I'm Baked.

Ahh! 5 Shows in 6 weeks!? And we're only on number 1!?! What did I get my self into? With in hours of returning from London I was in the studio for our first day of blocking. We had been moved onto the night shift which isn't necessarily our preference. And off we were. Unlike my previous contracts we have hand held microphones, mic stands and stools incorporated into our choreography. You'd think that would make the choreography relatively simple but nope, it's pretty intricate, not very aerobic or challenging but definitely something you have to think about. So much to think about; lines, lyrics, moves, wardrobe. 

We're not having a bad time. We are losing at times trying to remember things and keep our wits about us as it gets late in the evening. We don't leave the studio till about 1130pm. Ijy is our director. Small little thing she is. Lots of energy and just so sweet. She keeps things moving while still keeping things light and easy in the room. Keep in mind we just learned these 10 songs only days ago and now we are to have them memorized and layering on steps. Each day more and more is layered and more and more I sink into myself. I come home and don't want to do a thing but eat junk food...pizza...cookies...ice cream. 

Mission: bake cookies when I get home. It was the third night of the evening shift and our last day of staging for our first show. I WAS making cookies. But there was no pillsbury cookie dough to be found. Asking for cookie dough itself was quite out of the norm. But I found some. It looked quite different and came with parchment paper. We don't use that in the states for cookies? Do we? It was strange. But away I went and baked them. Yuck. First McDonalds and now these cookies. I just wanted home. They weren't bad per say but you know when you are in the mood for something? Yea, well it wasn't that. The rest of the cast enjoyed them. Biscuits the Brits call them. Biscuits? Like the things you get at KFC? Yea, these aren't those and they aren't quite cookies either. O well. Next try is ice cream and I did see some Ben and Jerry's! 

I'm beat. and tomorrow we are back to the day shift to learn music for our second show. Things are moving quickly. I hope I have enough space in my brain for all this info. I might have to forget some people's names to make room. Hope you make the list. 

Well unsatisfied, I must go to bed. 

~Michael-Anthony 

P.S. England is not America. 

London's nice

As I mentioned before my rehearsals are taking place about an hour north of London in Northampton. Well "Hello," if i'm only an hour away from London you bet your butt I'm going there. The last time I was in London was May of 2010 before I had even been offered a position on a cruise ship. Unlike now, it didn't rain one day and the weather was beautiful. But it wouldn't be called Foggy London Town if it weren't for its rainy days, so maybe I was just gipped of the experience. Rain or no rain I was on a train to spend my weekend there.

I wasn't just going there to see the city. I saw a lot of it the last time I was here, more importantly my two friends, Marko and Louise from my last cruise contract work and live in London. I was so excited to see them. Since we split ways in June, Marko has been stretching himself from being a dancer to also being a model. He has taken a retail job while he pursues his dream work of performing. He is originally from Slovakia, but moved to England when he was young. He is so sweet, very opinionated like myself and he isn't too bad looking either. We hugged for a good while when we saw each other just in front of the Shakespeare Statue in Leicester Square. It felt like we hadn't even been apart. I complimented his attire and we quickly found shelter as it started to dribble. Dribble? I meant drizzle.  We then got a bite to eat and drink at a near by pub. My spending money had begun and so did our long night.

"I never thought I'd see you again," Marko said. I was shocked by this statement. He continued to say that he hasn't kept in touch with many of the others since we left. I understood what he was saying. While ship life isn't for everyone and it certainly wasn't for Marko, there is no denying that you build strong, long-lasting relationships with the people you work with on board, especially amongst the cast. You aren't going to connect with everyone, maybe a handful each cast but nonetheless I have made some amazing relationships along the way, not to mention, I've found love as well. So I explained this to Marko and since I am not one to have long lasting drama with people I tend to keep and see the friends I make. I was so happy to see Marko.

The rest of the night he took me to bar to bar to bar. His friend, and fellow Royal Caribbean colleague, Charlie joined us and we partied the night away. Now, being from New York you'd think I'd have an idea of what a night on the town looks like. And while New York city doesn't sleep and it has it's popping joints, I was shocked by the party scene in London. The streets where packed of people and inside the clubs they were dropping balloons and confetti. "They do this every week?" I asked.  It felt like I was at a special event or something! We danced, we drank...we laughed...we sweated...we danced some more...and our 6am cab ride was waiting for us.

