Sacramento, CA
Hello Friends!
Our week in Hemet is done and good times were had by all. Our last week of Spring/Winter tour finds us back in Sacramento for a fourth time. The last week of "Beauty Lou"!
Yesterday was a big day. Yes it was Mothers Day and it was also my BIRTHDAY (I also learned that yesterday was 125th anniversary of the first Coca-Cola being served)! As we drove nine hours on I-5 I couldn't help but think back to my birthdays past. So here they are! I will warn that the first weeks of May are prime time for shows opening so a lot of my birthdays involve being in a show of some sort or another.
2011 - Drove from Hemet to Sacramento. Enjoyed a birthday doughnut from Starbucks. Sadly the Starbucks breakfast sandwich went right through me, I think it wasn't cooked all the way... Was given a wonderful shirt from Calida and Shawna gave me a fan and a Hansel and Gretel t-shirt a few weeks past. I ma looking forward to one more shin-dig with friends in Missoula!
2010 - After celebrating "30 Days of Loehrke" on the Facebook I had a busy day of seeing a student in an Oregon Children's Theatre Show, taught an audition class at NWCT, dressed up as Crick and attended an NWCT fundraiser with Meredith Ott dressed as Belle, and then went to the Space Room in Portland for many beverages with good friends.
2009 - Was at West TV Elementary school putting on my original play "The Wonderland Express". There was beverages with Mary Rochon and John Ellingson afterwards.
2008 - I don't remember this one too well. I think I was still at the ghetto apartment Arran and I first lived at and I think we had some sort of shindig there.
2007 - Was at East Glacier, MT on tour with Arran. Had just had my wisdom teeth removed the week before and had a crazy night with cowboys and native Americans after a delicious dinner at the only restaurant in town.
2006 - The final week of performing "Scapino" I was getting ready to go back on the road again after living for nine months in Renton, WA with Jason Deschambault.
2005 - Commerce City, CO. I was touring with Kepler and meet up with college buddy Dave McAdams. Dave took me to all the college spots their in Boulder. The next day was a very painful Sunday drive to Clovis, NM.
2004 - First birthday on tour. I was at Glendive, MT and with my fill in partner Frances Idlebrook and her fiancée who took a greyhound bus out to see her. They were super vegans so I got myself a hot fudge sundae at the Dairy Queen in town.
2003 - I was in the last weeks of my internship at the Seattle Repertory Theatre. That night we had a performance of our original adaption of Romeo and Juliet "Star Crossed Lovers". Somehow a cake was brought and the cast sang to me there in the Center House Theatre. Little did I know that in that same theatre a month later I would be hired by MCT....
2002 - A Senior in college, I was madly finishing my thesis while also performing my last role at Linfield, Launce in "Two Gentlemen of Verona"
2001 - The big 21! I can't remember the show we were in - I think it was "The Diviners", yeah I pretty sure that was the one. It was on a Sunday and some friends took me to the rooftop at Hotel Mcminnville and I had my first legal drink. I think it was a lemon drop. It wasn't a crazy night as I am pretty sure it was a Sunday we we were in tech.
2000 - We had just finished opening weekend of "Tartuffe" and that following Monday (my bday) the director calls me to the theatre for a special meeting. I was thinking it was some sort of surprise party thrown for me by all my friends in the department. Boy was I wrong. The director wasn't happy with the arch of the play and since I was one of the leads (Orgon) it was my duty to now re-learn my role to take the play in a different direction. I spent the next 3 hours in a solo rehearsal.
1999 - My first Linfield birthday and we were in performances for "Measure for Measure" other then that I don't remember much.
1998 - 18! I wasn't eager to get my drivers license, though my mother was, and I know we had a birthday at Chucky E Cheese and a lot of high school friends came out for one last hurrah before graduation madness began.
From there on out they all kind of blur together. Looking back it has been amazing that I have gotten to spend my happy day at so many places with so many friends. Here's to 31 and more even greater birthdays!!!
The Adventure Continues - ML
Monday, May 9, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Summer Schedule
Hemet, CA
Hello Friends!
I received my summer itinerary today and it looks very fun! I will be back in the pacific northwest and even get to spend some time in my college town of McMinnville! Nine weeks book straight on Secret Garden with Calida Davis!!!
