I got to portray her and ended up singing how I was going to save all the breasts on the island.

Then we ended the show with a 15 minute longform segment. Again great fun, it's awesome to look across the stage and know that you trust everyone around you and no matter what happens it's going to be okay.

I think Larrance and Jen were really happy. Last year their cast was handpicked from people they had worked with in the past. And while Abby and Mike fall in that category for this first cast, they only knew me and Rance from the audition process. Sometimes that can be a total crap shoot. I know lots of people who don't audition well but are fantastic in front of an audience and those that can hold it together really well in an audition but can't consistently do it on stage.

After the show we hung out at the theater for a little bit for drinks and dessert. Then headed back to the house for our first game night. We busted out Apples to Apples which Rance won both times. And then tried playing Murder, which I was horrible at. I have a terrible poker face and of course the first time I was the murder. Rance accused me immediately and Jen quickly followed, as the accused I then had to defend myself and all I could do was sputter and giggle. Oiy vey, and I call myself an actor. Then the very next round I was the inspector and when I had to identify myself in secrecy I couldn't do it and broke down in a laughing fit. Everyone thought I was the murderer and they quickly accused me again and had me wrongfully executed. Hah!! That will have to live on their consciences for the rest of their lives.

Tonight is the official opening night and it's expected to be a sold out house. Lots of local fans who came to shows last year will be in the audience so we're going to go in early and learn some new games.

Before the show I'm hoping to take a drive over to the NE Harbor and drive through Somes Sound the only natural fiord in North America. The NE Harbor is where all the richie rich live. Martha Sterwart used to have a house there as do some other well known folks that I've of course forgotten.

Thanks to everyone who have sent notes letting me know they're enjoying the blog. It's been fun for me to write. If you're at work at want some more humor in your day check out our friend Tara D's blog at http://alaughaminute.blogspot.com/ or track down the writings of the soon to be famous humorist Emily Wilson, she's funny.

Dress Rehearsal Show Tonight!

Abby and Mike have now both arrived rounding out the first Improvacadia cast for summer 2005. We all stayed up until around 1am the first night they got here, laughing and telling too intimate of stories to people we just met.

Yesterday, Abby and I walked around the downtown portion of Ellsworth. We found a cute little coffee/ice cream place where Abs could get her daily mocha fix. There's not much to see or do directly in the town but it was nice to walk along hills and the morning weather was gorgeous.

Our first rehearsal as a cast was yesterday at 2pm. Mike and Abby left early to pick up some goat cheese for the theater and then ended up getting turned around and ended up heading away from the island into Bangor. Thankfully, they called before they got to far and Larrance turned them around to head in the right direction.

Rehearsal was a riot. Jen and Larrance are so easy to work with and open to new ideas and games. We worked a handful of shortform games, just to make sure we were all on the same page and our different variations meshed into one. Then we worked the game Larrance's Choice which is much like the CSz game "Sing It" except each song is a full song. Again, much fun to be had.

After rehearsal we all went to Apertif the wine bar right next door. I enjoyed three slices of the delicacy that is chocolate salami. Yum. Then we headed over to Lompoc for dinner and Bocci. I never would have guessed that I'm a bocci natural, but apparently my inability to throw comes in quite handy with this game. We were all exhausted by the time we got home so Rance and I watched a movie on our laptop (well, I just fell asleep while Rance watched the movie).

Abby, Rance and I had all planned to go hiking this morning, but when morning hour came, I was the only one who was up for it. So I drove down to Sand Beach and hiked along an easy hiking path to Thunder Hole. I LOVED IT!! It's so much like hiking on the Oregon coast, except there were no unadulterated forests to hack through.

Right now I've got to get my butt in the shower, as we have one more quick rehearsal and then a group has bought out the theater for a show, pre-opening night! So we get our first show in tonight and open to another full house tomorrow.

Love to you all!

First Day in Maine

The drive into Maine is so reminiscent of Oregon, made all the more so by the mist like weather that permeated the air. After it being really hot and humid the day before, the weather change was a welcome relief.