Charlie had offered us to stay at his place in Stratford. He was so lovely. I didn't really get to know him when he was rehearsing in Hollywood with us, but we had a great time. As we drove in the cab we looked through the pictures and videos we had took throughout the night. O geeze! I looked out the window and the buildings and structures looked so familiar. "This is where there olympics were," inserted Charlie. I knew I'd seen it somewhere. To think they were only just last summer is strange to me. I was happy to be seeing it. I had intentions on going. A year later isn't too bad.

The next morning, I said goodbye to Charlie as he headed to work and to Marko as he headed home to rest on his day off from work. I went to meet Louise. I had some time to spare before I did, so I dropped into McDonalds to get out of the rain and use some wifi. Louise has been teaching young kids theater and dancing since her time off the Vision of the Seas. She too is looking for her big break on the West End. Her voice is stellar. I don't say that word much, cause I don't like it but there is no other word to describe it. She took me to eat at this nice place called Maxwells in Covent Garden. It was good time. We laughed quite a bit. It's nice to see people on land in their own element. They are kind of different people than when they are on the ship. With her and Marko I would pinch myself thinking that I was with THEM in England.

Louise and I were going to go to the Cinema (that's what they call it here) but once we saw the price 14.50 pounds which is about equivalent to 21.00 dollars, we quickly changed our minds and decided to watch Downton Abbey at her place instead. Once we were on the tube (which is the subway here) we realized how tired we were and that we made the right choice. Louise was the cutest hostess. She made me a little bed on the floor made of cushions and blankets because she doesn't have a couch, nor a living room for that matter. We sat on her bed and watched our fave, Downton Abbey and I drank some hot chocolate she made me. Bed immediately followed.

My weekend was everything I wanted and more. Im riding the train back to Northampton and I'm at such peace. I also can't wait to go back. To know you have people in your life is one thing. To know you have people in your life in different parts of the world is a whole other level.

I have rehearsal later on as we start blocking our first show. The fun is over. Back to work I go. Hope I remember my words.

~Michael-Anthony

P.S. YUCK! McDonalds is awful in the UK. Never going back.

Bashed Out

It's definitely autumn in here in Northampton, England. The air is cool, the leaves decorate the streets and the smell of the air is nice and crisp. I still can't believe I'm here in this particular town. While in New York I had the great opportunity to see the new Broadway hit musical, Kinky Boots; twice actually. It was based off the movie and the story takes place right here in Northampton. It's just really cool and I'm dorking out. Along with the autumn weather and the normal London weather comes rain. I knew I should have packed my rain boots or "wellies" as they call them here. Not only did I lose out on my boots, but I completely forgot to pack scarves and it's getting quite cold here. What was I thinking!? And I love scarves!

Time to go shopping! I just got paid and well as I realized...I need some articles of clothing. It's only been two days of rehearsals and I'm ready for a break. We basically learned the music to one whole show in that time and it's called "note bashing" if that gives you any insight to how the days progressed.  Note by note is bashed out on the piano as we drill it into our heads and into your recording devices. I'm not one to pick up harmonies too easily so this is the most stressful part of the rehearsal process for me...and it requires a lot of work and dedication.  I hope I build up my stamina because so far I'm beat. My brain is fried.

With the weekend here, we have just a few hours of private rehearsal between us and freedom. Freedom to me means a trip to London to see the sights, my friends and let loose. Along with hard work comes the need to have fun. It actually supports the work in a way that is healthy, supportive and creates a complete product. So I'll make this short as I have to continue with my work and then follow it up with some relaxing time. I'm currently catching up on my television shows. Anyone watching Scandal? American Horror Story? Walking Dead? Well they're gooood!

Tootles.

~Michael-Anthony

P.S.  I have to memorize 9 songs by Monday. EEK!