6/13-18 ... Travis AFB (not too far from San Fran. I was here before in the fall of '04 with Kepler)
6/20-25 ... Lake Oswego, OR
6/27-7/2 ... Klamath, CA
7/4-9 ... MCMINNVILLE, OR!!!
7/11-16 ... Medford, OR
7/18-23 ... Edmonds, WA
7/25-30 ... Bellingham, WA
8/1-6 ... Mill City, OR
8/8-13 ... Redmond, OR
It is going to be a great summer!
The Adventure Continues - ML
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Vegas: Day and Night
Hemet, CA
Hello Friends!
The sunshine hit 90 degrees today and dare I say my farmers tan is way ahead of schedule of this time of year. As I sit here and think back to my days in the sin city I smile fondly and remember the day of fun I had last Saturday. You see, with two Friday shows and one show Saturday at 6PM we had quite the time off between shows. So I tranplanted myself from my nice home stay to the hotel digs of the South Point. A fairly new casino/hotel on the strip (sort of) becasue it is about 2 miles due south of the mian strip itself. It is more of a Plantation/Southern feel to it and I have to admit, I kind of liked it becasue it wasn't as packed as most of the strip establishments were.
Saturday morn I awoke and verntured to the strip proper. I have never been before so I was excited and a bit cautious. I told the cab driver to take me the Belagio and off we went. $30 bucks later we arrived and my goodness was the place opulent. It really was an ambush to all the sense as lavishness oozes from every corner of the place. I meet some good friends from the MCT ranch who happen to be spending a little R&R away from the motherland before the massive Spring Checkin / Summer Tour begins. It was great! We enjoyed some sights and took in some great food.
After a a goodbye from a too short hanging out I met Shawna at the Imperial Palace where she was staying with her Mom and we went off to do one last show in Vegas. The show went very well and for a 2-5 grade week the kids did very very well. From there I was transported back to the South Point (a good 40 minute drive) and I met up again with Brandon and Mandi on our night on the Strip began.
After a few in room adult beverages we went to the Cosmopolitan and parked. I quickly learned that all parking in Vegas is free since they want your dollars in their gambiling machines. The Cosmo was like an 18 year girls idea of casino full of shiney objects and very reminiscent of some awful rich girls sweet 16 party. It wasn't our style. So on the strip we went.
From their we stopped at the Monte Carlo. The entrance was deserated. We walked in and it was bedlam of a party going on. We high tailed it to the mall like food court (one of the best choices ever) and after some cheap food we went to the Minus 5 Ice Bar. I admit, this was my big birthday treat to myself. It was a bar made entirely out of ice. A horrible gimmick? Oh yeah, but I didn't care. After paying our cover we donned parkas and headed into the bar. It wasn't that big and defiantly not -5 degrees (more like 10 degrees) but was everything made of ice - YES! Was it AMAZING - OH YEAH! Do we have any pictures... well no.
See before you go in they say you need to stash your cameras and cell phones in their lockers so they aren't ruined by the "frigid" conditions, so of course you schlep all of your stuff out because you don't want it ruined. Then once you get in there, there is their professional photographer waiting to take your picture and you see that the bartender is using a bar till you would see anywhere else and then it dons on you that you have been bamboozled. Oh well.
Ever drink was $10 and the cover $15 so it wasn't a cheap foray, but what the hey, it was Vegas. The couches, seats, bar, even your glasses were made of ice. If someone spilled something, the bus boy had to come by with a blow torch to clean it up. It was awesome.
After thirty minutes of chillin' (get it!) we left the Monte Carlo. We walked past New York, New York and then crossed the street to the MGM. Known for its lion exhibit (which they were asleep) we wondered around the MGM for some hot slot machines, and found none. After a spilled drink on myself, we headed back out on the strip.
By now it was about 1AM and it became clear that unless you have a plan, wondering around the Vegas strip with out a plan isn't a great idea (though I was having a blast with Mandi and Brandon). As we pasted a corner we heard the sweet sounds of singing and Mandi's Karaoke Radar lit up like a K-Mart Special. Sure enough, we had stumbled upon an outdoor Karaoke bar. Tired of walking and ready to sit for a bit, we found a table and took in the sights.