Mapblast almost has us lost when we got into Ellsworth but Min-aha's maps saved the day!! Larrance and Jen's house is right off the main road into town but Mapblast had us going into town and making turns and traveling five miles out of our way. Min-aha's map and little post-it notes put us back on the right path.

Jen and Larrance's house is a big grand old house built in the early 1900's. It's got beautiful high ceilings with crown molding, hardwood pine floors, and nice big rooms. Our bedroom is upstairs at the front of the house. We get a nice stream of sunshine pouring in.

After dropping off our stuff, we headed into Bar Harbor to check in with Jen and see the theater. They've done a fantastic job of rennovating the space. It's a nice, cabaret style theater, with it's own deck on the second floor. There's a small kitchen and bar and a separate dressing room/warmup area. They've obviously put a lot of sweat into the space and it shows. Beautiful, just beautiful.

Jen was just about to conduct the first staff meeting with the wait staff when we arrived so we got a chance to meet them and then we headed out to check out the town. Again very reminiscent of an Oregon coastal town, except that every restaurant had lobster on the menu. We ended up eating at a place called West Side Cafe which was a bit more upscale place. We both contemplated ordering Lobster which came straight from the cooker on your plate. I just couldn't do it. Someone told me right before we left that Lobster's were the cockroaches of the sea. So when I saw these well dressed, manicured people digging into their lobsters and sucking the meat from the legs I got kind of grossed out. I went with fish and chips instead. Fresh haddock and cooked to perfection.

After dinner we came back to the house and watched a movie called Best Boy which won best documentary in 1980. I would highly recommend this touching movie.

This morning we woke up around 10:00 and got ready to go down to the theater for some press photos for a local paper. Afterwards we strolled around Bar Harbor, had lunch in this wonderfully little deli and took some photos. Afterwards we drove over to Acadia Park's visitors center and picked up a map. After climbing 52 steps up to the visitors center we both decided we'll need to start with some easier hikes before trying to conquer Cadillac Mountain.

The drive back to the house is usually about 40 minutes but traffic off the island was completely backed up to road construction so it took over an hour. Oiy vey, I couldn't wait to get out of the car. The weather today had heated up to around 78 degrees and we were still in our show clothes from being photographed.

Tonight Abby and Mike arrive. I'm going to make a big salad and Jen and Larrance are supplying the pizza and beer. Maybe we can convince everyone into a game night.

Tomorrow is our first rehearsal, then we have a show for a sold out house as our final dress. Improvacadia formally opens on the 10th and we're ready to go!

Almost There

We find ourselves safe and sound and yet another Best Western. This one near Hudson, MA. It's a pretty nice hotel that Rance has managed to track dog poo into on his shoe. Hopefully they won't track it to our room, the smell is concentrated on the welcome mat right inside the door back door. Usually this sounds exactly like something I would do, I'm glad to share the mishaps with him.

Niagara Falls was fantastic. We couldn't have gone at a better time. We got there around 10am this morning, well before the majority of the crowds. The weather was near perfect and Rance got some really good shots. I got some mediocre shots with the digital camera and I also shot some video. I looked like a total touristy geek walking around with all the camera equipment, but I love taking video and trying to piece it together into something fun. We talked about stopping at Niagara Falls on the way back to Chicago later in the summer. If we do we're going to go on one of the boats that take you on the water closer to the falls.


One thing has been made abundantly clear on our drive. There must be some sort of private state contest for "The Best Rest Areas" and I can assure you the Eastern States are kicking ass. Those of you reading in Oregon know that out west the "rest areas" are often nothing more than a glorified outhouse and if you're lucky some mom and pop from the local Lions club trying to push their watered down lemonade for a quarter. Last year as we drove though state by state to arrive in Chicago we noticed that the Rest Areas/Travel Plazas/Service Plazas got progressively better as we traveled East. Before this trip I mistakenly thought Iowa was winning the battle with their well lit, clean, large, well stocked Travel Plazas. But now I know the true battle is between NY and MA and I have to say Massachusetts has got my vote. Though each one we stopped at on the MassTurnpike had mostly the same elements, they were grand in scale. With a McDonald's, Ben & Jerry's, Annie's Pretzels, travel store, huge clean eating area, and big clean bathrooms that like any fine restaurant had a floral arrangements below a mirror at the entrance. Rance remarked that it seemed like the place people might go after they die. They were always full of people so maybe we do all go to a Service Plaza on the Turnpike after we die and this is all a dream.