A Quite Fitting Day

Remember how I said I look the wrong way when crossing the road? Well it happened again. Found myself running across the street to dodge a car coming in the opposite direction. I was with my new cast mate, Chris, who couldn't help but chuckle at me as he ran with me. We were just finishing picking up some lunch squeezed into our long day of wardrobe fitting. I came up with that..."wardrobe." They called it a costume fitting, but costumes are actually meant to be worn when you are portraying a character and we aren't doing that. We are portraying ourselves. Besides these clothes are nice modern suits and don't resemble anything costume-y and hence the word "wardrobe." Well what ever it is called it was a long day. A lot of standing, a lot of changing but along with laughter and meeting people  in the production company as well in other casts.

The street looked a lot different in the morning than it did last night when I arrived. Maybe it was because I was half asleep. I do love the charm of England, or Europe in general. I can't quite explain it but it feels different walking around here than in NewYork or any another American city. The air was brisk as I waited for the car to pick me up. We won't always have someone to pick us up. I think because it was my first day and I was going there alone, they'd do me the courtesy. But besides today getting to the studio, which looks more like a doctor's office on the outside rather than a production studio, will be our responsibility. Which is perfectly alright because Chris has a car. Lovely!

Besides the costume...eh em...wardrobe fitting....the day was later filled with hanging around as Chris and I met Laura and waited for Rachel and Michelle who had went to London for the day. They are the  female singers and they had off for the day. Don't worry Chris and I, have off tomorrow. Once the girls returned we out for a wonderful Italian dinner for Rachel's 31st Birthday. I guess this would be the time to tell you that I'm the youngest in the cast. The ages range from 25 - 45. WOW! I feel quite young. And for some reason...even though I'm the leadership type by far, in large groups I tend to act or behave like a younger brother. I think it's because I'm the oldest in my family and so I never really go to experience that feeling of being a younger sibling. So now...I'm REALLY feeling it.

The dinner was just great. It was the first time all the singers got to sit down and talk. Rachel is from England but now lives in Germany. Laura is from Australia but has resided in London for 2 years. Chris is from England and lives in the Manchester area and Michelle is from the States...Minnesota I believe. People live such interesting lives. And you never know where yours is going to take you. The fact that we were all sitting around a table together...we would have probably never have guessed. Just like we never were able to guess where our waiter was from. We couldn't pin point his accent. We all had a go at a guess....Czech, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Ukraine....but it was right under our noses. He was from Poland.  I mean I'd have no idea...but when you live in a country close to some many others I'm sure that accents are something you come by often. I mean New York has them all now doesn't she?

In one way or another this is a new experience for all of us. Chris has worked for Belinda King Productions before but not on this ship. Rachel the same. Michelle has worked for this Cruise line before but not for Belinda King. I am completely new to the cruise line and the production company but I have experience on ships. Laura has never done a cruise line, nor anything with this company. So as we head into new territory we have agreed to hold everyones hand. It's exciting. We are all a bit antsy though as we would like to get to rehearsing. Supposedly things move mighty quickly here.

Here goes nothing!

~Michael-Anthony

P.S. I look snazzy in my wardrobe.

A Love Affair

I love New York.  New York City that is. Ever since my 12 year old self looked up at those looming skyscrapers right outside Grand Central Station on that damp, fall day...I've had an infinite love and connection to the place we call the Big Apple.

At the age of 18, I moved to New York to attend college and really haven't left since... I have lived there for 7 years now and even though I'm not a true New Yorker (they say it takes 10 years) I am sure I can say I'm it's #1 Fan, right below my Grandmother. Don't even begin to ask why I'm obsessed with it so much. I'm sure my reasons will surface at some point, but to rattle them all off would be forced and besides...I'm quite lazy.

I love New York but..I've always had an unresting urge to travel the world. Luckily I have been traveling the world since I've been 16 and haven't stopped...thanks to education, personal vacations and my career paths. When I was a Junior in High School I had the opportunity to do an exchange program where Students from France came to the U.S. and in exchange we went to Paris. I would say we got the sweeter end of the deal. Since then I have been back to Paris and it was still as charming as ever. I even can consider living there for a extended period of time. I know, I know...it's cheating on New York, but I would eventually return to my great city and besides Paris is like New York but quainter and cleaner. It also has miniature version of the Statue of Liberty. Did you know that? Yea so it even has a little bit of New York in it! =) See I'm rambling. Anyway Paris...it opened the flood gates of my desire to see the world and to check off my check list of places to see. (i.e. Walk the Great Wall of China, Go to Australia, Visit every Disney Park in the World, see the Northern Lights etc.)

