Exit 410 on 1-80 NV

West Wendover, NV
Hello Friends,

Last Sunday we took exit 410 to arrive in West Wendover and we have yet to get back on the interstate though from my window here at the Rainbow Hotel & Casino I can see the interestate and that offramp that brings seniors in by the bus load for their first taste of gambling. Since the town is right on the Utah border and is on the interestate it makes perfect sense for there to be a large gaming establishment here. The funny thing is, if you take away the five large casinos here there would be no town at all. Everyone in town some how is conected to the casinos and if you turn away from them you are surrond by some of the most lonesome and spectaular high desert views I have ever seen. It is quite a contrast.

The week is done and the performance went well. It was hard to hear over the army of small screaming children we had in the audience. I don't blame them, if I had to watch my acting I am sure I would be crying too. Due to schedule SNAFUs we had a Tuesday start Friday show this week - which means putting the show up with about 8 hours less of rehearsal. We modified the show heavily so the kids could succeed and succeed they did. We were very proud of them for accomplishing such a feat.

Since we had such a small cast Shawna and I both performed on stage. I as Buck and Shawna as one of the daughters Donna Rae. Its very rare we get to do that and it was fun to share the stage together though we had to keep our focus as to not crack each other up on stage.

At the end of West Wendover is a giant statue of a cowboy named Wendover Will who strangely resembles our costume in the show. Of course we had to take a picture. Best part were all the cars going by - good times!

Tomorrow we head to VEGAS! We will be there with two other MCT teams and lots of friends - it is gonna be great!

The Adventure Continues - ML
The

Newman Moonshine

West Wendover, NV
Hello Friends,

After a long drive of about 10 hours from Newman we made it to West Wendover, NV Sunday night. If I walk a half a mile I am in Utah. The week so far here in Nevada has been crazy and when all is said and done will make for an interesting post.

Our week in Newman was wonderful. Good people, good kids, great shows. After our shows on Saturday we were treated to a spectacular dinner made by the lovely Farris Larsen, Bacon wrapped fillet, stuffed mushrooms, asparagus with a mother sauce, and a home made potato dish with cheese and bacon. It. Was. Diving.

One of the guests at dinner, Mary, was talking about some moon shine she was given not too long ago by one of the long standing Portuguese families in Newman. Of course we had to try it. Her house was also used as a speak-easy back in the day and she still has the original bar in her basement that served homemade gin to the depraved of Newman in the 20's.

The moonshine did not make me blind or gag, it was more like a sherry. In fact I think mulled strawberries were the main ingredient. It tasted like alcoholic pancake syrup. The best part was that it came in an old pasta sauce jar. Nothing says home made like a re-used jar.

The internet is costing me $7.95 so I am not sure how much posting I will be able to do this week. This look promising for next week.

Something new every week...

The Adventure Continues - ML

Once again to Newman

Newman, CA
Hello Friends-

And here I am again in the quaint valley town of Newman, CA. Though this time it is for business and not SPRING BREAK! As was the case last time I do not have the inter-webs at home and am using the office computer so I won't be able to upload pictures, but a lot has happened the last week so let me fill you in.

Last Sunday Shawna and I went to Alcatraz for a wonderful night tour. The cruise at sunset was amazing and while we didn't see any ghosts on the island (I tried) the smaller tour was very intimate and well worth the price. Pictures are on facebook and I will post some here as well.

Last week was also our last of three weeks in a row in Sacramento. We were at a wonderful Catholic School in the heart of East Sac known for its gorgeous houses and quaint shops. It had a very Portland feel and I was at home. Last week our time at the school was built up as THEATRE WEEK and it was a big deal for the kids. It was a very rewarding week and I am so glad to have been a part of it.

I also found out my summer plans and couldn't be happier. I will be touring with long time friend Calida Davis. She is amazing and she is probably going to kill me for putting this picture up (I can hear her screams from Germany now where she is currently touring), but fear not Calida, we will put lots of awesome pictures on this blog in the future. We are touring up and down the west coast (no official schedule yet, rumor has it we are going to McMinnville, OR!) and we will be touring.... The Secret Garden. This is the brand new tour show and I feel honored that I am being sent out on in to make sure all the kinks are worked out.

Things are going well in Newman. We have a lot of older kids in the cast which is good and challenging, now if we can just get them to stop canoodling with each other!

The Adventure Continues - ML