I have no photos to show you of the past two days. Sorry.
It was a whirlwind and there was lots of activity from the moment I arrived until the moment I left.
Luckily, I was able to check into the hotel a bit earlier than the standard 4 pm so I could relax and then get ready for the 6:30 curtain (opening night curtains tend to be early, in order to take press photos and allow time for the party afterwards – especially when it’s on a weeknight as this was.)
Lots and lots and lots of people there. Don had mentioned to me that something might be delivered to me at the theater and, while lovely news, this made me wonder what the heck I was going to do with it. Do I stash it at the theater? At the party? But when I entered the stage door before the show, there was nothing with my name on it in the immediate vicinity. Okay, I told the guard, I’ll try again after the show.
I ran into lots of people I know and/or have worked with before. There were many celebrities, to be expected, and the curtain was late going up because getting them all inside was a mammoth undertaking.
The show was glorious. The actors were so ready to finally open the show! It was wonderful, but then again, I knew it would be. There was a long curtain call, with the director, playwright, composer and lyricist coming onstage, as well.
I went back through the stage door. No flowers. Hmmm.
The party was at the Marriott Marquis, up several escalators to the eighth floor (this took forever!) in a huge area that encompassed two floors. I’m not exaggerating when I say there were hundreds and hundreds of people there. Too many for this girl who likes quiet! But I ran into several friends and had some lovely conversations, all while waiting for the actors to come out of the press room (yes, another press room.) That took a couple of hours. I didn’t want to leave without hugging them and saying my goodbyes, so I didn’t leave the party until almost midnight.
While at the party, the choreographer and a couple of other people said “Hey, you’ve got flowers and gifts backstage!”
What??
Turns out they were four floors up in the room where the young Anastasias are tutored. Since I never go up there, thank goodness they told me about it. It was too late to get them at that point, but at least I was saved having to tell Don that the flowers never came, and yesterday morning I walked over to the theater (their day off) and persuaded the guard to let me go up there and retrieve my things. Don sent lovely flowers (you can see them on IG) and there were several gifts and thank you notes, along with a framed Anastasia poster that included the words: Opening Night, April 24, 2017.
Sleep was almost impossible because I was on sensory overload. In the end, I think I got about 3 or 4 hours of sleep. So when I got home yesterday, I found myself nodding off in my chair for two hours. Except for retrieving my gifts and getting home, I accomplished exactly nothing yesterday.
What a wonderful experience and I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with the talented cast and crew and creatives! Darko was happy. We were happy.
My contract stipulates that I’ll work with future replacement cast members and on the national tour, which should happen sometime next year.
So, it’s a temporary goodbye to Anastasia. Watching the young cast members who were making their Broadway debuts and/or debuts in a starring role was gratifying.
It’s a big deal.
I don’t read reviews of shows I’ve worked on. I made that decision many, many years ago. It’s only one person’s opinion, therefore it’s subjective, and I usually have too much of an emotional investment in the show to want to read a review – good or bad. I know what it is for me, and that’s all that matters.
So don’t quote any reviews, okay?
I’m going to slowly get back into things. Currently, I’m battling an ant invasion in the kitchen and it’s driving me mad. I’ve put out baits. I’ve sprinkled cinnamon, which I’m told is a good deterrent. Not working. Any ideas or tips?
Happy Wednesday.
What a lovely time Claudia! And so nice that you can be called on for the national tour. Love the idea of the signed opening night poster. Sweet of Don to send flowers. No idea on ants – sorry. We get them too and usually the traps/bait work. We actually start putting them out before we see ants and then don’t have a problem in the warmer months.
They’re driving me nuts, Vera!
I was online a few days ago and saw a picture taken inside a subway car. (Sorry, don’t remember the context) There on the inside wall was a poster for Anastasia! I love those little coincidences.
I had to laugh at the comparison of the glamour of opening night and the battle against ants! I’ve heard that bay leaves and basil leaves make ants pack up and vacate.
I’ve seen the poster on subway cars and on the commuter rail, Melina!
I’m so glad you just immersed yourself in the opening night experience. I saw some clips and interviews on FB and it looked so exciting. Your flowers are lovely and I’m glad you found them and your gifts. I bet you are exhausted still and it will take a few days to get back to normal. Ants, sorry no idea about how to keep them out! Hugs!