In college I was introduced to the wonderful program of Semester at Sea from my best friend of 13 years Erika Morrissette. I was able to visit 9 different countries in the matter of two months, all the while taking classes, writing papers and creating lifelong friendships. You can read about my adventures, including my visit to the Pyramids and a troubled incident that happened to me in Turkey on my blog Sitting on the Dock of the Bay.  And even despite that unfortunate event I still wanted to keep traveling and get laid?...layed?....laded? in Hawaii, see the beauty of Alaska and snorkel in the Coral Reef.

Note: These are all things I HAVEN'T done!...................................yet.

After graduating I was granted the privilege to travel across the pond to England where I could showcase my work to a London network. It was my first time in foggy town and it was everything but. I love New York but...London is so cute. I can't help it. Yes so I look the wrong way when I'm crossing the street but who cares! What about the gorgeous river that flows within the city?...or the majestic Buckingham Palace?...or that huge Ferris Wheel? I've never been on it but it looks fun. See...New York doesn't have any amusement park rides...o wait... yes it does. It has a Merry-Go-Round in Dumbo, Brooklyn and in Central Park...oh yea they have a whole amusement park there. Not to mention Coney Island. BAM! gotch ya!

When I returned to New York from London...I was left with a voice message offering me a singing position on board a Cruiseline. Well HELLO! I took the job and within days I was shipped off to South Florida for rehearsals. Well I had never been to Miami before and now I say Miami with a "No Big Deal" kinda of attitude, but it's MIAMI! With this cruise position, in the past few years, I have been able to travel to places like, but not limited to, the Bahamas, Mexico, Aruba, Amsterdam, Russia, Belgium, Norway, Colombia, Ireland and Haiti. None of the cities in these countries compared to New York, but I could have a wonderful getaway in Belgium once a year. It was just lovely.

In between the two cruise contracts I had, I was able to see more of my own country. I toured the U.S. in a children's show called Nate the Great. You can read about that troubled and demanding journey on my blog VAN-ity Fair. With the show, I was able to see American cities I'd never seen before like Chicago, Minneapolis, and Appleton. Oh you don't know Appleton? Never heard of it? It's in Wisconsin. There's nothing there. Chicago won me over though. The subway system was above ground for one, which helped with the claustrophobic feeling you get in New York. The Pier is just a gorgeous, jolly good time...the Pizza is to die for...there's a free zoo and can we mention The Oprah Show resided there. These are contenders that can convince me to live here as well. The theater scene, the night life and can we talk about Lake Michigan? But still I love New York...

I love it but not enough to stay. As I write this I have begun another journey. My first and second cruise contract was with Royal Caribbean. But due to competition I am now working for Belinda King Productions onboard Holland America. Well rehearsals are in London. That's right! I'm back!! Going to these places once, let alone twice and for a longer time... its what feeling blessed feels like. I'm blessed. I flew into London tonight. It's late and I'm quite tired trying to fight the jet lag. I'm nervous. Tomorrow I start a new part of my young life. I meet new people, experience and learn new things. But that's what we should all be doing. We should be pushing ourselves outside of our comfort zones...even if it isn't the easiest or most fun thing to do...something good WILL come it. Whether it be personal growth, new friendships or maybe even a difficult lesson...something of worth will come from going outside your comfort zone. So here I am...like a fish out of water...I have left New York. I am in London for the next  month or so and then I'm off to explore the world again.

My last two contracts I didn't keep a blog because for some odd reason I didn't think they would hold much interest in myself or readers. I couldn't have been more wrong. Each contract was full of richness. Actually...I think everyday is full of something deep and worth writing about. I made a mistake. Since I can't fix it or recreate the moments I had...let's live some more moments and write about those. So come with me on this new leg. I'm going to some amazing places and you don't want to miss out if they make me second guess my true love.


~ Michael-Anthony


P.S. I like JFK better than Heathrow. (1 point for New York)