Speaking of which, the gauntlet of dreams last night that had me waking up with a start several times during the night did not come to fruition today. If anybody out there can interpret dreams please let me know what your thoughts are on why both Rance and I would have such a fitful night of sleep. Thankfully, I feel like sleep will come easy tonight.

Worst Sleep Ever

If dreams become reality we're in deep doo-doo today. I must have dreamt at least eight times that we were rear ended on the highway. Rance woke up out of his sleep this morning dreaming that I rear ended somebody. Keep us in your thoughts today.

We're on our way to Niagara Falls!

500 Miles Later

We made it to Dunkirk, NY just outside of Buffalo tonight. We were in the car for about 10 1/2 hours and I must say, I love the ipod. For Christmas Rance not only got me an ipod but the ingenious itrip which allows your ipod to be transmitted over any FM radio. Mad props to my friends Mike and Roxanne who made a show CD for our 5B IO classes. That CD is hot, every jam was great and it got us half way through Indiana.

It was in Indiana that Rance covertly bought yet another crappy "ceramic" (read plastic) animal to add to the collection he thinks he's going to have. So now we have Tatonka the Buffalo and Chester the Chicken. I beg you fine reader, do not encourage this behavior. Thankfully, the smart folks of Ohio Service Plaza's don't stock these little figurines, and we went through Pennsylvania so quickly there was no chance to find one. I'm hoping his fascination wanes as our travels continue.

Tomorrow we deviate from our original plan because we realized we'll be about 40 miles away from Niagara Falls. We're planning on leaving Dunkirk a little earlier tomorrow so we can experience the power of the falls.

My friend Min-aha gave me a packet of information on things to do in Maine as well as a detailed map of the drive from Chicago. She made the drive at least a couple of times last year and her maps are great. We'll be staying up tonight to plan our route diversion.

Oh, I almost forgot!! We got some great news yesterday. A couple of our friends from Portland are going to sublet our place for a time while we're gone. They're coming out to for the summer intensives at IO. It works out great for everyone. They get a place to stay and we get a little help with our rent while we're away. They're cute, young, super talented, and get this...really, really, nice guys. I'm so glad they're going to stay at our place. Hey guys, don't forget to water the fern okay?

Let's Get It Started In Here

Rance and I leave tomorrow for Ellsworth, ME to perform with Improvacadia for six weeks. We're both looking forward to this adventure; however, we're also experiencing a good dose of procrastination. We still need to get the apartment in order, do some cleaning, and pack before we head out in the morning.

I wanted to get this blog started to keep our family and friends up-to-date on everything we're doing while we're out there. I'll post pictures along the way and you can comment on a posting if something strikes your fancy.

As a little background the website for Improvacadia is www.improvacadia.com Check it out after you finish reading this post. Larrance and Jen the couple who run the theater have been wonderful to work with so far. I'm anticipating nothing but fun, adventures and of course performing six nights a week.

The show is a short form format with heavy emphasis on musical improv. Larrance used to be the musical director for Baby Wants Candy (and I'm sure many other groups that I don't know about), so I figure by the time I get back my musical chops will be grilled to perfection.

Since Rance drove the entire way from Portland to Chicago when we moved our stuff out here last year. I want to make this drive in it's entirety, it's about 1250 miles. We have our route planned out and though there doesn't seem to be any hotspots that we'll be driving through I'm sure we'll find some interesting stuff along the way to photograph and document.

Alright my writing time is up, I've got some cleaning and laundry to start. Check back here often to get your updates on Maine and our lives.

Love to you all!