I usually see them in the spring, but this year they’re hanging out here longer than normal.
The flowers are beautiful. It must be so rewarding to be part of this process especially watching the young cast members bloom.
Best of luck with the ants. Knock wood they have not made an appearance here yet.
It is very rewarding, Jay!
Just wanted to let you know I got to hear the young singer from Anastasia on the Today Show this morning. Lovely. (I’m sorry about not remembering her name). And it is my favorite song too.
Her name is Christy Altomare. She’s a beautiful human being, inside and out!
Gorgeous flowers from Don! Sounds like a very memorable evening! Ants? We had a few about two weeks ago…very large ones. They are not welcome here. I suspect there will be lots of insects this year, because of the mild winter we had. We’ll just have to deal. Lots of rain here today…must find something productive to do inside…or not! ;)
Well, we had a harsh winter – and still we have ants!!
Very happy the opening night went so well.
The only thing I use for ants is peppermint oil mixed with water. 20 drops oil to 1 cup water, shake well then spray near doorways and on window sills or anywhere you see ant trails. I have used this remedy for four or so years and after treating two times a weeks for two weeks, no more ants.
Have a wonderful, relaxing day.
I will try that, Sue. Thank you!
Saw the musical Anastasia number on the Today show this morning. Just beautiful!! What an exciting and memorable evening…. and I bet no one noticed your shoes! Glad you went the comfy route.
Ants…… ugh. Cinnamon has worked for me in the past. So do the “traps”. I have heard basil and cilantro leaves work, too.
My husband just texted me a picture from the International Crane Foundation where he is on a Field Trip w/ elementary students. Such pretty birds!! Several rainy and cool days ahead for us, and I do have some inside things that need to get done, so will use the time to try and be productive! I also have a (non-renewable) library book due in 2 days, so there’s that. Have a wonderful Wednesday!
The traps and cinnamon aren’t doing it at the moment! I heard something about basil as well.
What a whirlwind! Glad you had such a heady time, Claudia, but sorry you’ve returned home to battle ants. When Anastasia takes to the road, would you travel to the various cities/theaters?
Oh no. I would work with them in rehearsals, and by the time they were on the road, my work would be done!
Claudia,The problem with traps of anytype is you have to invite the “pest in” so little bit counter productive. ThankYou for bringing us along on your trip to Broadway!!! I remember the absolute thrill of opening night, in just silly school plays etc. I can only triple that a Billion times to imagine what a wonderful night for you.
What a creative,contributing,really worthwhile person you are!
Your Mom and Dad are very proud of you and so am I! (obviously your great Husband too.)
I Love your blog, it makes me feel,a little worthwhile because I read it. -JudyA-
Well, they’ve already been invited in, I guess!
Thank you for your kind words, Judy.
An exciting life you have, Claudia! Sounds like a wonderful time in NYC. I’ll go over to your i/g to see the flowers. Don may be away but he’s always thinking about you, bless him. Congrats for such a successful endeavor. It was a lot of travel and movement, coordination of details and activity to do all on your own and at night in The Big City; no wonder you were exhausted. It all IS a big deal; a very big deal, all the way around! I know you’re a grown-up girl and independent, intelligent and capable, but it sounds a bit intimidating for me; I don’t think I’d be up for doing all that although I know you’re familiar with the areas. Of course, you had great incentive and it was a lot of fun to look forward to…and you deserved to be part of the celebratory festivities.
Ants. This house. Mom, before me, had a frequent ant problem; would always freak me out, and you sure don’t want a bunch of bad chemicals in a kitchen where you have food. Me? Since I’ve been here in her house, never a problem. I have no idea what diff we’ve made…but I hold my breath over it because walking into a kitchen in the morning with a brown/black carpet of ants all over the kitchen counters is just AWFUL, so I feel for you and I hope you get some good tips here today.
These ants are really not caring about cinnamon or baking soda or squirting vinegar on their trails. So frustrating!
Congratulations, Claudia!! There’s nothing like a successful show after all your hard work!
As for the ants, I use those liquid drops Terra and they seem to work very well.
Good luck with the invasion!
Where do you find the drops, Debbie?