The place was strangely hopping for being so late (then again I don't think they ever stop serving in Vegas) and we had a nice time people watching, and seeing look-a-likes and tourist of every type. Mandi was even serenaded by a lounge singer. 3AM rang and we started to feel like pumpkins and off we went back to the South Point.
It was a great evening and a great way to experience Vegas. Do I want to go again? Not anytime soon. I think a cabin on the coast is more my style or dare I say a houseboat with my family? I am glad I can finally check off this last spot on the list of places to go see west of the Mississippi, now if I can just get to New England sometime...
The Adventure Continues - ML
Hello Friends!
The sunshine hit 90 degrees today and dare I say my farmers tan is way ahead of schedule of this time of year. As I sit here and think back to my days in the sin city I smile fondly and remember the day of fun I had last Saturday. You see, with two Friday shows and one show Saturday at 6PM we had quite the time off between shows. So I tranplanted myself from my nice home stay to the hotel digs of the South Point. A fairly new casino/hotel on the strip (sort of) becasue it is about 2 miles due south of the mian strip itself. It is more of a Plantation/Southern feel to it and I have to admit, I kind of liked it becasue it wasn't as packed as most of the strip establishments were.
Saturday morn I awoke and verntured to the strip proper. I have never been before so I was excited and a bit cautious. I told the cab driver to take me the Belagio and off we went. $30 bucks later we arrived and my goodness was the place opulent. It really was an ambush to all the sense as lavishness oozes from every corner of the place. I meet some good friends from the MCT ranch who happen to be spending a little R&R away from the motherland before the massive Spring Checkin / Summer Tour begins. It was great! We enjoyed some sights and took in some great food.After a a goodbye from a too short hanging out I met Shawna at the Imperial Palace where she was staying with her Mom and we went off to do one last show in Vegas. The show went very well and for a 2-5 grade week the kids did very very well. From there I was transported back to the South Point (a good 40 minute drive) and I met up again with Brandon and Mandi on our night on the Strip began.
After a few in room adult beverages we went to the Cosmopolitan and parked. I quickly learned that all parking in Vegas is free since they want your dollars in their gambiling machines. The Cosmo was like an 18 year girls idea of casino full of shiney objects and very reminiscent of some awful rich girls sweet 16 party. It wasn't our style. So on the strip we went.From their we stopped at the Monte Carlo. The entrance was deserated. We walked in and it was bedlam of a party going on. We high tailed it to the mall like food court (one of the best choices ever) and after some cheap food we went to the Minus 5 Ice Bar. I admit, this was my big birthday treat to myself. It was a bar made entirely out of ice. A horrible gimmick? Oh yeah, but I didn't care. After paying our cover we donned parkas and headed into the bar. It wasn't that big and defiantly not -5 degrees (more like 10 degrees) but was everything made of ice - YES! Was it AMAZING - OH YEAH! Do we have any pictures... well no.
See before you go in they say you need to stash your cameras and cell phones in their lockers so they aren't ruined by the "frigid" conditions, so of course you schlep all of your stuff out because you don't want it ruined. Then once you get in there, there is their professional photographer waiting to take your picture and you see that the bartender is using a bar till you would see anywhere else and then it dons on you that you have been bamboozled. Oh well.Ever drink was $10 and the cover $15 so it wasn't a cheap foray, but what the hey, it was Vegas. The couches, seats, bar, even your glasses were made of ice. If someone spilled something, the bus boy had to come by with a blow torch to clean it up. It was awesome.
After thirty minutes of chillin' (get it!) we left the Monte Carlo. We walked past New York, New York and then crossed the street to the MGM. Known for its lion exhibit (which they were asleep) we wondered around the MGM for some hot slot machines, and found none. After a spilled drink on myself, we headed back out on the strip.
By now it was about 1AM and it became clear that unless you have a plan, wondering around the Vegas strip with out a plan isn't a great idea (though I was having a blast with Mandi and Brandon). As we pasted a corner we heard the sweet sounds of singing and Mandi's Karaoke Radar lit up like a K-Mart Special. Sure enough, we had stumbled upon an outdoor Karaoke bar. Tired of walking and ready to sit for a bit, we found a table and took in the sights.The place was strangely hopping for being so late (then again I don't think they ever stop serving in Vegas) and we had a nice time people watching, and seeing look-a-likes and tourist of every type. Mandi was even serenaded by a lounge singer. 3AM rang and we started to feel like pumpkins and off we went back to the South Point.
