Born To Ride The Waves

So check out my link under "Friends" to the newly created Born To Ride The Waves blog. I created it to post pictures & thoughts about the production. There are more rehearsal pics & some from our photo shoot earlier in the week. We are having a lot of challenges with the physical aspects (rehearsal space, set, etc) of the production, but the cast is doing an excellent job. The music is fantastic! I can't wait to post a link to the music (in the works). Come check us out at Huntington Beach Playhouse July 4-20!

Emerging Leader

So, I got the word last week... I'll be a part of the Emerging Leader Management Program at Disneyland in the fall. I'm super excited. I really didn't think I'd be accepted this term as "they" kept saying only 1 Entertainment Division spot was available. And since there are numerous departments within the division, why would I get the one spot? However, they ended up choosing 4 from Entertainment - we were either just that great, or everyone else just wasn't! It's a 12 week program as a management intern - you attend classes, lectures, and experiences given by the top managers of the Resort. The President of the Resort has been involved in past terms. It's a great opportunity to learn & grow & network not only within my area of expertise but as a manager & leader of the Resort. Of course, this means no trips or excursions from late August through Thanksgiving, but it's worth it. It just means everyone gets to come visit me for a change! ;) And maybe, just maybe, I'll have a somewhat regular schedule! Crazy, I know! I won't hold my breath!

Other Happenings Lately

It's late (1:20am) and I'm not even close to being sleepy. Why? You might ask. It's entirely Disneyland's annual Grad Nite celebrations to blame. I'm working this event, every Thursday overnight for six weeks (I've got this week & next left). I start my shift at 7pm & end the shift at 7:30am. It pretty much jacks your entire schedule for a while.

In addition, I'm in rehearsals for a brand new musical to premiere at Huntington Beach Playhouse on July 4th - Born to Ride the Waves. It's quite exciting working on a new project, especially a non-Disney show! We're recording a original cast CD and some industry people will be attending. Of course, we're a bit behind schedule. But as always, I know it will pull together when its crunch time. From hbph.com is the following:

July 4 – 20, 2008 Born to Ride the Waves Musical – Music & Lyrics by Joseph Mulroy, Book by Mimi Leahey & Harry Nangle

Over Labor Day weekend, 1964, the last days of an idyllic California Point Break, confirmed loner and champion surfer Tom Bannick finds his carefree world suddenly challenged by love and a demolition crew. Inspired by Dana Point’s colorful past and featuring songs from Surfstory, which the LA Times hailed as “fresh, inspired, elegant, engaging and blissfully unpretentious”.

Rehearsals

Also, I managed to get to the annual "Freeway Series" at Angel Stadium a few weeks ago. We lost, of course, because I was in attendance. But we won the overall series. It was fantastic to be at a game, enjoying the sun, and especially enjoying the company of good people! I'm hoping to get to at least one more game this season - Go Angels!

Staying in the Shade

Needless to say, I'm a busy girl - but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Here Goes Nothing

It's all Karen's fault... I blame her entirely. So here are my pictures from "Surprise Day" with her & Brandon. It really was great fun! I'm glad I remembered at the last minute that the Toy Story Midway Mania attraction Cast preview was happening this week & that I was still able to get tickets. It's a terrific ride! And the new Playhouse Disney is a treat! The kids love it and I really enjoy working on the show. And when we got in the venue, Brandon even asked if I needed to go upstairs to the booth to watch! He's finally making the connection that his Aunt Shannon works at Disneyland.

The new attraction!

In line before the ride!

Mr. Potato Head!

Before the new Playhouse Disney!

Bubbles!

Scenes from the new Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!