Rehearsals are brilliant. Actors are just the best when they are challenged. Watching people discover and learn openly without being inhibited in any way. Something I need to practice.
Jan 10th
Living in New York is slowly becoming less scary and more fun! Hurraaaaahhhhh! ππΌπ
Jan 9th
First day of rehearsals. A MASSIVE room in an inconspicuous 8th avenue high rise, filled with creatives getting aquatinted over croissants and coffee. After we’d all participated in the fairly nerve-wracking introduction exercise, Lonny Price our wonderful director spoke to the whole company about his love for the show in a way which made me cry. I reached behind me and grabbed a scratchy brown paper napkin from a pile stacked next to a plate of sticky pastries and tried to think clearly - without emotion. Challenging.
Glenn then got up and spoke to us all, expressing her gratitude and happiness that we were all there with her. She went on to say that the last time she was on Broadway was 22 years ago… She confessed that she was as excited as she was terrified. I thought I heard her voice break as if she was trying to hold back tears. Maybe not. She’s a tough cookie.
I stood there and listened to these brilliant people expressing their gratitude and describing their visions for the piece from every aspect of design. Costume, set, sound and also direction… the history of the movie and where we will go with it on stage. Surrounded by this brand new group of actors all embarking on another new adventure, I started to well up again. It hit me. The realization had finally hit me. I was making my Broadway debut. For as long as I could remember I had wanted to perform on a Broadway stage and Sunset Boulevard would be the show.
At that moment one of the producers turned to me and looked straight into my glassy, red eyes and said quite knowingly,
“Yes. It is as magical as you think it is.”
I reached for another napkin.
Snowy Sunday in NYC.
Brunch followed by a show, followed by a meditation class, followed by healthy dinner with friendsβ¦
first day of rehearsals tomorrow!!!!!! ππ»ππ»ππ»ππ»ππ»
Jan 7th
It snowed. Then it snowed some moreβ¦ I took two meditation classes back to back to practice mindfulness in this frantic city. I then headed out into a snow storm. Expletives free flowing. Good to know Iβve got my zen back
ππΌπ€£
Morning
Early morning in NYC
Jan 6th
It’s snowed! I dragged myself out of bed for a 7:30am meditation class in Greenwich Village. New York is starting to feel comfortable now.
Jan 5th
Bubbles in Soho House, New York.
Snuggled into a comfy velvet sofa beside the fire with my book.
Relaxing before the madness starts on Monday ππΌβ¨
Let the heart live
JAN 4th
Jan 4th
Standing outside my new home. The Palace Theatre on Times Square, New York City… Daunting but nothing life changing ever happened within my comfort zone β¨
Jan 3rd
Virgin Atlantic flight to JFK. I feel sick with nerves and excitement.
“You don’t have to see the whole staircase. Just take the first step in faith…”
Jan 2nd
Packing up. New York bound.
I have too much stuff. WAY too much stuff! π