It was a great evening and a great way to experience Vegas. Do I want to go again? Not anytime soon. I think a cabin on the coast is more my style or dare I say a houseboat with my family? I am glad I can finally check off this last spot on the list of places to go see west of the Mississippi, now if I can just get to New England sometime...
The Adventure Continues - ML
Monday, May 2, 2011
Vegas: What a Drag!
Hemet, CA
Hello Friends,
WARNING- There be pictures and tales of libations and drag queens ahead. If thou fearest these PG items turn away now!
Our whirlwind week in Vegas has come and gone. Our days were spent with a rare during school hours residency so we were done by 3PM everyday - a time when most teams are just getting started. Shawna had both her boyfriend and mom visit while we were there, though not at the same time (smart girl). This meant she stayed on the strip while I was near the school in norther Las Vegas. But hey, everything is close in Vegas, so it was easy to get around right? WRONG!
Before I get any further, I must confess; I didn't really care for Vegas. It had nothing to do with my company or nice home stay or even the residency week (which went wonderful) its just that anything and everything in Vegas in my opinion has two things - a huge price and a line to wait it. And if Loehrke Men hate two things, its waiting in line (unless it is for a roller coaster) and expensive stuff.
At any rate. I did have fun with friend in Sin City (though there wasn't much sin). Another tour team was in Vegas while we were there and it was none other then that fabulous summer lady, my old partner Mandi Jung and her TP Brandon Price. They took me to what might have been one of the most amazing experiences ever: Bingo, hosted by Drag Queens.
It was hysterical! They are wonderful people who are full of sass and will let you know it. Of course who wins there first round of drag bingo ever, that's right, me. My prize - a WALL CLOCK! How awesome is that!!! After every three rounds they would do what I can only describe as club line dancing. It's like line dancing you would see in a country western bar but done to thumbing dance music. It was spectacular.
I was not the only winner, Brandon won a set of decorative mugs and Mandi got the joys of being a good DD and enjoying some late night In and Out (that was one amazing burger). All in all, it was an amazing time.
Tune in soon for the conclusion of Vegas involving friends from near and far, ice bars, and outdoor karaoke!
The Adventure Continues - ML
Hello Friends,
WARNING- There be pictures and tales of libations and drag queens ahead. If thou fearest these PG items turn away now!
Our whirlwind week in Vegas has come and gone. Our days were spent with a rare during school hours residency so we were done by 3PM everyday - a time when most teams are just getting started. Shawna had both her boyfriend and mom visit while we were there, though not at the same time (smart girl). This meant she stayed on the strip while I was near the school in norther Las Vegas. But hey, everything is close in Vegas, so it was easy to get around right? WRONG!
Before I get any further, I must confess; I didn't really care for Vegas. It had nothing to do with my company or nice home stay or even the residency week (which went wonderful) its just that anything and everything in Vegas in my opinion has two things - a huge price and a line to wait it. And if Loehrke Men hate two things, its waiting in line (unless it is for a roller coaster) and expensive stuff. 
At any rate. I did have fun with friend in Sin City (though there wasn't much sin). Another tour team was in Vegas while we were there and it was none other then that fabulous summer lady, my old partner Mandi Jung and her TP Brandon Price. They took me to what might have been one of the most amazing experiences ever: Bingo, hosted by Drag Queens. 
It was hysterical! They are wonderful people who are full of sass and will let you know it. Of course who wins there first round of drag bingo ever, that's right, me. My prize - a WALL CLOCK! How awesome is that!!! After every three rounds they would do what I can only describe as club line dancing. It's like line dancing you would see in a country western bar but done to thumbing dance music. It was spectacular. I was not the only winner, Brandon won a set of decorative mugs and Mandi got the joys of being a good DD and enjoying some late night In and Out (that was one amazing burger). All in all, it was an amazing time.
Tune in soon for the conclusion of Vegas involving friends from near and far, ice bars, and outdoor karaoke!
The Adventure Continues - ML
Friday, April 22, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
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
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
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
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
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
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