Claudia, we use Terro also. We buy it from the hardware store. We put a small puddle of it on a piece of tinfoil near where the ants seem to be coming in. The terro is sweet and attracts ants like crazy, so the immediate effect is an increase of the little beasts, which is somewhat alarming. However, they carry the terro back to the nest where they die. It is very effective. In a couple of days they will be gone. We have ants a couple of times a year, depending on weather, and this is the only thing that has ever worked for us.
Thanks so much, Sherry. Now to find where the heck they are entering the house!
I had luck with salt. If you can find where the ants are coming in sprinkle table salt. It was like they didn’t want to go over it. Probably about the same as the soda etc. Good luck!
Beautiful young woman and music on the Today Show. She was so excited to sing and be in the show.
I’m not sure where they’re coming from, Janet. This is an old house and they could be coming from anywhere!
Christy is one of the kindest, most humble people I have ever had to the pleasure to know.
Some time I’m going to list what I was doing while you were in NYC working in the theatre……it would make a great comedy routine. Anyway, sounds like a wonderful play & probably won’t get to see it in NYC but maybe it will come to St. Louis or KC. I had ants so bad in my old house & tried all the natural methods but ended up having to call a professional. I don’t like chemicals either but luckily, almost all is in the dirt outside & you can scrub the little they put in the house. It also lasted for several years.
I’m trying everything I can, but I might have to talk to our pest guy!
The flowers are lovely. Happy the opening went well.Sorry I have no idea concerning the ants. One of our friends had ants under their rug. The only thing was to call an exterminator.
Marilyn
The ants are particularly troublesome this year, Marilyn. Hopefully, I will win this battle!
Wipe your kitchen benches down with full strength white vinegar a couple of times a day and if you can find their entry into the house spray it with vinegar too. It may take a couple of days, but it does work.
I read about vinegar a couple of days ago, and used it. Sadly, it isn’t working! But I’ll keep trying.
The opening night sounded absolutely glorious! I’m like you – I wouldn’t have slept much either after a big night like that, especially after all that socializing. It’s fantastic while it’s happening, but boy, is it ever draining! Kudos to you for all your hard work.
Ants…have you tried vinegar? Borax? Also, if you can find where they’re coming in, draw a chalk line. Ants will not cross a chalk line!
Yes to vinegar. No to borax, though I believe I have some. I did draw a chalk line yesterday evening. We’ll see if that helps!
The chalk line has to be pretty thick,(wide & applied) and it doesnt take them long to figure it out.
So repeat as often as possible . The chalk line does work! But you must be vigilant,and
know where they are coming from,is a must!
– Judy A-
I cannot tell where they are coming from, unfortunately!
If you get borax and have left over? You can grow crystals!!
S0 it’s a Win/Win, or Not. Judy A-
How do you grow crystals with Borax?
Hi, Claudia! I discovered your blog recently and have enjoyed it so much! Loved reading about your opening night adventures. I’ve joked that we must have built our house on a giant ant hill. I had them in my kitchen almost before I got unpacked and they continue to return at least once a year. We’ve tried all the natural remedies and none have worked. My husband now uses Andro granules. You put them outside around the base of the house and they have worked great for us. Good luck! This is so funny; I’ve been meaning to write for weeks to let you know how much I love your blog and now it has taken ants to get me moving! Take care.
Sherry in Little Rock
Thank you so much for commenting, Sherry. I’ll check into Andro!
I’m so glad you got to be a part of something so amazing, Claudia! Congratulations to all involved!
Thank you, Debbie!
Ground coffee, baby powder at the places where the ants come into the house. Good luck! Regula
The problem is finding the place where they come in. I can’t find it and we live in a house built in 1891, so there are all sorts of little places they could be coming in!
I have recently come across your blog and just love it. It is awful having ants – I use diatomaceous earth from the garden centre. I also put it outside where I see they congregate. It seems to work.
Thank you for your kind words, Donna. I’ve heard of diatomaceous earth – I’ll look for it tomorrow.
Congratulations on the great success of the show, I know you are thrilled and proud…:) As for the ants, what a pain they can be! A few things that have worked for me are peppermint oil extract diluted 2:2 with water, put it in a squirt bottle and mist the areas where you see them coming into the house. They will avoid that area, and it smells nice!
I bought some peppermint oil yesterday, Lori. Haven’t used it yet because I’m waiting to see how the other things I’ve been using work out. But I have it!
Have you tried Terro ant bait yet?
No, not yet. I’m doing what I’ve been doing and there are less and less of them.